NAC is one of the amino acids that make up the tri-peptide (3 amino acids) glutathione, which is the body's foremost detoxification antioxidant, and which is able to make in the liver. A doctor I saw at one time used to work in the ER, and he told me that if somebody came in with some kind of toxic exposure of any kind, the first thing they would do was give them high amounts of NAC.
The reason being is that people normally have adequate amounts of the other 2 amino acids that make up glutathione (glutamic acid and glycine) in the body at all times, and the limiting amino acid in making adequate amounts of glutathione is virtually always cysteine, or NAC. (According to my understanding, NAC is an acetyl form of cysteine.) I would say the benefits you're getting is likely due to to you increasing your glutathione levels. You could always try nebulizing glutathione, and see if your benefits are even more pronounced. -- From
this article:
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in the body. It is made of three types of molecules known as amino acids.
Amino acids combine in different patterns to make all of the proteins in the body.
One unique thing about glutathione is that the body is able to make it in the liver, which is not true of most antioxidants.
Glutathione has many important functions, including:
- making DNA, the building blocks of proteins and cells
- supporting immune function
- forming sperm cells
- breaking down some free radicals
- helping certain enzymes function
- regenerating vitamins C and E
- transporting mercury out of the brain
- helping the liver and gallbladder deal with fats
- assisting regular cell death (a process known as apoptosis)
Researchers have found links between low levels of glutathione and some diseases. It is possible to increase glutathione levels through oral or intravenous (IV) supplementation.
Another option is to take supplements that activate the natural glutathione production in the body. These supplements include:
- milk thistle
- N-acetyl cysteine
- superoxide dismutase
Reducing toxin exposure and increasing intake of healthful foods are also excellent ways to naturally increase glutathione levels.
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