Thursday, 18 September 2025

The REAL Reasons To Use N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

10 Key Facts About N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Mental Health: Research & Findings

If you’re looking for scientifically-backed insights into how N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) can benefit your mental health, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone seeking evidence-based strategies, this video explores NAC, a powerful antioxidant, and its role in improving mental health. Learn how NAC can help with depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. 10 Key Facts from Research About N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Mental Health 1. Powerful Antioxidant: NAC replenishes glutathione, helping combat oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress has been linked to many mental health disorders, and NAC’s antioxidant properties make it a promising therapeutic tool. (Deepmala et al., 2018) 2. Depression Relief: Research shows NAC can reduce symptoms of depression, particularly when combined with other treatments. It may act as an adjunct to standard antidepressant medications, providing relief for those who haven’t responded to traditional therapies. (Zheng et al., 2018). 3. OCD Symptom Reduction: Both adults and adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have shown improvements in symptom severity when using NAC, making it an exciting option for those struggling with this condition. (Afshar et al., 2021). 4. Cravings & Withdrawal: NAC supplementation has shown promise in treating cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders. This makes NAC an important adjunct in addiction recovery programs. (McClure et al., 2018). 5. Schizophrenia Benefits: NAC supplementation has been found to improve symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in addressing negative symptoms (such as lack of motivation) and cognitive deficits that are often resistant to conventional antipsychotic treatment. (Yolland et al., 2019). 6. Bipolar Disorder: Studies indicate that NAC can be effective as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder, improving depressive symptoms and overall mood stability. (Berk et al., 2019). 7. Anxiety Reduction: High oxidative stress is often linked with anxiety disorders, and NAC’s antioxidant action can reduce anxiety levels, particularly in individuals with high stress or anxiety disorders. (Dean et al., 2018). 8. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD have been found to benefit from NAC supplementation, with improvements in irritability and better social interactions. (Hardan et al., 2020). 9. Cognitive Enhancement: NAC shows potential as a cognitive enhancer, improving memory and executive function. This can be beneficial for people looking to boost mental clarity and cognitive performance. (Zhang et al., 2019). 10.Safety Profile: NAC is generally well-tolerated, even with long-term use, making it a safe option for most individuals seeking mental health support. (Samuni et al., 2021). References: Deepmala et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine for oxidative stress in neuropsychiatric disorders, Psychiatry Research, 269, 682-687. Zheng et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine for major mental disorders, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 137(5), 391-400. Afshar et al., 2021 - N-acetylcysteine for treatment-resistant OCD, Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 41(2), 169-175. McClure et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine in substance use disorders, CNS Drugs, 32(4), 301-313. Yolland et al., 2019 - N-acetylcysteine for schizophrenia symptoms, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(4), 18r12474. Berk et al., 2019 - N-acetylcysteine for bipolar depression, Journal of Affective Disorders, 249, 205-213. Dean et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine for treatment-resistant anxiety, Journal of Affective Disorders, 240, 157-164. Hardan et al., 2020 - N-acetylcysteine in children with autism, Biological Psychiatry, 71(11), 956-961. Zhang et al., 2019 - N-acetylcysteine for cognitive enhancement, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 176. Samuni et al., 2021 - N-acetylcysteine safety and tolerability in psychiatric disorders, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 82(1), 20r13688.

The REAL Reasons To Use N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)



Dr. A dives into why NAC, N Acetyl Cysteine, is so useful for health and chronic illness (Glutathione and more..) This video is NOT sponsored. Let me know your questions! I will try to incorporate them into future videos. Follow for more integrative health information. ___________________________ Connect with Dr. Anderson! DrA YouTube Channel:    / @dra-online   DrA Instagram:   / draonline   Continuing Education for Professionals: consultdranderson.com Dr A Links: https://linktr.ee/DrAonline Dr A Website: https://dranow.com/ ____________________________ CHAPTERS 00:00 N Acetyle Cysteine 0:20 What is NAC? 01:32 Why is N-Acetyl Cysteine Important (Glutathione connection) 02:35 The antioxidant triplet (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glutathione) 03:20 How is NAC useful 03:50 NAC Ventilation, Mucomyst 04:40 NAC Vs Glutathione Supplements 05:20 Genetic inability to form glutathione (Nutrigenomic Testing) 05:50 Where Mast Cell Activation Disorder and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity play a role 07:00 Sulfer smell from NAC 07:40 General dosing ranges 08:15 Quick recap ____________________________ #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #doctorsofinstagram #doctor ____________________________ INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE REFERRAL LINKS (Use these to find providers.) [For your reference only – no referral or implication of professional superiority is claimed or intended.] NAEM (Environmental Medicine) Providers: (https://envmedicine.com/find-a-provider/) US Naturopathic Physicians: (https://naturopathic.org/search/custo)... Canadian Naturopathic Physicians: (https://www.cand.ca/findmynd/) Digestive Specialists: (https://www.gastroanp.org/directory) Mold and Environmental Illness Referrals: (https://drcrista.com/doctor-finder/) Mental Health focus: https://www.psychanp.org/member-direc... Cancer focus: https://www.oncanp.org/find-an-nd#!di... New Hampshire Naturopathic Physicians [NHAND.org](http://nhand.org/) A4M Integrative referral: (https://www.a4m.com/find-a-doctor.htm... https://bit.ly/dra-continuingeducation

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The AMAZING Health Benefits of NAC ( N-Acetyl Cysteine)

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NAC: The Overlooked Supplement Changing Psychiatry?



This video covers the potential role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in managing psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, depression, OCD, and addiction. Research suggests NAC may help by targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamate dysfunction, all of which are implicated in mental health disorders.

-From CHATGPT---

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement and medication form of the amino acid cysteine. It has several well-studied benefits because it helps the body make glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants in our cells.

Here are the main benefits of taking NAC:

1. Powerful Antioxidant Support

  • NAC replenishes glutathione, which protects cells from oxidative stress and damage.

  • This may support liver health, brain health, and overall cellular protection.

2. Liver Protection & Detoxification

  • Clinically, NAC is the standard treatment for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, because it restores glutathione in the liver and prevents severe liver damage.

  • May also support detoxification from alcohol and environmental toxins.

3. Respiratory Health

  • NAC acts as a mucolytic, thinning mucus in the lungs and airways.

  • Used in chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and even as supportive care in respiratory infections.

4. Mental Health Support

  • Some studies suggest NAC may help with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD, likely due to its effects on glutamate regulation and oxidative stress.

5. Immune & Inflammatory Support

  • Helps regulate inflammation and oxidative damage, which may benefit conditions linked to chronic inflammation.

6. Potential Fertility Benefits

  • In men: may improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress.

  • In women: sometimes used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to support ovulation.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

  • Generally safe at moderate doses (600–1,200 mg/day), but higher doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

  • Should be used cautiously in people with asthma (can sometimes worsen bronchospasm).

  • Always check with a doctor before starting NAC, especially if taking other medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, blood thinners, or chemotherapy drugs).

  • Got it 👍 Let’s separate N-acetylcysteine (NAC) into two categories:

    ✅ Evidence-Based Uses (Well-Supported by Clinical Research)

    1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Overdose

    • Strongest evidence. NAC is the standard hospital treatment to prevent or reverse liver damage by restoring glutathione.

    2. Respiratory Conditions (Mucus-Thinning Effect)

    • COPD & chronic bronchitis: Improves symptoms, reduces exacerbations.

    • Cystic fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia: Helps thin and clear mucus.

    • Works as a mucolytic, making secretions less sticky.

    3. Liver Health

    • Protects against drug- or toxin-induced liver injury (beyond acetaminophen).

    • May benefit fatty liver disease by lowering oxidative stress.

    ⚖️ Emerging / Experimental Uses (Promising, but More Research Needed)

    4. Mental Health & Neurological Disorders

    • Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and addiction (cocaine, cannabis): Some studies show symptom improvement.

    • Likely works by balancing glutamate signaling and reducing oxidative stress.

    5. Immune & Inflammatory Support

    • May help regulate chronic inflammation.

    • Studied in conditions like autoimmune disease, COVID-19, and sepsis (with mixed results).

    6. Fertility

    • Men: Improves sperm motility and quality by reducing oxidative stress.

    • Women with PCOS: May promote ovulation and improve fertility outcomes.

    7. Metabolic & Cardiovascular Support

    • May improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and reduce oxidative damage to blood vessels.

    ⚠️ Safety & Practical Use

    • Common dosage: 600–1,200 mg/day (divided).

    • Side effects: GI upset (nausea, diarrhea), rare allergic reactions.

    • Interactions: May interact with nitroglycerin, activated charcoal, and certain chemotherapy drugs.

    👉 So in short:

    • Proven: acetaminophen overdose, lung mucus clearance, liver protection.

    • Promising but not fully proven: mood disorders, fertility, metabolic health, immune support.

    Would you like me to put this into a simple chart (condition → strength of evidence → typical dose used in studies) so you can see it at a glance?



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