Whether you are fighting a phlegmy cough, postnasal drip or a lung condition like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), excessive phlegm is never pleasant to deal with. Chronic smokers and allergy sufferers are also often plagued with mucus problems.
How can NAC help?
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, mucolytic and immuno-modulating effects. It can break up phlegm in the lungs and airways, as well as reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals to reduce damage to cells or tissues. Your body needs NAC to make and replenish glutathione, one of your body’s most important antioxidants. With research dating back to 1967 confirming its effectiveness, NAC is convenient and safe to use for lung ailments, to dissolve excessive mucus and protect the lungs from further injury. In fact, a meta-analysis published in 2023 found that NAC reduces severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. It was used in late 2020 to help severely sick COVID patients at a time when COVID-19 vaccines weren’t readily available. Furthermore, NAC can also improve liver function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is used routinely for paracetamol poisoning of the liver. According to the UK government, “Intravenous NAC is the antidote to treat paracetamol overdose and is virtually 100% effective in preventing liver damage when given within 8 hours of the overdose.” Research shows that NAC may also have beneficial effects in acute and chronic kidney disease.
Why choose nebulized NAC therapy?
People may take NAC orally for its many benefits, but studies show that the oral bioavailability of NAC is only approximately 8-10%. So, for patients who suffer from excessive phlegm due to chronic cough, exposure to toxins such as smoke/ allergens, liver ailments or pulmonary (lung) disease, Dr. Yik recommends nebulized therapy i.e. inhaling NAC through a nebulizer. Nebulized (i.e. inhaled) NAC therapy is quick and NAC is delivered directly to the lower airways and opens up disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, thereby lowering the viscosity of pulmonary secretions.
Nebulized NAC therapy can benefit a variety of lung conditions and liver ailments by improving mucosal function, reducing inflammation and alleviating oxidative stress. Furthermore, due to its powerful antioxidant effects, it is often used in anti-aging and detoxification protocols. Dr. Yik currently offers nebulized NAC therapy to patients. Click here to book an appointment or click here to learn more.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10390689/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3270338/#:~:text=Conclusions,in%20a%20longer%20follow%20up.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6308940/
https://www.jacionline.org/article/0021-8707(67)90090-1/fulltext
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8211525/#B1
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468024924018503
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 