I wanted to write about two little-known supplements that are great for lung health and the immune system- the amino acid NAC, and the antioxidant glutathione.
NAC
NAC is the abbreviated name for the amino acid n-acetyl-cystine. It’s a supplement with many benefits, but it’s especially helpful for lung health, particularly chronic lung issues. One of the ways NAC is helpful for lungs is by its ability to thin viscous lung and bronchial secretions, making breathing easier and improving lung function. It’s even been shown to help with increasing oxygen saturation in the blood in people with lung issues.
NAC is better when taken regularly for chronic lung issues like COPD (an inflammatory lung disease that damages the lungs and makes breathing difficult) and is shown in research to reduce disease flare-ups and also to make hospitalizations less likely. The benefits for chronic lung issues are due to both NAC's ability to thin lung secretions and mucus, but also in its ability to help reduce lung inflammation.
Regular use of NAC has also been shown to be beneficial for people with chronic bronchitis, reducing the severity and recurrence of attacks.
In addition to being fantastic for lung health, NAC is also great for the liver- it's even been used historically as a treatment for acetaminophen overdose. It's a potent antioxidant and is helpful for detoxing the body and would be a good supplement for anyone with lung issues to add to their daily regimen.
GLUTATHIONE
The other standout supplement I wanted to mention that I believe deserves more recognition is glutathione. Glutathione is produced in the body from a group of amino acids and is often referred to as the “master antioxidant” since it’s used by every cell in the body and can even help to recycle certain other antioxidant vitamins like vitamins C and E. It’s also very helpful for immune health since it can work to strengthen our immune responses to invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Even though glutathione can be made in the body, that ability is greatly reduced as we age, among other factors. Unfortunately, standard glutathione supplements have been shown in research to not be utilized very well in the body since they breaks down so quickly in the digestive tract. Up until recently that was still the best method to try to boost glutathione, but now, new lipomicellar technology has solved the absorption problem by creating a liquid micellar matrix with mirodroplets of glutathione, which makes it more stable in the digestive tract and also significantly increase absorption.
That’s all well and good, but the reason I wanted to specifically write about this new lipomicellar glutathione is because of new research showing that it’s able to enhance the immune system by boosting production and activity of key white blood cells like lymphocytes and natural killer cells to significantly improve immune functioning. In one study, people taking 500mg of a liposomal form of glutathione quadrupled their natural killer cell activity in only two weeks. Natural killer cells, or NK cells, are on the “front lines” of our immune response, they are the white blood cells that detect, target, and kill invading viruses. NK cells are also involved in the early responses against cancer and tumors, so enhancing our natural killer cells and their production is a fantastic way to care for our immune system and stay healthy. Interestingly, during the height of Covid, we had several physicians who had sent patients into our store to get glutathione to use in a nebulizer to help improve lung function and oxygen saturation. I wouldn’t suggest using glutathione in that manner without a doctor’s recommendation, but I am glad that more physicians are finding natural approaches to keep their patients healthy.
Additionally, higher levels of glutathione in the body have also been linked to improved brain function and a reduction in inflammation throughout the body, as well as a reduction in oxidative stress.
Stop by the store for more information. We have a great selection of natural immune products to help you stay healthy! We’re at 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights.
