Mastering Nutrition
Can NAC hurt your gut health? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #325
Oct 9, 2023
This podcast discusses the use of NAC as a biofilm disruptor in gut protocols and examines the potential risks of long-term NAC use on the gut's mucous layer. It explores the different compartments of bacteria in the gut microbiota and emphasizes the importance of preserving the biofilm as a protective layer. The formation of biofilms in bacteria is explored, highlighting their reliance on disulfide bonds and the beneficial aspects of biofilms. The potential effects of NAC on gut health, including its ability to disrupt biofilms and reduce mucus thickness, are discussed. Several studies are examined regarding the effects of NAC on gastrointestinal side effects, cautioning against long-term use of high doses without specific reasons. The recommended dosage of NAC and its effects on biofilm are also discussed.
41:20
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Quick takeaways
- NAC can disrupt biofilms and thin mucus, but excessive doses may harm the gastrointestinal tract.
- Long-term and high-dose use of NAC may disrupt the balance of the microbiome and have unintended consequences.
Deep dives
NAC and Biofilm Disruption
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is known to disrupt biofilms, which are protective structures for bacterial colonies. Biofilms are made up of complex sugar-based structures and glycoproteins that shield bacteria from various threats. NAC, as a precursor to glutathione, has a thiol group that can break disulfide bonds in mucus proteins, making them more fluid. However, excessive NAC dosage or highly oxidative environments may lead to the depletion of mucus proteins and potential harm to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
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