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.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Bacterial Compartments in the Gut Microbiota

02:55 • 9min

Strategies and Significance of Biofilm Formation in Bacteria

11:32 • 3min

Effects of NAC on Gut Health: Biofilms and Mucus

14:10 • 6min

NAC and its Effects on Gastrointestinal Side Effects

20:09 • 19min

39:32 • 2min

Question: Can NAC hurt your gut health? Short Answer: N-acetylcysteine or NAC can be used at a dose of 600 to 2,400 milligrams per day for 5-10 days to disrupt biofilms and make it easier for antimicrobials to kill bacteria. Animal studies suggest that acute doses up to 6 grams do not deplete mucus or cause ulceration, but that an acute dose of 17.5 grams can deplete mucus and cause ulcers within two hours. Human studies suggest that 10 grams per day can be used for 24 weeks with fewer than 1 in 6 people complaining of gastrointestinal side effects. Yet, chronic use of NAC will thin the mucus, disrupt the biofilms used by normal healthy microbiota, and possibly deliver excessive sulfur to certain components of the microbiome. Therefore, I would not use it except for specific, targeted reasons, and I would not use it at a dose higher than needed or for a duration longer than needed.

This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access two other free samples using this link:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-nac-biofilms-vitamin

In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answer to this question:

Why Would Vitamin C cause muscle pain, joint pain, and brain fog?
How to Find the Root Cause of Autoimmunity?

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This snippet is from the May 13, 2023 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what’s included:

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Here’s a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-may Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.