Can NAC hurt your gut health? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #325
Oct 9, 2023
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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.
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.
Balance in Biofilm Disruption
While NAC can disrupt biofilms, it is important to recognize that not all biofilms are harmful. In fact, some biofilms in our bodies, like those in the GI tract, are essential for maintaining a healthy microbiota. Excessively disrupting biofilms through long-term NAC use may have unintended consequences, potentially affecting the overall balance of the microbiome.
Dose and Impact on Mucus
Different doses of NAC have varying effects on mucus thickness and viscoelasticity. Lower doses, within the range of 600-2400 mg per day for 5-10 days, can help thin mucus and disrupt biofilms temporarily, making it easier for certain antibiotics to reach their targets. However, higher doses, especially in unusually oxidative environments, can lead to the depletion of mucus proteins and the thinning of mucus layers, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Human Studies and GI Side Effects
Human studies have shown that high doses of NAC, up to 10 grams per day for 24 weeks, did not result in a significant incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. However, the evidence is still limited, and the long-term effects of high-dose NAC on the microbiome remain unclear. It is advisable to use NAC at lower doses and for shorter durations, unless there is a specific and targeted need for higher doses.
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.
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