NAC Is a Safe, Natural Flu Symptom Soother

Fear of flu is even more potent than usual this season thanks to H1N1… so it’s definitely not too soon to get the knack, or NAC, for fighting it. NAC stands for N-acetyl cysteine, a nutritional supplement that is natural and inexpensive, appears to be safe for most people and is a way to prevent and treat the symptoms of seasonal flu viruses.

To learn more about NAC and how it works against seasonal flu and other less easily anticipated outbreaks such as this year’s H1N1 virus, I spoke to one of the naturopathic physicians I trust most, Mark A. Stengler, ND, regular contributor to Daily Health News. He told me that NAC is a natural derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione that acts as a free radical scavenger to rid the body of inflammation provokers. NAC is well-known for both its anti-inflammatory qualities and its immune-boosting power, making it particularly helpful in thinning the mucus that collects in the respiratory system in response to colds and viruses. In fact, in conventional medicine NAC has long been used to treat respiratory conditions where mucus thinning is required, such as chronic bronchitis (especially in smokers or those with emphysema), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.

THREE-QUARTERS OF NAC-TAKERS HAD FLU… BUT NO SYMPTOMS

The flu-fighting ability of NAC was clearly demonstrated in an Italian study that found that people who took daily doses of NAC developed few if any flu symptoms, even though blood tests confirmed influenza infection. In the 1997 study, conducted at the Institute of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at the University of Genoa, participants were given either two 600 mg NAC tablets or placebo versions daily, for six months throughout the winter flu season. Blood tests of both groups showed similar presence of influenza A Singapore/6/86 H1N1, indicating that NAC did not prevent infection… however, the majority of those taking the supplement did not develop symptoms. In fact, just 25% of those taking NAC actually developed flu symptoms, compared with 79% of the placebo group. The researchers concluded that NAC treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the frequency, severity and length of flu-like episodes. Dr. Stengler told me he believes NAC can be very effective against H1N1 and other strains of seasonal flu in this upcoming flu season.

TAKE NAC TO FIGHT FLU

It’s important to emphasize that NAC does not prevent flu. Rather, it can reduce the likelihood of the emergence of flu symptoms, and that’s what really matters. There is an added benefit — getting infected without getting sick means you may develop some immunity to future strains. NAC is prescribed as a daily supplement at 1,200 mg per day (600 mg twice a day) and is safe for most people to take year-round. Dr. Stengler told me that when his patients get exposed to flu or experience early symptoms, he typically increases the dose to 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily for two to three days. “I usually advise people fighting a full-fledged cold or flu to maintain this higher dose until symptoms are completely gone,” he said. Your own doctor may advise a different dose, however, so check with him/her before taking NAC.