One of the most underestimated and under-utilized natural food supplements I have recommended to my patients over the past 35 years is an amino acid derivative known as N-A-C (N-Acetyl-Cysteine). Why underestimated? Well, even naturopaths seldom recommend it and most people who take natural food supplements have never even heard of it. What is N-Acetyl-Cysteine? N-A-C is a form of the essential amino acid cysteine, something used by the body to make glutathione (GSH), one of the body’s most important antioxidants. In fact, all the benefits of N-A-C are due to the fact that it boosts the blood levels of GSH. The major impact of N-A-C is on the immune system, liver protection, detoxification, and cardiovascular health. We all badly need its anti-inflammatory protection. How It Works N-A-C modulates the expression of genes that affect the inflammatory process. It inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppresses NF-kappa B and regulates the gene for COX-2 thereby …