Question: Can NAC Hurt Gut Health When Used to Disrupt Biofilms?
This is a question asked live during the May 13, 2023 AMA.
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.
If you want to become a Masterpass member so you can participate in the next live Q&A, or so you can have access to the complete recording and transcript of each Q&A session, you can save 10% off the subscription price for as long as you remain a member by using this link to sign up. Learn more about the Masterpass here.
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:
Ask Me Anything | May 13, 2023 AMA
Questions on NAC, biofilms, vitamin C and brain fog, energy metabolism driving autoimmune disorders, milk, methylene blue, and more.
Why Would Vitamin C cause muscle pain, joint pain, and brain fog?
How do we find the root cause of an autoimmune condition? One example considered.
GLA to lower hydroxyhaemopyrrolin-2-one?
When would I use the StrateGene and Genova Methylation Panel for nutritional testing?
Energy metabolism as a root cause of gut issues?
Nutrition for skin healing?
Nutrition for hypnic jerks?
Suggestions for snoring or sleep apnea?
Nutrition to protect against restaurant meals?
What is the cause of crusty eyes in the morning?
What causes brain fog?
How much oxalate should one eat each day?
Should I be concerned about low alkaline phosphatase?
What nutrients give tall children to short parents?
Energy metabolism impairment mimicking Wilson's disease.
Can taking digestive enzymes reduce our own production?
Rapid-fire response to non-winners from the question contest.
Disclaimer
I am not a medical doctor and this is not medical advice. My goal is to empower you with information. Please make all health decisions yourself, consulting sources you trust, including a caring health care professional.
Please Show This Post Some Love
Let me know what you think in the comments! And please like the post if you found it valuable, and share the post with others if you believe they too would find it valuable.
Join the Next Live Q&A
Have a question for me? Ask it at the next Q&A! Learn more here.
Subscribe
Subscribe or upgrade your subscription here:
Join the Masterpass
Masterpass members get access to premium content (preview the premium posts here), all my ebook guides for free (see the collection of ebook guides here), monthly live Q&A sessions (see when the next session is here), all my courses for free (see the collection here), and exclusive access to massive discounts (see the specific discounts available by clicking here). Upgrade your subscription to include Masterpass membership with this button:
Take a Look at the Store
At no extra cost to you, please consider buying products from one of my popular affiliates using these links: Paleovalley, Magic Spoon breakfast cereal, LMNT, Seeking Health, Ancestral Supplements. Find more affiliates here.
For $2.99, you can purchase The Vitamins and Minerals 101 Cliff Notes, a bullet point summary of all the most important things I’ve learned in over 15 years of studying nutrition science.
For $10, you can purchase The Food and Supplement Guide for the Coronavirus, my protocol for prevention and for what to do if you get sick.
For $10, you can purchase the Healing From COVID Vaccine Side Effects guide.
For $15, you can pre-order a single format of my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book, my complete guide to nutrition, which I am currently working full-time on finishing.
For $25, you can pre-order a digital bundle of my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book.
For $29.99, you can purchase a copy of my ebook, Testing Nutritional Status: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet, my complete system for managing your nutritional status using dietary analysis, a survey of just under 200 signs and symptoms, and a comprehensive guide to proper interpretation of labwork.
For $35, you can pre-order a complete bundle of my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book.
For $250-$1499.99, you can work one-on-one with me.
Can NAC hurt your gut health?