As spring approaches, people with allergies can have difficulties due to high pollen content in the air. N-acetylcisteine (NAC) is an amino acid and antioxidant that is widely recognized as a natural allergy remedy. NAC is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine and a natural allergy relief medicine. 

Aside from allergy relief, NAC has many other medicinal uses. For example; it can be used to counteract acetaminophen (Tylenol) and carbon monoxide poisoning, chest pain (unstable angina), bile duct blockage in infants, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s disease, reactions to the anti-seizure drug phenytoin (Dilantin). It is also used to reduce homocysteine levels, risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with serious kidney disease, certain eye infections and a type of cholesterol called lipoprotein(a). 

The high antioxidant activity of NAC also offers preventive protection against alcoholic liver damage and environmental pollutants including herbicides and for reducing toxicity of certain drugs used for cancer treatment; as a hangover remedy; for preventing kidney damage due to certain X-ray dyes; and for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and for detoxifying heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Dr. Nathan S. Conlee is a Chiropractic Physician and executive director of the WinterHaven Health Center, located at 3020 N Country Club Rd. Call 520-322-6161, email [email protected] or visit PerformanceNeurology.com. See ad page 9.