Benefits of NAC for PCOS
If you’ve ever looked at the ingredients of S’moo you’ve probably seen the word N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) but what is NAC!?
There is nothing more important to us at S’moo than for you to get the facts you need, to self heal and get your hormones balanced which is why today, we're going to share more about one of our favorite supplements, NAC.
N-Acteyl Cysteine (Also known as NAC) is packed with health benefits. In this article, we'll be going over how N-Acetyl Cysteine may help your PCOS by improving your menstrual cycles, fertility and other PCOS symptoms.
What is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)?
More and more studies are being made surrounding N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and how it benefits our bodies. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a supplement form of cysteine.
What is Cysteine?
Cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid that is found in most high protein foods (chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds and legumes).
It’s an important supplement to replenish the most powerful antioxidants in your body, glutathione. Which is why, if you’ve ever looked at the back of an Ovary Good tub, you’d see it on the supplement list!
NAC has amazing benefits for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), due to its powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. NAC helps produce more glutathione which is one of the most important antioxidants in our bodies!
Why NAC For PCOS?
Studies have shown that women with PCOS have 50% less glutathione and higher chance of oxidative stress and inflammation which is why NAC can be powerful in treating PCOS symptoms.
NAC can yield benefits such as reducing insulin sensitivity, improve fertility, lower androgen levels, and regulate menstrual cycles.
These amazing benefits is why NAC is included in Ovary Good as one of the 7 vitamins, minerals and herbs that are all highly recommended and studied to help with PCOS.
Let's take a look at the following facts and studies surrounding NAC and find out why it is such an important part of the Ovary Good formula.
Studies Show Benefits from N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) for PCOS:
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has been used in several studies, testing how it can benefit women with PCOS.
In fact, in one trial, women were given 600mg of NAC, 3 times a day and it was shown to significantly reduce menstrual irregularities, free testosterone levels and hirsutism which are all common PCOS symptoms.
Other studies with women who were diagnosed with PCOS, have shown that taking NAC helped with the following:
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Pregnancy and ovulation rates increased
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Menstrual Irregularities decreased
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Total and LDL Cholesterol decreased
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Fasting insulin (better blood sugar balance)
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Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased
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Hirsutism decreased (Less hair growth on face, chest, abdomen)
How does NAC work?
Your body needs NAC to make intracellular glutathione, which is your body's antioxidant. These antioxidants detoxify your body, protect your cells and are vital for your liver health.
Benefits of NAC Supplements
NAC has a long list of benefits, and while it's less heard about than the other ingredients in S'moo. It's definitely worth learning about, because it's one powerful supplement! Here's some benefits from N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Supplements:
NAC for Fertility
NAC's ability to support antioxidants means it can help with fertility in both men and women. This is because antioxidants help protect both your eggs and your significant-other's sperm.
For instance, if you’re going through Intrauterine Insemination (the fertility treatment that involves placing sperm into your uterus), NAC can help.
NAC for Female Fertility
Based on a controlled case study of women struggling with unexplained infertility, going through Intrauterine Insemination, they found that women given 1,200 mg NAC had a higher number of follicles and a higher pregnancy rate.
NAC For Male Fertility
Based on a controlled case study of 50 infertile men who were given 600 mg NAC for 3 months, it was shown that the men’s sperm count and motility increased.
NAC for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Numerous studies have shown that NAC can be immensely beneficial in managing the symptoms of PCOS, which can include irregular cycles, weight gain, hair loss on the scalp, hair growth on the face and torso, and infertility. We understand how difficult it can be to live with these symptoms day-to-day, which is why we’re passionate about helping women find relief through this supplements.
A recent trial involving 100 women with PCOS found that NAC was comparable to Metformin in reducing menstrual irregularities, free testosterone, and hirsutism. 600 mg of NAC, taken three times daily was effective in reducing these symptoms, as was 500 mg metformin taken three times daily. These results suggest that NAC may be a viable option for treating PCOS naturally.
NAC for a Healthy Gut
NAC supports a heathy microbiome and a healthy microbiome means healthy hormones! Did you know that your gut microbiome affects nearly every hormone in the body?
The microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbes - bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. There are a few microbiomes like oral, respiratory tract, and gut. NAC has been shown to decrease inflammation in gum tissue. It reduces respiratory symptoms in chronic lung disease (though it doesn’t help people suffering from asthma). It also helps your gut health, when combined with different antibiotics it can eradicate unhealthy levels of bacteria in your gut.
NAC for Healthy Immune Response
Your immune functions may also be enhanced from NAC by increasing Glutathione and modulating inflammation. A study done on women’s immune health going through post-menopause had the following result from 600mg/day of NAC:
“The present finding suggest that a short period of NAC supply (i.e., 2-4 months) at the dose used may lead to prolonged strengthening of immune defense in postmenopausal women, likely by increasing the leukocyte glutathione pool. Thus, NAC could contribute to maintenance of good health and quality of life in postmenopausal women by decreasing the probability of immune system-related diseases, such as infections, in aging.” Source
NAC for Reduced Inflammation
NAC can reduce inflammation and have positive outcomes for those suffering from an autoimmune disease. Many autoimmune diseases (e.g. Hashimoto’s, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.) stem from inflammation in the body.
Besides using the supplement NAC, you can also find ways to reduce inflammation through eating vegetables, reducing refined sugar and limiting your intake of vegetable oil.
NAC for Mood Regulation
NAC even can regulate your moods and studies have show it can reduce depressive symptoms and bring back an increase in everyday functionality.
And the benefits don't stop there...
The list goes on! From brain health to gut health, from PCOS to depression, the list of benefits for NAC just keeps going. It’s a supplement to remember.
Supplementing with NAC
If you think you could benefit from taking NAC, I recommend trying our Ovary Good powder. Our powder contains a full serving of NAC. As with most natural supplements, benefits are achieved after several months of consistently taking NAC.
NAC normally needs to be taken for at least 3 months for you to experience the benefits. Remember, that anytime you’re changing your diet, or adding a supplement, it takes time for your body to find that balance.
Summary on NAC
NAC can offer some amazing benefits for women suffering from PCOS. From reducing insulin resistance, lowering testosterone levels, improving fertility and helping to regulate your period.
NAC's antioxidant activity is incredibly powerful, making it a great natural option for treating PCOS.
We hope that this information is helpful to you in your journey with PCOS.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is strictly the opinion of S'moo and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither S'moo nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.