What is NAC and How Does it Prevent Hangovers

As people of different age groups are getting more into drinking nowadays, so is the high demand for and the emergence of either natural or commercial products to relieve them of the symptoms brought on by a terrible hangover. While oftentimes the fastest hangover cures or the natural remedies, such as taking a cold shower and drinking lots of water and sports drinks, are not that helpful anymore, especially when hangovers are so horrible, among this list of trending products and hangover cures in the Philippines, such as B vitamins, dihydromyricetin, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Over EZ Hangover Prevention Supplements, and other supplements, people still choose to have N-acetyl-cysteine, or NAC. 

What exactly is NAC, or N-acetyl-cysteine? 

N-acetyl-cysteine is an over-the-counter antioxidant and dietary supplement used to relieve hangover symptoms and combat the negative effects of alcohol in your system. But overall, NAC is best known for treating acetaminophen overdoses and helping loosen thick mucus. It is also being studied as a treatment for mental health conditions. 

It is best recommended to take NAC as a “pre-tox” about thirty minutes before your first alcohol intake. However, the more drinks you have, the less effective the NAC. Although a majority of people find NAC effective, it is still best to consider visiting your medical practitioner. 

Effects and How NAC Prevents Hangovers 

The intake of N-acetyl-cysteine at a 200-mg dose is required to lessen the toxic effects of alcohol. However, to relieve the symptoms of a hangover, it is recommended to take NAC at 600 mg for every three drinks consumed. 

Note: The intake should be prior to drinking and not after alcohol consumption because it is dangerous. The effects can be an increase or overproduction of glutamine that causes the body to go into overdrive and symptoms such as poor sleep, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, and high blood pressure. 

It is important to know that drinking alcohol lessens or depletes the production of glutathione in the liver. So, NAC is a useful nutrient for liver support but also prevents hangovers by increasing the production of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that attacks acetaldehyde, which is the byproduct of consumed alcohol. NAC’s assistance in the increased production of glutathione becomes responsible for getting rid of acetaldehyde toxicity. Therefore, NAC not only cares for your liver but also prevents acute hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.