I know that we are supposed to use zinc, vitamin C, D3, and quercetin, but has anyone got a suggestion as an alternative for NAC? I found out the hard way that my body does not like it, but want to keep up my immune system.
Also, I haven’t started quercetin but was wondering if there are any drug interactions (my doctor would have no idea)?
Thanks for your help!
The purpose for quercetin is to drive zinc into the cell. Zinc is the key to fighting any kind of virus but it is difficult for the cell to take up. Quercetin is called a zinc ionophore. Ivermectin and HCQ also work as zinc ionophores. The beauty of quercetin is that it can be purchased over the counter. Quercitin should not be taken by people taking blood thinners, certain chemo drugs, and quinolone antibiotics like Cipro and Levaquin. Caution should be used with drugs metabolized in the liver, such as certain HTN meds, Zantac, and Allegra. Quercetin may increase the absorption of these drugs and increase the risk of side effects. So check to make sure whether your drug is metabolized by liver pathways. It is not a direct contraindication, but should be used with caution.
NAC is a precursor for glutathione which is a master antioxidant. Like Vit D, it has been noted that people with increased levels of glutathione are less likely to get sick, and if they do, they recover and are not prone to severe illness. This is why children and athletes have a very low rate of contracting the Rona - they have very high glutathione levels. Glutathione levels decrease with age. Glutathione as a stand alone supplement has a low bioavailability. NAC is a precursor to glutathione and has its own antioxidant capabilities as well as being more bioavailable than glutathione alone. It also is a lung support and is DNA protective.
There are liposomal glutathione supplements available but there is no research beyond some rodent studies to show that it actually raises glutathione levels - so the jury is still out on these pricy supplements. Alpha Lipoic Acid can recycle other antioxidants like glutathione. ALA can help enhance the function of glutathione by helping to convert glutathione back and forth from its oxidized form to its reduced or non-oxidized form. 100 - 200 mg/day is enough to help with this function. Melatonin and Milk thistle are also helpful to raise glutathione levels as well as MSM. Exercise is a sure fired way to increase glutathione.
Thank you for that information. I may have to wait off on the Quercetin then as I take Allegra daily.
And I'll try exercise and milk thistle.
Allegra is not a direct contraindication with quercetin, but it should be used with caution. Staggered dosages can help. Quercetin can intensify the effects of certain drugs metabolized in the liver but both can be adjusted. The quercetin is needed for the zinc. Without some type of zinc ionophore, zinc has a really hard time getting into the cell. Zinc is the key to fighting viral infections. The glutathione is a different issue and is more of a preventative antioxidant. Quercetin can also be helpful treating allergies. The less prescription drugs the better.