Yeah, the body-wide mucous thinning properties of NAC are one of the reasons it has racked up papers showing its efficacy in a truly staggering number of illnesses and conditions. (Including neurodegenerative diseases.)

Highly recommend reading the actual literature on its effects in regard to cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, COPD, neurodegenerative disorders, high blood pressure, ulcers, IBD, liver and kidney problems, OCD...

The list goes on at a pretty extreme length, and it sounds too good to be true, but the papers are out there.

NAC is in the category of supplements that sound unbelievably amazing on paper, but are frequently discontinued by people trying to take it long term. Some people seem to like it, but it’s common for people to take it for a while and realize it’s causing side effects like anhedonia, apathy, minor sleep disruptions, or other subtle negative effects. Not everyone, but it’s a common outcome.

It also doesn’t quite live up to a lot of the incredible sounding papers for many conditions. It’s really common to find papers or even small trials purporting to find amazing effects from supplements that fail to replicate at scale. NAC does have some legitimate applications and is even used medically for certain conditions. I’m a little more skeptical that all of the amazing positives for every condition under the sun will hold up.

Can you suggest a review article or two? Interested in this as my dad passed from hemorrhagic stroke, my mom from occlusive stroke. Thanks.

It's also very effective at helping reduce the damage of alcohol, if you take it before drinking. Lessens hangovers too.

Seconded.

I... I don't know how to get it across; For the love of God read the literature on NAC, alpha lipoic acid, bromhexine, and ambroxol.

Just... read. Read the molecular biology papers.