N-Acetylcysteine -- abbreviated NAC -- is a supplement derived from a protein-building amino acid called cysteine. If you have cancer, HIV/AIDS or liver damage due to a drug overdose, you may benefit from treatment with NAC supplements.
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Lysine is an essential amino acid that your body needs to maintain proper growth and development. Adults should consume 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight of lysine each day from supplements or food sources, which include red meat, potatoes, milk, fish, beans and certain soy-based products.
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Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, commonly referred to as NADH, is the active form of vitamin B-3. It is normally produced in your body. While natural forms of NADH are present in the muscles of cattle, poultry and fish, your body may not be able to make use of this form of NADH.
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Fish oil, a supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids frequently touted for its protective effects on the heart, isn't right for everyone. In fact, fish oil may cause negative side effects particularly when used by people with diabetes -- a condition characterized by unusually high blood sugar levels.
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Turmeric, which contains an active compound called curcumin, is a type of spice derived from the Curcuma longa shrub, native to India, Africa and regions of Asia. This golden spice is traditionally used as flavoring for food and dye for fabric.
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Lysine is a type of amino acid your body needs to maintain proper growth and energy production. Unfortunately, your body can't generate lysine by itself. Instead, you need to consume lysine-rich foods, such as meat, fish or nuts, or supplements to ensure your body receives enough lysine each day.
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If you have oral or genital herpes, your doctor may recommend treatment with a lysine supplement. Though additional research is necessary, lysine may help reduce the replication of the herpes virus in your body, which may help reduce outbreak symptoms.
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Kelp is a nutrient-rich vegetable, commonly called seaweed, found in the ocean along the coastline. Treatment with kelp tablets may be beneficial if you have iodine deficiency, digestive disorders or joint and bone problems.
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Native to Southeast Asia, the Garcinia mangostana or mangosteen plant produces fruit that may yield health benefits when used medicinally. Extract from the mangosteen fruit has been used traditionally to alleviate symptoms associated with diarrhea and skin infections.
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Derived from the root of the Cichorium intybus plant, chicory root extract may impart health benefits when used as a medicinal treatment. Historically, chicory root has been used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory and digestive aid.
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If too much acid accumulates in your body, your doctor may diagnose you with a condition called acidosis. There are two major forms of acidosis: metabolic acidosis, which occurs when there is too much acid in your body, and respiratory acidosis, which occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide in your body.
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Cayenne is both a spicy food additive and natural medicinal supplement derived from the red pepper, or Capsicum annuum. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, which may be used as an herbal treatment to alleviate pain and inflammation.
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Spirulina is the most commonly used type of blue-green algae, a nutrient-rich aquatic plant. Health supplements containing spirulina are purported to boost immune function, increase protein intake and protect against liver problems.
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Turmeric is a plant most commonly used as a flavorful spice in Indian cuisine. When used medicinally, the root and stem of the Curcuma longa plant may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. The amount of turmeric you can take depends on a variety of factors, including your age and health status.
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Ashwagandha is a medicinal supplement derived from the Withania somniferum plant, a member of the pepper family commonly found in Africa and India. Ashwagandha contains a class compounds called withanolides, which may help reduce stress and inflammation while boosting immune system activity in the body.
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If you are pregnant, you should not use licorice root, despite its purported medicinal properties. None of these properties are proven, and licorice is potentially damaging to both mother and developing fetus. In addition, licorice root may cause health problems even if you are not pregnant.
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Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng, is a commonly used herbal supplement purported to boost immune system function, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce erectile dysfunction symptoms, among other things.
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Fish oil is a popular supplement that contains high levels of two omega-3 fatty acids: DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid. Though treatment with fish oil is usually associated with heart disease prevention in adults, children may also benefit from taking fish oil.
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Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear or kerela, is a plant widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America. The fruit, seeds, leaves and roots have long been used in traditional remedies, including some for diabetes.
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Fenugreek is both a spice and a medicinal supplement commonly used in regions of the Middle East, Egypt and India. As a supplement, fenugreek has been used historically to treat stomach problems, bronchitis, arthritis and constipation. Fenugreek may also improve breast milk production in lactating women.
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