When food reactions, medication, or other gut irritants damage the gastrointestinal tract, we need rebuild the gut as well as get rid of these offending agents. Along with improving the diet, replacing good bacteria, and reducing inflammation, I frequently recommend N-acetylglucosamine to aid in gut repair.
N-acetylglucosamine (also known as NAG) is similar to the glucosamine we take for arthritis and joint pain. While NAG might have some of those benefits, it is best know for supporting the body’s creation of a healthy mucus layer in the gut. This normal mucus layer protects our cells from damage by enzymes, acids, bacterial toxins, and more. Additionally, NAG might support the growth of beneficial gut bacterial like Bifidobacterium bifidum. Some interesting studies on multiple sclerosis demonstrate that it may improve immune function as well.
While N-acetylgluosamine might benefit anyone who has substantial digestive issues, it looks particularly promising for people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. People with conditions like Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis tend to have much thinner mucus barriers in the gastrointestinal tract. In a recent study, patients with inflammatory bowel disease taking NAG for 1 month had substantial improvement in their symptoms. Specifically, they had less abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucus passed in the stool. Even though this wasn’t a placebo-controlled study, the results were impressive enough to make NAG an important consideration for these and related disorders.
Since your digestion is the root of your health, make sure you have a happy GI tract. And stay tuned for more tips on healthier digestion.
P.S. My cat is getting NAG too along with his probiotics.
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 
Hi Dr. Laurell.
Just read your article. Always so good! Love it about your cats too. So NAG is different from NAC?
Also, I am awaiting lab report from the rheumatologist. She ordered six vials of blood. Never had that much drawn before.
God Bless You.
Kathie
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Where can you buy NAG?
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Any good natural foods store should carry it.
Yes, all the abbreviations can get confusing. Both are the same in the N-acetyl part, but the N-acetylcysteine has antioxidant benefits because the cysteine is used to make the important antioxidant glutathione.
Good morning Dr.Laurell, I don’t have access to a health food store. I looked on line and didn’t find it. Can you give a brand name that you find it with. Thank you.
Just found it thru Swansons. Wondering if to start with t should go with the higher mg. it’s offered with Jarrow and Source Naturals
Hello, I like the quality of most Jarrow products and the higher milligrams.