Cysteine Benefits

Cysteine is an amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. It may provide many health benefits including the detoxification of your internal system and the possible improvement of symptoms associated with conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Cystiene may also be effective in preventing hangovers associated with alcohol consumption.

Respiratory Health

• Cysteine may help you maintain your respiratory health. If you are suffering from diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma, you may benefit from cysteine supplementation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cysteine may help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory diseases by dissolving the thick mucus found in the respiratory tract as a result of possible lung damage. Also, a daily dose of 400 to 1,200 mg of cysteine may reduce frequent attacks of bronchitis.

Heart Health

• Cysteine may also help people suffering from chest pain and heart attacks. When cysteine is used along with nitroglycerin, a drug that opens blood vessels and increases blood flow, it may help in alleviating chest pain associated with heart disease, also known as angina. Cysteine, when combined with nitroglycerin, may also reduce frequent heart attacks and other heart problems.

Internal Organ Protection

• Cysteine may be beneficial in protecting your internal organs from damage. Cysteine may protect your kidneys from damaging effects caused by chemicals such as contrast agents, which are used by radiologists during certain x-ray procedures. It may also be used to protect your stomach lining, intestines, and liver from damage due to an acetaminophen overdose, which can be caused by taking a high dosage of products such as aspirin and similar drugs.

Anti-Aging Properties

• According to HealthVitaminsGuide.com, cysteine is found in the protein alpha-keratin, one of the main components in hair, skin, and nails. As a result, you may find cysteine in anti-aging products that claim to improve skin elasticity and collagen production. Another possible benefit of cysteine is that it contains antioxidant properties that may help aid your body in the anti-aging process by reducing free radicals that can damage your skin structure.

Side Effects and Warnings

• If you plan to use cysteine, beware of the possible side effects it can induce so that you don't experience an adverse reaction. When cysteine is used with large amounts of nitroglycerin it may cause severe headaches. If you are suffering from diabetes, you may want to consult your doctor before using cysteine supplements because it may inactivate insulin.