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In my humble opinion
Homocysteine is increasingly being recognised as an important
risk factor for a number of common medical conditions. There
is high academic and public interest
in this unique biological marker emphasising the need for regular testing and
monitoring of homocysteine levels within the blood.
A high homocysteine level puts you at greater risk of cardio-vascular disease
than cholesterol does! In fact, high Homocysteine levels have been linked to
over 100 diseases including: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer heart attacks,
strokes, cholesterol, depression, rapid aging, obesity, Parkinson’s disease,
epilepsy, diabetes, penile erection dysfunction, headaches, CFS, infertility,
miscarriage, thyroid problems and ulcers.
So what exactly is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by your body as it breaks down protein
during the process of methylation.
Methylation is the process of converting
the food that you eat into the nutrients your body needs at that exact time
or more scientifically it's the chemical conversion of methionine.
Homocysteine accumulates in the system and becomes toxic if it is not further
converted, through methylation again, into other amino acids. Methylation is
impeded if your body is deficient in the co-factors needed to convert Homocysteine
into SAMe (controls moods and other brain functions). Although produced in
many anabolic reactions, most SAMe is produced and consumed in the liver and
Glutathione
(the body’s best anti-ageing antioxidant and detoxification agent).
How to lower your Homocysteine levels?
Take Vitamn B2, vitamin B6, folate or folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B12,
Zinc and TMG (Trimethylglycine).
As you can see in the diagram from Patrick
Holfords book - New Optimum
Nutrition Bible, these vitamins and minerals are essential to convert methionine
to Glutathione and
SAMEe. Remember to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily then add
your homocysteine cocktail.