Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health

[Guest guest]

Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health

By Ellen J. Kamhi, Ph. D. with Dorie Greenblatt

What Is Homocysteine?

 

Homocysteine is a normal by-product formed during the metabolism and

breakdown of methionine (an essential amino acid that aids in the

building of muscle mass and fat reduction.) Clinical studies have shown

a relationship between a high level of Homocysteine in the blood, and a

variety of health problems including Heart Disease, Stroke, Crohn's

Disease, Alzheimer's and Diabetes. (Note: A simple blood test can

accurately measure Homocysteine in the blood.)

 

An elevated concentration of Homocysteine in the blood is caused by many

diet and lifestyle practices including:

•High Meat Diet

•Diet Rich In Fried Foods

•Coffee consumption

•Cigarette smoking

•Repressed Anger

 

There is no specific pharmaceutical drug therapy to reduce elevated

Homocysteine. However, studies have shown that a diet high in fruits and

vegetables can be helpful, along with moderate exercise, stress

reduction techniques and supplementation with specific nutrients

 

 

Folic Acid has been extensively studied for its role in reducing

Homocysteine levels, and has more scientific documentation supporting

its role as a Homocysteine inhibitor than any other ingredient. Folic

Acid neutralizes the formation of Homocysteine in the bloodstream,

thereby helping to lower concentration levels.

 

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) affects both mental and physical health, and

plays an integral role in the healthy functioning of most of our body

systems. Studies have demonstrated this vitamin's association with

inhibiting the formation of Homocysteine.

 

Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) aids both Vitamin B-6 and Folic Acid in

regulating the formation of Homocysteine. It is interesting to note that

vegetarians often have mildly high Homocysteine levels, possibly due to

Vitamin B-12 deficiency.

 

Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus) contains compounds which may inhibit

the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Red yeast rice also contains

unsaturated fatty acids which help to reduce serum lipids (fats in the

blood). Since elevated Homocysteine has been shown to be indicative of

cardiovascular disease, it is prudent to support the body in lowering

cholesterol levels in conjunction with lowering Homocysteine.

 

Trimethylglycine (TMG), also referred to as " betaine " , is another

natural amino acid that converts Homocysteine to methionine, aiding in

the reduction of Homocysteine, especially in people who have a high

amount of it in their urine, a condition known as " Homocystinuria " .

One Final Thought…

 

Make no mistake there is no Homocysteine formula which is the single

" magic pill " that will reduce elevated Homocysteine levels by itself.

However, supplementing as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle regimen

is certain to help keep Homocysteine levels balanced and cardiovascular

health in shape.

 

References Provided for Educational Purposes:

Clarke R, Smith D, Jobst KA, et al. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total

homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch Neruol

1998;55:1449-55.

Ottar Nygard, Helga Refsum, Per M. Ueland, and Stein E. Vollset, Major

Lifestyle Determinants of Plasma Total Homocysteine Distribution: The

Hordaland Homocysteine Study, American J Clinical Nutrition 67(2):263-2

70 (Feb 1998)

Pietrzik, K. Rationale for risk reduction of cardiovascular disease

using homocysteine concentration in blood and plasma as biomarker:

support by clinical data., Bibl Nutr Dieta, 55, 2001, 34-41

Stoney CM, Engebretson TO. Plasma homocysteine concentrations are

positively associated with hostility and anger. Life Sci

2000;66:2267-75.

Van Der Put, N. M.; Blom, H. J. Neural tube defects and a disturbed

folate dependent homocysteine metabolism. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod

Biol ,92 , Sept, 2000, 57-61

Wang J, Zongliang L, Chi J, et al. Multicenter clinical trial of the

serum lipid-lowering effects of a Monascus Purpureus (Red Yeast) rice

preparation from traditional Chinese medicine. Current Therapeutic

Research 1997;58(12):964-78.

Wilcken DEL, Wilcken B, Dudman NPB, Tyrrell PA. Homocystinuria-the

effects of betaine in the treatment of patients not responsive to

pyridoxine. N Engl J Med 1983;309:448-53.

 

http://www.willner.com/article.aspx?artid=68

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discover

Stay in touch with email, IM, photo sharing & more. Check it out!