Re: check out your homocysteine levels as well--fyi

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Homocysteine

What is homocysteine?

Homocysteine (say: " ho-mo-sist-een " ) is an amino acid (a building

block of protein) that is produced in the human body. Homocysteine

may irritate blood vessels, leading to blockages in the arteries

(called atherosclerosis).

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How is a high homocysteine level harmful?

High homocysteine levels in the blood can also cause cholesterol to

change to something called oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which is

more damaging to the arteries. In addition, high homocysteine levels

can make blood clot more easily than it should, increasing the risk

of blood vessel blockages. A blockage might cause you to have a

stroke or a problem with blood flow. Up to 20% of people with heart

disease have high homocysteine levels.

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What causes a high homocysteine level?

Homocysteine is normally changed into other amino acids for use by

the body. If your homocysteine level is too high, you may not have

enough B vitamins to help this process. Or you may not have enough of

the chemicals (enzymes) to process homocysteine.

Most people with a high homocysteine level don't get enough folate

(also called folic acid), vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 in their diet.

Replacing these vitamins helps return the homocysteine level to

normal. Other possible causes of a high homocysteine level include

low levels of thyroid hormone, kidney disease, psoriasis, some

medicines, or inherited deficiencies in the enzymes used to process

homocysteine in the body.

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How is the homocysteine level measured, and what do the results mean?

Homocysteine is measured using a simple blood test. It can be

measured at any time of day. It is not necessary to prepare in any

special way for the blood test (such as fasting). Most hospital labs

can measure homocysteine, or a blood sample can be sent out to a

special lab.

A healthy homocysteine level is less than 12 µmol per L. A level

greater than 12 µmol per L is considered high. If your homocysteine

level is 12 to 15 µmol per L and you have blockages in any blood

vessel, you need to lower your homocysteine to less than 12 µmol per

L. If you have no other major risk factors for cardiovascular disease

and you do not have atherosclerosis, it may be okay for you to have a

modestly high level of homocysteine (12 to 15 µmol per L).

While no studies have proved that lowering homocysteine levels

ultimately helps reduce strokes, heart attacks and other

cardiovascular events, it is a good idea to lower a high homocysteine

level because it is a risk for heart disease.

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How can I lower a high homocysteine level?

Eating more fruits and vegetables (especially leafy green vegetables)

can help lower your homocysteine level by increasing how much folate

you get in your diet. Good sources of folate include many breakfast

cereals, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, spinach and most beans.

Folate is sometimes called " folic acid. "

If adjusting your diet is not enough to lower your homocysteine, you

will also need to take specific vitamins. You may need to take a

fairly large amount of folate (about 1 milligram per day). Additional

vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 also help the body process homocysteine.

Vitamin B supplements generally have no side effects.

The usual recommended vitamin and folate doses for lowering

homocysteine levels are as follows:

A daily multivitamin containing 400 µg of folate and less than 5 mEq

of iron

An additional 800 µg of folate per day for 8 weeks

If taking these vitamins doesn't lower your homocysteine level, your

doctor may have you try a higher dose. Or you may need to have some

tests to see if you have a health condition that causes high

homocysteine levels.

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What happens next?

It is important to get your homocysteine level rechecked after you

have been taking the multivitamin and folate for 8 weeks. If your

homocysteine level remains high, your doctor may change your

treatment. You may need to take more folate (2 mg per day). If you

have had a high homocysteine level, you will probably need to have

your level checked regularly - maybe 2 or 3 times a year.

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Reviewed/Updated: 11/01

Created:

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> ----------

> http://www.oralchelation.com/ingred/betaine.htm

>

> Source

>

> BETAINE HCL

>

>

> BASICS

>

> Betaine hydrochloride is a non-essential nutrient and a source of

> hydrochloric acid, a naturally occurring chemical in the stomach

that

> helps digest food by breaking up fats and proteins. In particular,

> Betaine HCL is necessary for adequate absorption of protein,

calcium,

> vitamin B12 and iron. It is also known as hydrochloric acid and

> stomach acid. The low pH of the stomach's hydrochloric acid also

> destroys ingested bacteria and microorganisms.

>

>

> REMEDY FOR

>

>

> High homocysteine level (cause for severe coronary disease).

> Anemia.

> Asthma.

> Gallstones.

> Indigestion and heartburn.

> Rheumatoid arthritis.

> Thyroid conditions.

> Tic douloureux.

> Vitiligo.

> Arteriosclerosis.

> Diarrhea.

> Food allergies.

>

>

>

>

> PREVENTION OF

>

>

> Malabsorption.

> Osteoporosis.

> Asthma.

> Eczema.

> Chronic hives.

> Psoriasis.

> Arthritis.

> Thyroid disorder.

> Vitiligo.

>

>

>

>

> USAGE DIRECTION

>

> Only people who have reduced levels of stomach acid should take

> Betaine HCL. A nutritionally oriented doctor can diagnose this

> condition. Some nutritionally oriented doctors recommend, when

> appropriate, taking one or more tablets or capsules, each 5-10

grains

> (325-650 mg), with a meal that contains protein.

>

>

> SOURCES

>

> No food source exists for Betaine HCL. It is, however, naturally

> produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. The acidity is quite

> strong in a normal stomach.

> It is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement in

the

> form of tablets and capsules measured in grains or milligrams.

>

>

> POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

>

> No adverse effects of the nutrient have been detected, although

there

> is need for further studies.

> Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or

which

> is especially bothersome.

>

>

> OVERDOSE

>

> Acute overdose: Burns lining of the stomach.

> Chronic overdose: None

> What to do:If a burning sensation is experienced, Betaine HCL

should

> be immediately discontinued. For an acute overdose, call your

doctor,

> emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control

> center immediately. For symptoms of chronic overdose, contact your

> doctor.

>

>

> CAUTION

>

>

> No more than 10 grains (650 mg) of Betaine HCl should be taken

> without recommendation of a nutritionally oriented physician.

> All people with a history of ulcers, gastritis, or gastrointestinal

> symptoms -particularly heartburn - should see a nutritionally

> oriented doctor before taking Betaine HCl.

> People using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS),

> cortisone-like drugs, or other medications that might cause a

peptic

> ulcer should not take Betaine HCl.

> Young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe

liver

> or kidney disease should avoid the nutrient, as safety for them has

> not been conclusively established.

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> ----------

>

>

> Betaine -- HCl

>

> Source

>

> BETAINE HCL

> Hydrochloric acid (HCL) initiates the conversion of pepsinogen to

> pepsin & assists protein digestion. HCL renders your stomach

sterile

> against orally ingested pathogens, prevents bacterial & fungal

> overgrowth of your small intestine, encourages the flow of bile &

> pancreatic enzymes, aids the absorption of folic acid, vitamin C,

> beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium & zinc.

>

> Numerous studies have shown stomach acid secretion declines with

> advancing age. Such decline may increase the risk of malabsorption

&

> certain clinical conditions such as osteoporosis, asthma, eczema,

> chronic hives, psoriasis, arthritis, thyroid disorder,

> vitiligo,chronic candida, GI infections & parasites.

>

> It is estimated that 30% of those over 60 years of age in the U.S.

> have atrophic gastritis, a condition of little or no acid secretion

> by the stomach. Forty percent of postmenopausal women have low

basal

> gastric acid secretion.

>

> Common symptoms of decreased stomach acidity, indicating the need

for

> more:

>

> Bloating, belching, burning, & flatulence immediately after meals.

> Indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.

> A sense of fullness long after eating.

> Multiple food sensitivities.

> Nausea after taking supplements.

> Rectal itching.

> Iron & calcium deficiencies.

> Acne.

> Dilated blood vessels on the cheeks & nose.

> Chronic candida, or intestinal parasites.

> Undigested food in the stools.

> Unfortunately, the symptoms of too little acid can mimic the

symptoms

> of too much acid & an inflammation of the lining of the stomach can

> be associated with too little as well as too much acid. A general

> guideline is that hyperacid states may be more in those who are

> younger & low acid states are more likely in those over 50 years of

> age.

>

> Contraindicated with stomach or duodenal ulcers.