We should start with what homocysteine is. It is a sulfuric amino acid that is formed in our body as a result of the demethylation of the methionine amino acid. This, in turn, we take from the protein consumed.
What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is important to us because it turns into other amino acids, which are essential in the construction of tissues. Problems occur when we suffer from deficiency of folic acid and B group vitamins, which may be caused by mutation of the MTHFR gene, consumption of highly processed products, excess of alcohol and drugs. With their deficiency, the homocysteine metabolism is reduced, and sometimes even inhibited. This means that in our blood is accumulating its dangerously high level, which can eventually lead to poisoning the body.
And what can this Homocysteine poisoning lead to?
- myocardial infarction
- stroke
- type 1 diabetes
- type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease and insufficiency
- cancers
- osteoporosis
- cardiovascular disease
- thrombotic disease
- congestive heart failure
- macular degeneration
- the accumulation of toxins in the body
- inflammations
- reduced resistance
- migraines
- alzheimer's disease
- depression
- damage to cell mitochondria
It's a nasty thing. Half of this list can lead to death, the other half to serious complications and disabilities. You need to control the level of homocysteine in your body. Remember that its blood level should be between 5 and 14 mol / l. If we exceed the level of 15 mol / l, we should seriously worry and take immediate steps to reduce the result. It is worth knowing that the danger can start at a level of 11 to 13 mol / l. This result can lead to damage in the circulatory system. It's best to keep it below 10 mol / l.
Well, since we know what ail we can fight it. The enemy is most unknown.
So how do you lower the homocysteine level?
Folic acid (folate), vitamin B12, vitamin B6, TMG, choline and taurine will help. We are particularly interested in the first two. Blood homocysteine levels can be reduced by up to half after fasting folic acid. Remember, however, that in the case of MTHFR gene mutations, we need to consume folic acid and B12 in methylated form. Otherwise, we will harm ourselves by additionally charging the body on the verge of endurance!
The occurrence of these precious products in foods:
Vitamin B6 - milk, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, liver, yeast, nuts, whole grains, muesli, legumes, green leafy vegetables and bananas.
Vitamin B9 - milk, egg yolk, liver, yeast, green leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, apricots and orange juice.
Vitamin B12 - milk, egg yolk, meat, liver, kidneys, fish and oysters.
Choline - egg yolk, liver, offal, beef, wheat germ, fish, nuts, pulses.
Taurine - seafood, sea fish, liver, meat (as least processed - a good example is beef tartar).
Proper supplementation and a carefully prepared diet are necessary, but it is not the only change that we should make. Alcohol and cigarettes are generally not the healthiest ones, but are strictly forbidden in the case of high levels of homocysteine. You also have to be careful with coffee. We do not have to give up on this, but it's better to switch to a gritty one, which we will have to grind at home. This will ensure that we do not introduce unnecessary substances into the body. In addition, you need to increase the amount of physical activity. This is good advice for everyone, but in this case it is an obligation. More traffic! And especially outdoor movement.
Knowing the enemy, we can fight him!
The list of effects of too much homocysteine in the blood leaves us no other choice. This is not a light indisposition that will disappear as we will not talk about it. This is a serious condition that can lead to disability and death! You need to change your diet as soon as possible, move to exercise and help with appropriate supplements. It is also worth consulting with a doctor and dietitian. In serious situations, it is good to contact specialists who will help us get out of this dangerous state.
