Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health

[Guest guest]

Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health Posted by: "JoAnn Guest" angelprincessjo mrsjoguest Thu Nov 2, 2006 8:23 am (PST) Controlling Homocysteine and Heart Health By Ellen J. Kamhi, Ph. D. with Dorie Greenblatt What Is Homocysteine? http://www.willner. com/article. aspx?artid= 68 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. Hi-B Homocysteine After carefully reviewing today's most current research on cardiovascular health and its link with Homocysteine balancing, Nature's Answer® has developed an exceptional vitamin/herbal blend formula called Hi-B Homocysteine. This nutrient-rich supplement features Vitamins B-6 and B-12, Folic Acid and Trimethylglycine (TMG), ingredients recognized for lowering Homocysteine levels. The formula is further enhanced with Red Yeast Rice and the herbs Hawthorn, Cayenne and Garlic, nutrients well-known for promoting cardiovascular health. Key Ingredients 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…neither Hi-B Homocysteine or any Homocysteine formula is the single "magic pill" that will reduce elevated Homocysteine levels by itself. However, supplementing with Hi-B Homocysteine 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.