Homocysteine is a naturally-occurring amino acid that is a breakdown product of the essential amino acid, methionine and is linked to cardio problems, cancer and DVT. Normally the homocysteine is converted back into a harmless amino, cysteine but folks with gluten sensitivity may increase its buildup. Low levels of Vitamin B, especially B12 and B6 also puts them at risk. Women with the highest homocysteine levels had 2.3 times the heart attack risk and also had low folic acid levels, which has also been linked to autism.
Doctors seem to recommend supplementing with folic acid to help homocysteine normalize and especially when recommending the Bs. But, if they don’t test you for a mutant MRHFR gene they can’t tell you which folic is good for you and which can be dangerous. “Folic acid” and “Folate” are often used interchangeably to describe Vitamin B9. But, they are not the same. Folic acid, is actually a synthetic form of Vitamin B9, which is not found in nature, nor is it naturally found in the human body. In order for folic acid to be metabolized, it must undergo metabolism via the enzymes FOLR2 and DHFR, primarily in the liver although many people don’t have enough of these enzymes to do the job, such as those with an MTHFR mutation. These individuals cannot complete the final metabolic step that converts folic acid to the active form L-methylfolate (5-MTHF)
An epidemiological study conducted in 2007 found that men and women with previous colorectal adenomas, who took 1000 mcg of folic acid daily for 6-8 years had increased risk factors for colorectal cancer (10). It is certainly plausible to consider the possible cancer risks associated with excessive folic acid. It is for this reason that certain conventional cancer treatments use folate-blocking drugs such as methotrexate.
However, natural folates found in whole foods appear to be metabolized via the intestinal mucosa. A more homogeneous choice would be L-methylfolate which is the biologically active form of vitamin B9. L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF) has emerged as a popular alternative, and has been used as a complementary medicine in several recent clinical trials. Studies show that L-Methyfolate supplementation is equally (if not more) effective than folic acid for increasing circulating folate in those with an MTHFR mutation. It is also highly effective at reducing homocysteine levels in healthy people. It is also better absorbed and interacts with fewer medications than folic acid.
Note: To find out whether MTHFR should be on your radar, you can take raw data from 23andme, or another provider like Ancestry, and upload the data to a site like Genetic Genie to determine whether you have one copy, or two copies of either MTHFR C677T, or MTHFR A1298C, the “mutant” versions of the gene.
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Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine,that is released when you make the soup. Cysteine has the ability to breakdown proteins found in mucous that settles in the lungs. You may be familiar with the supplement NAC which is N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine which converts to glutathione. The cysteine in the chicken soup does the same thing. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant, protecting fatty tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals. and also is a powerful detoxifier of heavy metals, but specifically for colds is helps carry nutrients to the immune system cells.
Cats can develop kidney problems from eating a dry food only diet. Since they originated in the desert they are genetically trained to get moisture from their food and only when really thirsty will drink from a water bowl. This is usually the point at which they are already extremely dehydrated.
In order for your body to burn food for fuel it must have a healthy thyroid to kickstart the process. The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine and convert it into thyroid hormones. Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4 which then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body to control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy).
We all seem to eat too much or binge on booze or sugar during the holiday season. And many of us feel guilty and try to detox or diet January 2nd. But in the meantime what is happening inside your tummy?
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