In our last blog, we discussed homocysteine levels and why you should pay attention to this factor of your blood tests. While the symptoms of a higher level of homocysteine are concerning, you can take small steps to lower your levels. But, be aware that your ability to maintain a healthy homocysteine level decreases with age. However, you can still make changes to help keep the level in check.
First get a blood test. If you are above 7, definitely take steps to lower your levels. But what can you do to begin lowering this high-risk component?
You can start with the following
– Change up your diet: lower your intake of red meat and dairy products.
– Get regular exercise: talk to your doctor about what kind of exercises are right for you
– Decrease or eliminate alcohol and coffee: moderation is always key, but if you see high levels of homocysteine, it may be time to get rid of these treats.
Supplements can also make a big difference in conjunction with dietary and other life style changes. Keep in mind that although we have a supplement company, I won’t tell you that supplements can make up for bad life choices.
Discuss with your doctor and trusted vitamin and supplements store about the following:
– L-methylfolat: don’t take folic acid which is a synthetic version and probably has no beneficial effect on homocysteine reduction.
– Hydroxy B12: some people do OK with methyl B12 but people with chronic issues will do better with hydroxy B12 (also known as hydroxyocobolamin). If your body wants the methy B12 (methylcobolamin) it can be readily converted from the hydroxy B12 you are taking.
– NAC (N-acetyl cysteine): NAC can displace homocysteine from its protein carrier which would seem to make it easier to remove from the body or convert to another form. Also NAC promotes the synthesis of cysteine and glutathione to give a big boost to the detox process.
– SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine): promotes the conversion of homocysteine to cysteine, an important component of glutathione that in turn helps lower homocysteine.
– Taurine: some research indicates that taurine can inhibit methionine absorption to help prevent so much methionine from being converted into homocysteine. Look for a reduction in homocysteine in just 4 weeks from taurine alone.
– Omega-3 fatty acids: One of the ways that omega-3 fatty acids can help with inflammation is their effect on reducing elevated homocysteine as well as other boosting other anti-inflammatory effects.
– TMG (trimethylglycine) and choline-choline: this can readily convert into TMG and TMG helps convert homocysteine back in to methionine, lowering homocysteine levels. Research also indicates that TMG helps reduce the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha.
Therefore, a person interested in monitoring health related markers will want to be sure to add homocysteine into the mix. Much can be done with diet and supplements to help maintain healthy levels that will ultimately improve your probability of improved health. For more about the supplements listed above, visit OVitaminPro.com! We can assist you in finding the best supplements for your needs at a price your local supplements store cannot beat.
