What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a toxic protein produced by the liver as a converted form of methionine, which is responsible for DNA synthesis and repair of genetic material. The problem with homocysteine is that when it comes into contact with cells that line the blood vessels, it promotes blood clotting, which in turn gives rise to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, to name just a few of the many associated illnesses. Especially during pregnancy and as one gets older, since there is an increased rate of methylation, it is necessary to take supplements and make the appropriate lifestyle changes so as to lower your homocysteine to an acceptable level and keep preventable diseases at bay.
What raises homocysteine to unacceptable levels?
- Incorrect eating and erratic dieting
- Stress
- Smoking
- Excessive exercise
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Frequent colds
- Depression
“Knowing your homocysteine level is the most concrete way of minimising your chances of ever having a preventable life threatening disease.” – Dr. Patrick Holford, world renowned nutritionist and author.
Testing your homocysteine level:
To have your homocysteine level checked it is necessary to have a blood test done by a recognised pathology laboratory. This test must be done on an empty stomach, so do not eat or drink anything after 10pm the night before the morning that you have planned to have this done. A blood sample is taken from your vein in your arm, wrist or back of the hand.
The ideal level is below 6. A score of 15 means four times the risk of a heart attack. If your score is higher than 6 you will then have to go on a homocysteine lowering supplement, which includes the right combination of four B vitamins (B2, B6, B12 and folate) as well as zinc and trimethylglycine (TMG), which should lower your homocysteine level in just a few weeks.
High homocysteine, especially in the early stages is often symptom free, exactly like many of the serious, medical conditions associated with it, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes. It is therefore a mistake to assume that your own levels of homocysteine must be safe, simply because you have not had any symptoms of serious illness.
When homocysteine levels are optimised, you will find that you have:
- Improved mood, memory and mental clarity
- Improved liver function
- Increased energy
- Better sleep
- Stronger hair, skin and nails
- Reduction in arthritic pain
- Fewer infections
- Better weight control
To keep your homocysteine in check, nutritionists recommend that you should eat less fatty foods and more fish, free range eggs and lean meat. You should also eat dark green leafy vegetables and beans because they are high in folic acid, and cut back on tea, coffee and alcohol. By knowing your homocysteine score and taking the appropriate steps to lower it and keep it low, you can add quality years to your life. It’s therefore no wonder as to why medical experts often regard the ‘H factor’ as your most vital health statistic.
Information source: Health Seekers, by Célène Bernstein (Vivlia Publishers, 1997).