What is Homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid
which in excess can contribute to a variety of health
problems.
Usually the body breaks down homocysteine into a harmless
substance called cystathionine which is then excreted
out of the body.
However many factors can contribute to impairing this
conversion:
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Advancing age |
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A deficiency of some B vitamins |
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Oestrogen deficiency |
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Certain drugs ( such as methotrexate, corticosteroids
and fibrates ) |
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Strict vegetarianism |
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Hypothyroidism |
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A genetic predisposal |
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Over consumption of alcohol |
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Low physical activity |
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Excessive intake of caffeine containing
beverages such as coffee and cola drinks |
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Smoking |
What does excess Homocysteine do to my body?
It can thicken and damage the walls of the arteries.
This increases the risk of abnormal blood clotting
which can lead to coronary disease, strokes and thrombosis.
It is thought to be more predictive than cholesterol
in assessing cardiovascular disease risk. Apparently
70% of people who develop heart disease have normal
levels of cholesterol.
It does not just cause artery damage. A high accumulation
reduces the body’s effectiveness in producing
vital chemicals that reduce your risk of developing
a variety of diseases such as:
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Some types of arthritis
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Alzheimer's disease and dementia |
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Parkinson's disease |
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Some cancers and leukaemia |
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Clinical depression |
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Diabetes |
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Autism |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) |
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Stroke |
High levels have also been linked with recurrent miscarriages,
premature births and small birth weight and birth
defects including cleft palate, club foot, spina bifida
and Down's syndrome.
Additionally, high homocysteine has been
found in some children and adults with autism.
Could I be at risk?
High risk groups include people of all ages, with
a poor diet, who exercise little, are over-weight,
have diabetes, are smokers or drink too much alcohol
or caffeine drinks.
However, even those with active, health lifestyles
may be at risk if there is a family history of cardiovascular
or one of the other diseases mentioned above. Levels
can also increase with age, oestrogen deficiency and
some medications.
Strict vegan or vegetarian diets and stress can also
contribute to high homocysteine levels.
How do I find out if my levels are high?
Using a kit which I send you, you do a simple pin-prick
test in the comfort of your home. The test kit is
then sent off in the postal envelope provided for
analysis by a highly reputable laboratory which guarantees
accurate and reproducible results.
Your results will be posted back to you within 14
working days with a full report.
If a higher than normal level has been found, I will
also send you a recommended supplement programme and
a dietary advice sheet to help you lower your levels.
High levels of homocysteine can usually be reduced
in less than three months.
All that is needed is the right nutrients to help
the breakdown of the homocysteine and a moderate change
in diet and lifestyle.
How to take a Homocysteine Test.
To take a Homocysteine Test just order your simple
pin-prick home testing kit.
To order a Homocysteine
Test click here
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