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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