Yes, I said warp speed! Read to learn more.
We all know the NutriBullet makes nutrition more absorbable but I bet you didn’t realize just how important the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals can be. As you will discover below, most nutrients work together in our body to make processes happen. Some of these processes make things, some change things, while others tear things apart. As a by-product of some processes, toxic or damaging compounds are made. If you are lacking one of the nutrients vital to the process, over time DNA damage can occur creating illness and disease.
Most of my clients don’t understand the importance the right or wrong foods play in their health. Part of my process requires explaining how the lack of nutrients from their diet are related to there current state of health. Certain nutrients are absolutely critical for different body processes to function. If you are eating a diet rich in processed, refined and fast foods you are missing essential nutrients that can protect you from many adverse health conditions, illness and diseases. Just like you can’t build a house without wood, nails and tools. Your body systems can’t work properly without certain nutrients in adequate amounts.
Have you heard of methylation or homocysteine?
I doubt if you have ever heard of methylation or homocysteine. Both have a big impact on your health at the cellular level and are tied together in a unique way. Your diet has a huge influence on both the methylation process and homocysteine.
What is methylation?
Methylation is a key biochemical process that occurs millions and maybe even a billion times a second (I would call that warp speed)) and is critical, even essential for the proper function of almost all of your body’s systems. Methylation helps repair your DNA, reduce inflammation and keep the cellular detoxification system functioning at optimal levels. The methylation process helps recycle two very power molecules Sam-e and GSH from homocysteine (a damaging protein). For the methylation process to function optimally it is very dependent on Vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), Vitamin B9 (folate), and the compound betaine. Betaine is a derivative of the amino acid glycine and is also converted from the essential nutrient Choline.
What is homocysteine?
Homocysteine is a protein formed during the methylation process in our bodies. Without adequate B12. B6, Folate and betaine, homocysteine levels increase. These B vitamins and betaine are used to recycle homocysteine into two very powerful cellular compounds called Sam-e (S-Adenosyl methionine) and glutathione (GSH). Both are considered the most power cellular protectors in our body and Glutathione is considered the master antioxidant of the body.
How Does Homocysteine Affect Our Health?
As homocysteine levels increase this can result in damage to our DNA and increasing cellular inflammation across our body. Higher levels of homocysteine are associated with an increase in heart disease and cancer in some studies and not as much in other studies. However, what the other studies did show consistently was that levels of HDL (heart protective cholesterol) were low when homocysteine was high all while Folate, B6 and B12 levels were low. We know adequate levels of these nutrients lower homocysteine levels thereby by increasing heart protective HDL cholesterol levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454269/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18990318
The relationship with cancer and homocysteine levels provided similar results in studies for different cancers. It’s confusing. They find that there is an association between breast cancer and lower levels of B6, B12, Folate but not necessarily because of elevated homocysteine. Still, lower levels of these nutrients are linked to a greater risk of breast and other cancers.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840179/
To make sure our methylation process is working optimally we need adequate amounts of B6, B12, Folate and Choline. The foods below are the best sources for these nutrients.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) RDI 1.6 mg daily 1.9 mg
- Tuna
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Bok Choy
- Bell Peppers
- Sweet Potatoes
- Bananas
- Turnip Greens
- Garlic
- Cauliflower
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Potatoes
Folate (Vitamin B9) RDI 400 mg to 600 mg daily
- Lentils
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Turnip Greens
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Romaine
- Bok Choy
- Parsley
- Beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Green peas
B12 (Cobalamin) most common in animal foods RDI 2.4 mcg to 2.9 mcg
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Clams
- Cod
- Nutritional yeast
- Blue green algae
- Spirulina
- Whey powder
- Eggs (more in free range organic)
Choline (used to make betaine) RDI 400 mg to 550 mg
- Eggs
- Cod
- Shrimp
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
- Broccoli
- Swiss chard
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Green peas
- Cabbage
- Shiitake mushrooms
If you want to protect your DNA and heart make sure you are getting adequate levels of B6, B12, Folate and Choline. Use your NutriBullet everyday with a variety of colorful foods to reduce your risk of disease and illness.
Healthy Wishes!
Wally Bishop C.N.C.
The contents of this blog are not and should not be considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.