Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of the Body

Almost everyday we eat protein rich foods. Protein serves different purposes in maintaining our health, and protein has major building blocks called amino acids that are utilized by every living cell in the human body for different purposes or vital functions.

Usually, we take amino acids from the everyday food that we eat, especially those food sources that are high in protein. In the process, the body breaks the amino acids down into their components parts and our bodies living cells use the amino acids to create the particular form of protein each of the cell needs to function effectively.

Amino acids are generally divided into two major types, and these include the essential amino acids and the nonessential amino acids. The essential amino acids are those that the human body cannot produce on its own and must therefore be taken from different protein rich food sources or supplements. In particular, the essential amino acids are composed of the tryptophan, lysine, methionine, phenylalaine, threonine, valine, and leucine and isoleucine. Each of these amino acids has own functions and purposes.

The nonessential amino acids, on the other hand, are those that can be manufactured by our own bodies by proper nutrition, but these amino acids can also be consumed as supplements. And in particular the nonessential amino acids include the arginine, tyrosine, glycine, serine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, taurine, cystine, histidine, proline, and alanine.

The amino acids really served a variety of crucial functions. In fact, the amino acids are said to be critical to our body's proper functioning. It has certain roles and one of those is basically to repair muscles, organs, nails, hair, skin, ligaments, and glands. Besides, the amino acids form antibodies that will combat the invading bacteria and viruses and they also produce nucleoproteins such as the RNA and DNA. In addition, they carry oxygen throughout the body and then cooperate in the muscle activity. So a deficiency in just one of the amino acids will then severely compromise one's health.

The amino acids are not only taken by those who are deficient. Many people also preferred to enhance their amino acids intake for some therapeutic benefits. One of the supports is the fact that the L-Arginine is often intake as a nutritional supplement in order to boost the body's production of antioxidants.

Speaking of the antioxidants, it is believed that the antioxidants neutralize the free radicals, which are then substances that are highly reactive thus harmful to the cellular material, and it will lead to disease and premature aging.


If you are thinking on how to choose amino acids and its supplements, just note that these building blocks largely come in two major forms, whether in D-form or L-form. Many experts better recommend the L-form of the amino acids for its closeness in composition to the ones that are found naturally in the food that most people often eat.

Also of important consideration when buying amino acid supplements is to purchase amino acid products that are produced at pharmaceutical standard GMP registered facilities. It is then believed that those places are the only ones that comply with the most exacting foundations in minimizing or eliminating the great probability of product contaminants. With such move, you can make sure that what you get from those products is the exact amount of ingredients that are mentioned on the product label.

Walnut leaf

Walnut leaf As legends had it, when the gods walked on earth, they lived on walnuts. Walnuts derived their family name Juglans from Jovis glans or Jupiter's nuts. The tree was grown in Europe since the times of the Romans due to its nuts. The walnut nuts are found to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other healing nutrients. Centuries ago, these healing powers had been evident in its pointy green leaves. Astringent compounds called tannins are found in high concentrations and which account for the healing effect of the walnut leaf. Tannins is capable of tightening and constricting tissues. This property is valuable in protecting areas of skin and regulating inflammation and itching.

Walnut leaf is available in topical formulations that are popularly used in treating mild eczema and excessive sweating of hands and feet. People in France often applied walnut leaf topical formulation in treating sunburns and scalp that has dandruff. This is effective in treating other mild skin disorders as well. Walnut leaf is also used as a laxative. Researchers have discovered that the walnut leaf has bacteria-killing, anti-parasitic and insect-repelling characteristics. This serves as a confirmation to the long-held beliefs that that walnut leaf contains healing qualities. Specific health benefits of walnut leaf include:

* As a treatment for acne, ringworm, eczema due to its astringent tannins. These tannins cross-link the skin cells thereby making them resistant to allergens and infectious microorganisms. There are two antibacterial agents found in walnut leaf, walnut essential oil and juglone which are capable of acting on infectious microorganisms. Walnut leaf contains large concentrations of vitamin C which also helps fight infection.
* It curbs excessive sweating. The tannins found in walnut leaf can cause proteins in the cells lining the sweat glands to crosslink, serving as a barrier to the excretion of sweat.

Walnut tree of Juglans regia is also dubbed as the English, Persian or Carpathian walnut tree. It belongs to a large species of walnut family called Junglandaceae. One fifth of all Juglandaceae species is comprised of Juglans which includes black walnuts (J. nigra), butternuts (J. cineria) and heartnuts (J. ailantifolia); all these varieties have tannins and other healing compounds in their leaves. J. regia tree originated in Europe. Today, it is now being cultivated in North America, Europe, North Africa and other temperate regions in the world. Walnuts that are used for consumption are cultivated in California.

Walnut leaf is dried and chopped before being boiled and made into a very strong tea (decoction). Once the tea has cooled down, the tea is applied on skin in compresses, rinses and other formulations. It is also added to bath water. To make your own decoction (boiled tea), use 1.5 ounces of dried, cut-up leaf per 1 cup (8 ounces) of water. Boil the mixture in a small pot and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Then cool it before using.

Walnut leaf applications include:

§ Infusion - this is used for skin problems and eye inflammations and as digestive tonic for poor appetite.
§ Wash � use fir eczema and for wounds and abrasions.
§ Eyewash � either as a well-strained infusion or 5 drops tincture in an eyecupof water for conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions connected with walnut leaf. Make sure that when you apply walnut leaf formulations, the affected area still has enough air circulation. Also, avoid covering large parts of the body with walnut leaf compresses.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant which was discovered about 80 years ago. Rich sources of vitamin E include the following: wheat germ, almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils (such as safflower, corn, soybeans), green leafy vegetables and walnuts and many others. You can also take vitamin E supplements of 400 IU per day.

Vitamin E is stored in the body's fatty tissues where it will release its antioxidant powers and protect the cells by deactivating free radials. It also aids in the formation of red blood cells and eases the use of trace mineral selenium and vitamins A and K. Vitamin E actually pertains to a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Most E products contain only tocopherols such as alpha, beta, delta and gamma-tocopherols with alpha-tocopherol considered as the most potent form. Recently though researchers have identified tocotrienols that promotes healthy heart.

There is a number of health benefits one can derived with taking vitamin E supplements. Among these include:

Ø It prevents heart disease and other complications associated with heart disease. Vitamin E seems to prevent oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol which is the initial stage in the development of atherosclerosis which is buildup of plague in the arteries impeding normal circulation. As of the moment, no correlation between vitamin E and heart disease prevention have been satisfactorily established.
Ø It protects against prostate and other cancers. Due to its antioxidant properties, E vitamin protects cell membranes from the effects of free radicals which are results to cancer. But this effect could not be verified yet.
Ø It prevents cataracts and macular degeneration. Studies indicate that E vitamin can protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.
Ø It slows down the progress of Alzheimer's disease and dementia due to its antioxidant properties.
Ø It slows down the aging process and enhances immunity by protecting cells from free radical damage.
Ø It promotes healing of burns, eczema and other skin problems.

Vitamin E comes in the following formulations: tablet, softgel, oil, liquid, cream and capsule. The recommended intake of E vitamin is 15 mg or equivalent to more or less 23 IU per day. Vitamin E deficiency can cause neurological damage. This rarely happens however because it often occur in people that impedes fat absorption since Vitamin E is fat-soluble vitamin. It is quite easy to obtain vitamin E with well-balanced diet and a minimum intake of polyunsaturated fat. For those who took excessive amounts of vitamin E at 1,000 IU a day may experience diarrhea and headaches. Doses beyond 800 IU a day of vitamin E may impede with the ability to clot blood causing risk to people taking blood thinners medicine. (anticoagulants). Taking high dosage of E vitamin will interfere with the absorption of vitamin A.

In most people, supplement dosage of 400 IU or less of vitamin E is enough since high doses pose risks. Vitamin E is effective when taken with vitamin C because the latter promotes absorption. Vitamin E products marked 'mixed tocopherols' are absorbed well.
For general health, take 200-400 IU daily. To prevent heart disease, take up to 800 IU daily. To prevent cancer, take up to 800 IU daily. In order to maximize its benefits, take vitamin E at the same time daily. Take this fat-soluble vitamin E with food that contains fat.

Vitamin E's has mild blood-thinning effect which could cause problems when taken with another anticoagulant or blood-thinning supplement such as ginkgo biloba. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also known as the sunlight vitamin because the body manufactures it when the sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit the skin. It is technically a hormone because it is the only vitamin that the body manufactures. It is vital in building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also strengthens the immune system and prevents some types of cancer. Ten to fifteen minutes walk in the summer sun for a few days weekly is enough supply of vitamin D. Those who can't get out in the sun may require a supplement especially during winter where people do not get enough sun. The body's capacity to manufacture vitamin D seems to decline with age. Older adults therefore need more vitamin D from food or supplements whether they have sunlight exposure or not.

There are a number of health benefits you can enjoy from vitamin D. These include:

§ It prevents osteoporosis. Vitamin D promotes absorption and balance of calcium and phosphorous in the body thereby strengthening bones and teeth and promotes normal muscle contraction and nerve function. If calcium in the blood is low, the body is forced to steal the mineral from the bones and supply the muscles and nerves with the calcium they need. Continuous loss of calcium may lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D together with calcium has a vital role in promoting bone density.
§ It protects against some type of cancer. Vitamin D may be essential in preventing breast, colon and prostate cancer.
§ It slows down joint damage due to arthritis. 400 IU or more of vitamin D can effectively stop osteoarthritis of the knees.
§ It eases back pain. Vitamin D promotes strong bones and cartilage easing back pain.
§ It protects against multiple sclerosis. Studies indicate possible connection between vitamin D and MS.
§ It relieves symptoms of psoriasis. It helps in skin cell metabolism and growth thereby contributing to the treatment of skin diseases. Individuals with psoriasis have low levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is sold in tablet, softgel, liquid and capsule formulation. Recommended intake of Vitamin D includes the following:

Ø Men and women ages 19 to 50, take 200 IU per day.
Ø Men and women ages 51 to 70, take 400 IU per day.
Ø Men and women ages 71 and older, take 600 IU per day.

Those that have vitamin D deficiency may develop osteoporosis later on. Other symptoms include nervousness, muscle twitches, insomnia and diarrhea. Children, in case of severe deficiency, may develop a bone-weakening disease called rickets.

If you take excessive doses of vitamin D, usually more than 1,000 IU a day, may notice signs and symptoms of toxic reaction. These symptoms may include: loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination. Taking 10,000 to 15,000 IU on daily basis may lead to weight loss, paleness, constipation, fever and a host of other ailments. Taking Vitamin at more than 1,000 IU daily for an extended period of time may possibly result in high blood pressure, premature hardening of arteries, weaken bones, calcium buildup in the muscles and kidney damage.

In order to get the most vitamin D, expose yourself between 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. twice or thrice daily can give you all the vitamin D you need. Do not take more than 800 IU of vitamin D supplements per day. For faster absorption, take fat-soluble vitamin with food that has some fat. Vitamin D should be taken with antacids that have magnesium as this can cause high levels of magnesium. Do not take Vitamin D with thiazide diuretics as this can cause toxic levels of calcium that causes kidneys to fail.

label  vitaminD

label: vitaminD

 

Herbal remedies

There are thousands of remedies one can derived from herbs. You can also combine herbs to get another effect. Combining several herbs as herbal remedies could be more potent and more beneficial depending on the kinds of herbs and the ailment being treated. Of course, you need to consider the possible drugs or nutrients interaction that could come out due to using herbal remedies. The possibilities of herbal remedies are endless.

The following are some of the effective herbal remedies being used today:

Goldenseal. This contains antibiotic. To prepare tea, ½ to 1 teaspoon powdered root per cup. Steeped for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups per day.

Chamomile. This is for nerves, stomach distress, ulcers, infection and promotes faster healing. For tea, 2 to 3 teaspoons pr cup. Steeped for 10 to 20 minutes. Take up to 3 cups per day.

Garlic. This is antibiotic and has anti-viral properties. It treats cholesterol and prevents blood clots that cause heart attack. Season garlic in food. For tea, steep 6 cloves in a cup of cool water for 6 hours.

Ginseng. This stimulates the immune system, protect the liver from toxins and improves stamina. Follow label directions when using.

Ginger. This prevents motion sickness and internal blood clots that cause heart attack. Fro tea, 2 teaspoons powdered or grated root per cup, steeped 10 minutes. Take a maximum 3 cups per day. To treat motion sickness, take 2 to 3 capsules of 500 mg 30 minutes before departure.

Spearmint and peppermint. This is for indigestion and aids in relaxation. To make tea for indigestion, 1 teaspoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried per cup. Steep for 10 minutes. Take up to 3 cups per day. For bath, fill cloth bag with dried or fresh leaves and run water over it.

Raspberry leaf. This is for treating morning sickness, uterine irritability and prevents threatened miscarriage due to pregnancy. For tea, 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, steeped for 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups per day.

Dandelion. This has anti-inflammatory effects, also aids in premenstrual bloating. For tea, ½ ounce dried leaf per cup. Steeped 10 minutes and take up to 3 cups per day.

Herbal remedies are usually taken as preventive measures although they work as treatment as well. These herbal remedies are not intended to replace prescribed drugs rather they are meant to augment the drugs' effects. Herbal remedies can sometimes cause side effect if taken in excessive dosage. Some also interact with prescribed drugs or nutrients. Caution must be exercised before taking herbal remedies for treatment. Pregnant and nursing women must take special care in ingesting herbal remedies. Consult your doctor first.