Published 2012/02/20 | 
What are assuredly the causes of pulsatile tinnitus in the ear is a inquire that numerous sufferers ask themselves on a frequent basis. The condition causes many distinct symptoms such as buzzing as well as humming in the ear and can assuredly be irritating. Folks have also said that they can hear the sound of running water, or from quiet to loud whistling as well.
When excess volumes of blood gain and flow nearby the ears it results in a condition called pulsatile tinnitus. Sufferers will notice a change in their hearing as well as the pulse in the veins in the area. The increased pulse has been known to cause slight to moderate ache in some sufferers. In most situations the condition does in no way institute into life threatening. Yet, it can be in rare cases.
When a man starts to rehearsal more the veins in the neck become engorged and can assuredly cause the condition to become more apparent. If the pulsing is assuredly in a more localized area it is normally caused by a restricted blood vessel.
There are eight customary causes for pulsatile tinnitus. Some are fairly base while others are not. No matter what the cause it is required to see a physician if you have any concerns.
The condition can be caused by tumors. They are nearly always benign and they can be discovered nearby the ear or in it. Hearing loss is often a precursor that leads to locating the tumor. Lesions on the brain can also be a symptom. These can only be found by a healing expert and if suspected a healing man should be seen.
Anemia, problems with jugular veins and thyroid troubles can all be symptoms as well. Each of these conditions cause the number of blood to growth in and nearby the ears. The supplementary blood flowing in the area makes a loud whooshing sound. In roughly all occurrences if the basic problem is taken care of then the sounds stop.
Other physical conditions like narrow arteries, intracranial hypertension, and high blood pressure can all cause loud throbbing in the ears to develop. Once these predicaments are brought under control by either medication, surgical operation or diet the tinnitus will by all means; of course either fully disappear or reduce in severity. If it does not, then there is one more cause for its presence.
High blood pressure can be a precursor to pulsatile tinnitus. Since it is caused by arteries that are restricted the flow has a harder time attractive through the veins. This can assuredly cause a pressure build up and outcomes in severe throbbing in as well as nearby the ear. Medication to control the blood pressure can additionally comfort the tinnitus.
The symptoms gabbed about here are assuredly not the only causes for this condition. There are numerous others that are of a concern to sufferers all over the world. Should any type of indication of illness arise sufferers have to make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible.
The good news is, in roughly all situations pulsatile tinnitus is just a case of uncomfortable noises in or nearby the ear. It is rare that it develops into something more severe. However, it is always great to be gain than sorry when it comes to your condition and wellness though, and an scholar should always be consulted with to rule out every needful problems.
Published 2012/02/16 | When I read that agreeing to the American connection of Clinical Endocrinologists, 27 million Americans have whether an overactive or underactive thyroid, I was astounded! In addition, over half of these habitancy don’t even realize their thyroid is at risk because of the normal symptoms which can be recognized as a collection of other condition problems. The following is a list of symptoms connected with thyroid disease, specifically Hypothyroidism:
*weight gain
*increased sensitivity to cold
*constipation
*muscle weakness
*joint pain
*depression
*moodiness
*difficulty concentrating
*fatigue
*hair loss
*dry skin
*water retention in the hands and feet
*low sex drive
*hoarse voice
*high cholesterol
*thick or brittle fingernails
*excessive menstrual bleeding
If you have 3 or more of any of these symptoms, you may have an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid, which is a tiny, butterfly shaped gland at the base of your throat, produces hormones that operate every function in your body. Thyroid hormones help to heighten mood, skin, hair, nails, sex drive, heart function, cholesterol, and so much more. Therefore, it is vitally important to take good care of your thyroid. Below I have made a list of any natural cures and remedies you can use to heal and enounce a healthy thyroid:
1. Nutrition: exact nutrients for your thyroid are Iodine, Selenium, Omega 3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamin E and Vitamin D. The best source of Iodine is found in sea vegetables, together with marine phytoplankton. The best source of Selenium is found in Brazil nuts. Getting plenty of sun for vitamin D and eating foods that consist of omega 3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish like salmon and sardines is a very good diet for hypothyroidism. definite foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), peaches, strawberries, peanuts, radishes, spinach, and millet are thought about goitrogenic, which mean they can hinder thyroid-hormone output by reducing the number of iodine in your body. Many habitancy with underactive thyroids are sensitive to gluten, which is found in definite grains, and soy products, which is also thought about goitrogenic and estrogenic.
2. Focus On Your Adrenals: The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which includes the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and reproductive glands. These glands work together to yield the hormones that keep us alive. When one gland is suffering, they all feel it. If you have thyroid disease, you have to ask if it’s purely a thyroid problem or is your thyroid suffering because the adrenals are suffering? This may be the actual underlying cause of your thyroid issues. When the adrenals become imbalanced – from too much mental, corporeal or emotional stress – it alters the output of cortisol, which encourages the thyroid to slow down its hormone production. He Shou Wu, Ginseng, Schizandra, Cordyceps and Ashwagandha (which is good for both the thyroid and adrenals) are great herbs for your adrenal system.
3. Do A Chemical and Metal Detox: agreeing to David Wolfe, the thyroid and throat area is the most negatively charged area in our bodies and as a corollary is the most susceptible to attracting legitimately charged particles and substances such as heavy metals and chemicals, environmental toxins, chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants. All these can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Using liquid zeolites and sweating (sauna and steam baths) helps to detox these substances. The chlorine and fluoride found in unfiltered tap water can also interfere with iodine absorption in the thyroid. Airborne mold, allergens and pollutants can wreak havoc on the immune theory and may cause autoimmune thyroid diseases. Look into buying a good Hepa air filter. definite primary oils can help eliminate these harmful substances as well.
4. Get Chiropractic Care: Incorrectly aligned neck vertebrae can interfere with the nerves that aid thyroid function. A good chiropractor can straighten that right up for you.
5. Do Inverted Yoga Poses: Inverted poses, such as the headstand, shoulder stand, plough, camel, and bridge pose, stimulate the thyroid and growth hormone circulation. Doing yoga can also help cut stress which can contribute to thyroid malfunction.
Posted in Thyroid Articles | 
Hypothyroidism, Hypothyroidism Natural, Natural, Natural Remedies, RemediesPublished 2012/02/11 | The insufficient yield of Thyroxine in mammals can lead to Cretinism, a form of increase retardation where the sufferer severely lacks in both physical and thinking development. There are many manifestations of Hypothyroidism and roughly three percent of the habitancy is affected by this disorder. It arises for a variety of reasons, and its effects alter according to the organ responsible. Former Hypothyroidism is a succeed of a disorder within the thyroid gland itself, and is linked with a variety of conditions, along with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Iodine deficiency in the diet can lead to manifestations of these Former types, as the yield of Thyroxine in relation to its other hormone relatives becomes imbalanced and without the acceptable natural ratio the body fails to function properly. This imbalance of Thyroxine with other hormones can also be caused by Secondary factors. The pituitary gland, responsible for the regulation of hormone production, will often malfunction. The malfunction of the pituitary gland can lead to reduced yield of Thyroxine and will cause necessary disturbance to the quarterly increase of the sufferer.
Mechanisms responsible for control of the pituitary gland can also malfunction, leading to Tertiary causes for the condition. When the hypothalamus is functioning improperly, the hormone yield pathway is interrupted, resulting in a slower than required yield of the hormones downstream. Medicine of the health requires knowledge of the origin of the disorder and the response of the body to treatments.
There are typical symptoms noted with the disorder, which can be treated directly, or a more complex Medicine can be developed to alleviate the base causes of the syndrome itself. Poor muscle tone, muscle cramps, Goiter (a swelling of the throat), paleness and dry itchy skin are all symptomatic of the syndrome. Though Medicine of each indication of illness may supply relief, the definite pathology of the health will allow for elimination of the cause of the problem. Failing to recognize the symptoms at an early stage of the conditions improvement can lead to retardation of the individual’s growth, a weakened physiology and abnormal physical function, especially concerning the menstrual cycle of females.
Analytical tests have been developed to allow for definite diagnosis. These tests should be employed if there is a suspicion of the disorder arising from proximity of symptoms. They are relatively uncomplicated to perform and require puny beyond a uncomplicated blood test for definite hormone levels.
Modern Medicine involves the management of hormones developed to supply the body with the definite ratio of hormone required for natural growth. Use of Levothyroxine can supply the required treatment, but more complex treatments can supply a more definite and safer Medicine course. definite pathology and permissible Medicine of the disorder with truthful monitoring can allow the private to lead a normal and salutary life, free of major impediment. If the pathology is not reached early, then the potential of life of the sufferer may be greatly reduced and they may require permanent full time care. For this suspect if the disorder is suspected, then tests should be carried out and a regime of Medicine developed with haste.
Published 2012/02/02 | If you have hypothyroidism is very prominent to know that the type of diet you supervene can help you sell out your symptoms, and at the same time help you control your weight. Weight gain goes hand in hand with hypothyroidism and to some habitancy it gets rather difficult to lose weight with this condition.
There are key nutrients and foods that a diet for hypothyroid should include. On the other hand, there are distinct foods that should be avoided.
What Your Diet Should Have
A healthy diet for man with hypothyroidism would include whole grains, natural foods, plentifulness of fruits and vegetables and a good contribute of seafood and other lean protein. You should cut back on fatty meats. A multivitamin is probably a good idea if you don’t already take one.
An prominent Mineral
Selenium may be the most prominent nutrient in a diet for hypothyroid.
Why?
This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is valuable for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces, T4, into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts are an incredibly good source of selenium, but you can also get it from some lean meats.
Fiber is Key to control Your Weight
Another tactic that will be very helpful for you if you’re trying to lose weight is eating more fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and can help you lose weight, in expanding to being helpful for constipation, other side supervene of hypothyroidism.
You can ingest your fiber in pill form or straight through one of those over-the-counter fiber concoctions, but it is so much great if you get your fiber from actual foods, like beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat and oatmeal.
Strive for whole grains, also known as complicated carbohydrates, over refined grains (things made with white flour or sugar). They’re great for you, help utter your blood sugar stable and will make you feel fuller.
Alcohol should also be avoided because it can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
A Diet With More Meals
Ideally, a diet for low thyroid function will include small meals spread out straight through the day rather than three big meals. If you eat five or six small meals it will help balance the slow metabolism that is part of hypothyroidism. Just remember, keep these meals around 300 fat each, and include exercise if you want to lose weight, too.
Some doctors advise the Zone diet to those with hypothyroid. The why behind the system is somewhat complicated, but it has to do with balancing out your insulin reaction to food, limiting the spikes and crashes you probably feel right now. Carbs are a big part of this diet, particularly those refined grains we were just talking about.
The diet calls for drinking lots of water (a good idea for anyone), eating more fruit and vegetables and less pasta, bread and starches, and a small whole of lean protein straight through the day. Most of your carbs should come from fruit and vegetables, with other starches used sparingly. You also should not go more than five hours in the middle of meals.
Red Light Foods
As we were saying before, your diet should not include distinct foods. Some vegetables, fruits and grains can depress the function of your thyroid gland. To learn about these foods visit diet for hypothyroid.
Published 2012/01/26 | Hypothyroidism a disease resulting from the inability of the thyroid glands to furnish the spoton amounts of confident hormones, known as thyroxine and tri-iodo-thyronine, which are needed for the body to function normally. These hormones are honestly indispensable for the permissible increase and improvement processes. They are also of famous point for assorted processes at the cellular level.
Thyax is a natural supplement used in the rehabilitation of assorted symptoms associated with the thyroid glands.
It has been found to be one of the most productive alternative therapies available today and has the possible to treat Hypothyroidism satisfactorily.
Additionally vital processes such as the metabolism of the whole body, including the beating of the heart. The burning of fat by the human body are dependent on hormones produced by the thyroid.
The Hypothyroidism disease is representative of low secretions of these hormones and leads to assorted consequences in the physiology of an individual. It is honestly the most tasteless healing health amongst all disorders associated to the thyroid glands.
Some of the symptoms and effects of the disorder are:
- The skin of the inpatient becomes pale and very dry.
- The voice of the individual becomes hoarse.
- The cholesterol level of the blood greatly increases.
- The inpatient also suffers from stiffness of joints and aching muscles.
- The muscles come to be weak.
- The man is very susceptible to climatic changes.
The finest natural supplement available to deal with this disorder presently. A high-potency supplement, designed in such a way as to help adjust the nutritional imbalances, and resultant metabolic alterations that are directly caused by insufficient secretions of thyroid hormones.
Thyax is used extensively world-wide because of its advantages over similar drugs for the rehabilitation of thyroid associated disorders. Some of the benefits of e:
o It is a major revision over other accepted drugs and has no side-effects.
o Thyax is a drug which is greatly beneficial as it lowers the risk of interaction of the rehabilitation with other processes of the body.
o It is thought about a great selection than the original hormone transfer treatment. The hormone transfer therapy always has a high risk of inducing an hormonal imbalance in the body and is consequently avoided by a lot of people.
o This supplement caters to the nutritional needs of the body and more importantly of the thyroid glands. It supplies the pituitary glands with ample amounts of nutrients in order to regulate the circulation of hormones efficiently in the body.
Thyax replenishes the body by supplying much needed minerals, vitamins and amino acids, thereby helping the body gain its chemical imbalance. It is honestly the best rehabilitation for thyroid gland associated disorders.
Published 2012/01/25 | Your hair represents your health. Losing you hair is worrying enough, but sometimes it’s linked to other health problems. Hair loss can be caused due to corporeal situations like hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, surgery, medications or thyroid disease in particular.
It is very base in U.S. American Academy of Dermatology’s Data says, nearly half of all adults will touch hair thinning by age 40 in U.S.A. But thyroid patients may loss hair earlier and speedily than usual.
Thyroid diseases can be broadly divided into the following categories:
1: Hyperthyroidism – Overproduction of thyroid hormone
2: Hypothyroidism – Underproduction of thyroid hormone
3: Benign (noncancerous) thyroid disease and Thyroid cancer
When it comes to hair loss thyroid problem, a rapid loss of hair is experienced due to underproduction or over productions of the thyroid hormone and it is also one of the main identifying symptoms.
Where thyroid gland is located?
It is settled in the base of the neck on both side of the larynx (voice box) lower part.
Steps to take for hair loss with thyroid condition
Get Evaluated
If you are dealing with a thyroid problem and losing hair, a good idea would be to get evaluated by dermatologist. They might do some tests to find out the other causes of hair loss such as infection etc. Other then the thyroid problem.
Is it your Thyroid Drug?
Make sure the hair loss is not because of your medications, if you are on medications like levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Levothroid) and still losing hair, then it’s time to take action. The side effects to these drugs could be continued or immoderate hair loss. Consulting a doctor on this would be good.
Are you undertreated?
Make sure you are not undertreated, not taking right drugs or not being at the right Tsh, as it could corollary in hair fall.
Have Patience
If your dermatologist has concluded, you have thyroid linked hair loss, then you have to have patience to determine down. Hair loss will slow down and may stop once hormone levels get stabilized and function is normal range. But this can take a few months time.
What about other alternatives?
Portsmouth University Professor, Dr. Hugh Rushton says, in one of the studies he found that 90 percent of women having thin hair due to lack of iron and the amino acid lysine. Lysine helps converyance iron which is the most important elements in the body and requisite for many metabolic processes. Meat, eggs and fish are the only food sources of lysine. Alternatively Supplements are also ready for lysine.
Prescription medicine for losing hair
A good idea would be to consult a doctor for a prescribe treatment. In some cases, Drug treatments are recommended by dermatologist. Rogaine and Propecia are the most beloved drugs. Caution: These are not safe to be taken during pregnancy.
Hair loss with thyroid problem may be stopped or lower down as the thyroid hormones get controlled and function properly. Thyroid knowledge of losing hair will help you take quick action to preclude and operate hair.
Published 2012/01/25 | Do you often feel weak and end up overtly exhausted at the end of the day? Many people have lived all their lives wondering why they can not be as agile as they hope to be, to miserably verbalize themselves with the itsybitsy opportunities available to a often worn out body and demeanor. Now for those of you who seem to be on an incessant struggle to determine weight problems, possibly you are wondering why it is all too difficult for you to lose extra pounds, despite all the dieting and exercise, when other people can splurge on fatty foods without gaining a bit of weight. These are just a few potential symptoms of thyroid disorders that have often been dealt with psychological reproaches such as being too undisciplined to operate food intake or support a regular exercise regimen as a form of weight loss agenda or lack of initiative in the case of a person who has to deal with daily bouts of fatigue.
So if you are into any of these physical ordeals, then it is time for you to visit a physician for consultation and submit yourself to a blood test that would verify the pituitary glands output level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (Tsh) or the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete cellular hormones. Most likely, you have acquired a hormonal output imbalance that rightly defines hypothyroidism, a dysfunction of the pituitary gland that results to the impairment of the core functions of the thyroid glands.
A salutary and properly functioning thyroid gland secretes the right volume of vital hormones that regulate varied biochemical process that transpire within the body, affecting brain development, blood calcium levels, protein production, increase and metabolism. Underproduction of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 cause hypothyroidism, which often manifests in the symptoms of memory loss, decreased libido, depression, constipation and menstrual cramps, as well as fatigue and weight loss problems.
A prescription of synthetic thyroid hormones is a base medicine for this dysfunction, apart from the management of natural T3 and T4 hormones derived from a cow. Nonetheless, these forms of medication are branch to pertinent risks. While the likelihood of viral contamination is apparent in the use of natural hormones, synthetic hormones carry the risk of developing hyperthyroidism or the overproduction of thyroid hormones. A homeopathic form of medicine is seen as a good option for the cure of any instance of hypothyroidism, being efficient and free from the side effects potential with the previous treatment. A market herbal medication for a thyroid problem, such as Thyroid Assist, comes formulated with the therapeutic benefits of potent herbs such as Bladder wrack and Avena Sativa that can help revive thyroid health by correcting iodine deficiency and stimulating the output of thyroid hormones T4 and T3.
Why go straight through any ordeal relevant to hypothyroidism? Get a bottle of Thyroid support today and seek a whole new perspective in life.
Posted in Thyroid Articles | Herbal, Hypothyroidism, Problem, Relief, Thyroid, Thyroid HypothyroidismPublished 2012/01/23 | Thyroid disease is often misunderstood foremost to a misdiagnosis and mistreatment of thyroid symptoms in women. Most patients are diagnosed as hypo-thyroid and given a artificial form of thyroid hormone. One of the problems with this is that the thyroid was looked at as its own entity and not seen as a part of a greater whole within the endocrine system. Thyroid symptoms in women are but a slice of the proverbial larger pie.
The thyroid is only a part, albeit foremost one, of the delicately balanced endocrine system. an additional one way to look at thyroid disease is as an unbalancing of the endocrine system. Most patients given artificial thyroid hormone will not have great long-term administration of their condition.
To look at the thyroid gland and thyroid function one must take into catalogue that many artificial compounds and plainly occurring ones charge the thyroid on a daily basis. It may not be only one of these insults, but a aggregate that has caused malfunction in the endocrine system.
Chemicals causing thyroid symptoms in women include:
• Anti-diabetic drugs
• Sulfa drugs
• Prednisone
• Estrogen-birth control pills and hormone transfer therapy
• Lithium
• Aspirin and salicylate pain killers
• Food additives in processed foods
Alcohol and prescribe medication will deplete the body of B vitamins. This deficiency of B vitamins, specifically B6, reduces the availability of iodine for the output of thyroid hormone.
Soy, some nuts and cruciferous vegetables can lead to low function of the thyroid, hypo-thyroid, if eaten in large amounts. These comprise cabbage, kale, broccoli, kohlrabi, mustard, watercress, lima beans, sweet potato, almonds, walnuts and pine nuts. The soy business unquestionably acknowledges that soy can reduce thyroid function, but only when there is a discount in iodine (see http://www.fortcollinsnutrition.com/iodinesupplements.html ). Exposure to environmental and dietary compounds like fluorine, chlorine and bromine will alter the output of thyroglobulin. These compounds will competitively inhibit binding of iodine at the follicular cells which will decrease the ability of iodothyronine hormones produced, or T4 and T3. This could mean that Tsh is high, may prompt a pathology of hypothyroid, but the thyroid is producing sufficient hormone, just poor ability hormone. A inpatient might not feel best with artificial thyroid hormone because they cannot bind iodine. (This does not mean that you should take iodine if your Tsh is high, you Must have a unblemished thyroid panel drawn so a great doctor can resolve where in this complex principles disharmony has occurred).
The thyroid can also be impacted in a negative way but dysfunction or imbalance elsewhere in the endocrine system. Cortisol, sex hormones and insulin can all have an impact on thyroid function. Conditions together with adrenal fatigue, hypoglycemia and decreased sex drive can all lead to decreased function in the thyroid. As stated before, thyroid function is a very complex and delicate part of the entire endocrine system. Imbalances in one area can trigger stress in other areas; it is the physician’s duty to frame out where the dysfunction has occurred, where treatment should be focused and to reassure the inpatient that she will feel marked revising in a short duration of time.
Posted in Thyroid Articles | complex, determination, HypoThyroid, HypoThyroid Women, Symptoms, Thyroid, WomenPublished 2012/01/16 | Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland which can occur due to several fundamental healing conditions but is typically caused by an autoimmune disease. There are several types of thyroditis and this condition can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as it may cause numerous symptoms that mimic other conditions or diseases.
Treatment for this condition depends upon the type thyroiditis as well as the symptoms that are occurring. Thyroditis can cause hyperthyroidism which is the overproduction of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism which is the underproduction of thyroid hormones.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and De Quervain’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune system disease and a tasteless cause of thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Rehabilitation for this condition typically consists of thyroid hormone transfer in order to treat the hypothyroidism which can also preclude the thyroid gland from becoming larger.
De Quervain’s thyroiditis – also known as subacute thyroiditis – is view to occur from a viral infection and typically causes the thyroid gland to swell very rapidly and also causes the symptoms fever as well as a essential number of pain and tenderness of the thyroid gland.
This condition is typically treated with bed rest and pain relieving medications such as aspirin and most patients will perceive a full recovery after the inflammation has dissipated and the thyroid gland returns to normal, however, in some cases an private may build permanent hypothyroidism.
Silent Thyroiditis and Radiation-induced Thyroiditis
Silent thyroiditis is also a typically a temporary condition with only a little enlargement of the thyroid gland and is generally treated with bed rest and beta blockers to operate any symptoms of heart palpitations. Most patients perceive a full recovery within twelve to eighteen months; however, it is possible for a patient to build permanent hypothyroidism.
Radiation-induced thyroiditis is caused by radiation Rehabilitation that is given for the Rehabilitation of cancer or radioactive iodine Rehabilitation (Rai) that is sometimes used for the Rehabilitation of hyperthyroidism. This typically causes an private to build permanent but treatable hypothyroidism.
Drug-induced Thyroiditis and Acute Thyroiditis or Suppurative Thyroiditis
Sometimes when a patient is taking prescription medications such as lithium, amiodarone, interferons or cytokines, for other healing conditions this can cause the inflammation of the thyroid gland as well as the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. These symptoms will continue as long as the patient is taking the medication.
Acute thyroiditis or suppurative thyroiditis is relatively rare and typically caused by an infection that starts within the thyroid gland. The symptoms that can occur with this condition are a very painful thyroid, fever, chills, and sometimes mild hypothyroidism. This condition is typically treated with antibiotic medications for the infection and the symptoms will typically go away after the infection has been successfully treated.
While most types of thyroiditis can be cured by treating the fundamental cause of this condition, when left untreated it has the possible to cause other complications. Therefore, if you are having any symptoms that are regarding you it is essential that you perceive your physician for a healing estimation in order to get a permissible diagnosis.
Published 2012/01/15 | Proteins are made up of long chains of building blocks called amino acids. The sequence of the amino acid is characteristic to a singular protein and this determines its function. There are twenty or more amino acids – some of which are valuable some non-essential.
Essential and non-essential amino acids
‘Essential’ means that the body cannot yield the specific amino acid and has to take them in from covering sources – either straight through food or supplements. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body but can also be obtained from the diet.
The valuable amino acids are:
Leucine
Isoleucine
Lysine
Methionine (and its linked blend cystine)
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
In infants histidine is also essential.
The non-essential amino acids are:
Alanine
Aspartic acid
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Serine
Tyrosine
The body’s requirements for the amino acids in proteins increases during periods of growth – such as infancy, during fertilization and breast feeding, during saving from weight loss, or in medical or saving from burns.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein which are often the building blocks of the body. Proteins can be divided into two types:
Structural proteins – these are found in muscle, bones, connective tissue and to a much lesser extent in cell walls.
Functional proteins – these consist of hormones such as insulin and thyroid hormone, digestive enzymes, and antibodies.
Amino acids themselves are used not only in proteins but also other molecules such as neurotransmitters (chemical that transmit electrical nerve impulses in the brain). It can be seen that there are many leading functions performed by amino acids.
Therapeutic uses of amino acids
We tend to think of vitamins and mineral and valuable fatty acids as being the major nutritional supplements, however, amino acids can also be used to contribute therapeutic benefit.
In determined diseases there may be increased demands for determined types of proteins and if these proteins are high in one singular amino acid then the requirements for that amino acid may well be increased – an maybe not satisfied by the diet alone. In other conditions there is a disturbance in the metabolism of a singular amino acid.
Some pharmaceutical drugs can affect amino acid metabolism. For example anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of arthritis affects the metabolism of tryptophan.
Below is a list of some of the ways that amino acids have been used.
Arginine – has been shown to heighten sperm count and sperm motility in some men.
Lysine – is used particularly for recurrent cold sores and herpes infections.
Phenylalanine – has been used in the treatment of pain and depression.
Tryptophan – this amino acid has been more studied than the others. There is an relationship between the level of tryptophan in the blood and arthritis. High levels of tryptophan are also found in jaundice. It has also been used in depression, particularly if insomnia is present. Oestrogen containing oral contraceptives interfere with the normal metabolism of tryptophan (this may be because of their corollary in vitamin B6 which is valuable for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin.)
Histidine – has been used in rheumatoid arthritis – low levels of histidine has been found in the blood of those with rheumatoid arthritis
Tyrosine – like tryptophan and phenylalanine has been used in the treatment of depression. This amino acid is valuable for the synthesis of substances called catecholamines (these consist of dopamine and noradrenaline) and some citizen who are depressed have low levels of these compounds. It is likely that more and more uses for amino acids will become obvious as investigate progresses.
Proteins (which consist of amino acids) are valuable requirement in our diet. Amino acids, valuable and non-essential, are needed for the body’s structural component – bones, muscle and connective tissue and for functional aspects such as hormones and other chemicals. The range of therapeutic used for which amino acids are used is still somewhat miniature it is likely that the uses will enlarge as we learn more about the role that amino acids play in maintaining health.