Find Out What The Risk Factors Of High Homocystein Levels Are!

What are homocystein levels and what would you say if I told you that you could reduce your risk of death from all illness related causes by 49%. Would you get exited?

Well listen up because it has been scientifically proven that for every 5 point increase in your homocystein score, you gain;

•A 50% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease

•A 26% increased risk of death from cancer

•A 104% increased risk of death from causes other than cardiovascular disease or cancer

These are the findings of a comprehensive study carried out at the University of Bergen in Norway, published in 2001 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Homocystein is formed in the metabolism of the amino acid methionone, which is found in the protein that you eat.Your body usually turns it into two beneficial substances, but, if you do not have sufficient quantities of vitamin B enzymes your homocystein can’t be converted, so your level could rise dangerously.

Also, one in ten people have a genetic mutation that is inherited, that makes them more prone to higher levels and studies have suggested that, if your level is elevated, you have a much greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

Fortunately studies have shown that larger daily intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid can help to make the deficient enzyme work properly.

High risk factors

If you have any of the following risk factors you should get your levels checked;

•Family history of heart disease, strokes, cancer, diabetes, schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease

•Increasing age

•Male sex

•Oestrogen deficiency

•Folic acid intake of less than 900mcg per day

•Excessive coffee, tea or alcohol intake

•Smoking

•Lack of exercise

•Repressed anger or hostility

•Pregnancy

•Inflammatory bowel disease

•H. pylori-generated ulcers

•Being a strict vegetarian or vegan

•High fat diet with excessive red meat or high fat dairy intake

•High salt intake

Now it seems to me that we should all be concerned, so please get your levels checked. An ideal level is below 6, but if yours turns out to be higher, some simple life style changes can bring it down quite rapidly.

Many of you may not have given much thought to your cardiovascular health until now, but you are not alone. Many internists, and even cardiologists do not know much when it comes to blood vessels and vascular health.

So visit this informative site that teaches you how to support your heart.

This site will open in a new window behind this page, so have a look at it and then return to me for much more intrigueing information on how to stay young and healthy!

For more detailed information on testing your levels. and other vitamin robbers go to food additives or caffeine addiction and sugar addiction. Also find out the facts about smoking and how you can reduce your risk of illness or early death dramatically!