Amino acids

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Anti-Growth Despite all the hype and anti-hype surrounding L-arginine, this substance remains one of the most intriguing of the amino acids and, potentially, one of the most useful. It has marked effects on several major endocrine hormones, plays very significant roles in muscle, growth and healing, helps regulate and support key components of the immune system and has exhibited important liver-protective and anticancer properties. It is also of critical importance in male fertility. Both too much and too little have been claimed for L-arginine (and its cousin, ornithine).

HlSTIDINE (Arthritis Treatment) L-Histidine is one of the lesser known amino acids in the supplement marketplace, and few claims have been made for it. One researcher who was studying rheumatoid arthritis found abnormally low levels of this amino acid in the blood of those suffering from that disease. He gave some of his arthritic patients up to 6 grams of histidine daily. Benefits were observed in many; some were said to be helped with as little as 1 gram daily. A subsequent study found lesser benefits—but enough to justify further investigation, according to the researchers involved.

L-glutamic acid and L-glutamine are closely related amino acids. Glu-tamine is a derivative of glutamic acid. Research some years ago suggested that glutamine, but not glutamic acid, might help curb alcohol craving. Other equally inconclusive studies have suggested glutamine can speed the healing of peptic ulcers, energize the mind, inhibit senility and counter depression. Glutamic acid was once reported to be capable of boosting the IQs of mentally retarded individuals. Numerous studies related to these and other claims have consistently contradicted one another.

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For example, nitrites, an additive used to cure meats such as bacon and hot dogs, combine with amino acids in the stomach and form compounds called nitrosamines, which are highly carcinogenic. Nitrosamines can destroy DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells. There are many other common foods consumed by Americans that can reduce the damage of nitrosamines. Two years ago, Cornell University food scientists published data showing that eating green peppers, pineapples, carrots, strawberries, and, especially, tomatoes, can suppress the formation of nitrosamines in humans.

Your diet may also be deficient in other essential vitamins and trace minerals, including the B vitamins, chromium, zinc, and essential amino acids. These nutrients participate in various body enzyme systems and serve as precursors in the manufacture of hormones and neurotransmitters. What to do? If you feel tired, light-headed, or edgy because you've been too busy to eat, don't reach for a candy bar; try a protein snack instead. Better yet, don't let yourself get into that condition in the first place. Eat five to six small meals a day rather than three large ones.

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Biotin Biotin functions in the manufacture and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids. Since biotin is manufactured in the intestines by gut bacteria, it is not often discussed as a needed nutrient. A vegetarian diet has been shown to alter the intestinal bacterial flora in such a manner as to enhance the synthesis and promote the absorption of biotin. Biotin supplementation has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and increase the activity of the enzyme glucokinase, the enzyme responsible for the first step in the utilization of glucose by the liver.

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Nirenberg show that identical forms of messenger RNA are used to produce the same amino acids in bacteria, guinea pigs, and toads, suggesting that the genetic code is a universal system used by all life forms Casimir Funk, Polish-American biochemist, d New York, NY, Nov 20 Haldan K. Hartline (b Bloomsburg, PA, Dec 22, 1903), George Manfred Eigen (b Bochum, Germany, May 9, 1927), Ronald G.W.

Erlich and coworkers announce in Apr that they have developed a method that can identify a person—or at least rule out a given individual—from the DNA in a single hair; in this method, the DNA is amplified by causing the small portion actually located to form a polymer so that the portion repeats Ya-Ming Hou and Paul Schimmel discover how to decode part of the genetic code found in transfer RNA, the part of the protein-building mechanism directed by DNA that does the actual assembly of amino acids into proteins The US Patent and Trade Office issues patent No.

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You can make garlic into a tea, but you will probably enjoy it a whole lot more if you just toss a few minced cloves onto a plate of pasta or add them to a mixed green salad. V amino acids. Now let's wiggle a toe into nutritional waters. An amino acid, arginine, is considered necessary for viral replication. A preponderance of another amino acid, lysine, over arginine is supposed to suppress viral replication. Hence, those who value this theory seek foods with a high-lysine, low-arginine content.

There are some other seeds that contain these beneficial amino acids. Buffalo gourd seeds contain generous amounts of all three, peanuts and sesame seeds are high in glycine, and almonds, butternuts and peanuts are high in glutamic acid. WV Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Shortly after Proscar was approved by the FDA, the agency banned all nonprescription drugs for BPH. The ban was imposed for two reasons, according to Varro Tyler, Ph.D., dean and professor emeritus of pharmacognosy (natural product pharmacy) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

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These were faint purple in color and not in the position of any of the clearly defined amino acids with which he was familiar. He inquired of his chemistry professor and found out that these stripes had actually been seen for many years, but no one had bothered to investigate them. In Poland students must defend their Ph.D. theses in a public forum. Announcements of the time and place are even placed in the local newspapers. Burzynski was afraid that one of his examiners would ask him the identity of these three pale lines.

Because of the great number of amino acids in urine and the complexity of some of the amino-acid-containing constituents, good separation techniques are a prerequisite . . ." (Lou and Hamilton, 1979). Modern techniques were pioneered in 1951 with column chromatography. In 1958 the ion-exchange chromatographic technique became automated. Gel filtration was introduced in 1959 and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) a few years later. These, plus electrophoresis, were the standard techniques Burzynski used to reveal the presence of peptide fractions.

This novel compound turned out to be a dipeptide (two amino acids), with glutamine arranged in a sixfold ring structure. Its chemical name was 3-phenylacetylamino-2, 6-piperidine-dione. Burzynski dubbed it A10. In the body, A10 broke down into two other substances, which were excreted in the urine. These were named AS2-1 and AS2-5. These three substances were soon being synthesized and manufactured in his Houston laboratory. Contrary to later charges, the composition of Burzynski's materials was not kept a secret. The doctor was eager for other scientists to learn his manufacturing methods.

He was able to break down the original 39 fractions into 119 medium-sized peptides (10 to 15 amino acids each) and to examine their biological activity. This was the exploratory phase of the work. There were startling results, which were published by Burzynski, Ungar, and E. Lubanski in a 1974 article (Physiol. Chem. Phys. 6:457).

His first published papers on amino acids and peptides were done while still a medical student. Stash graduated from the Medical Academy of Lublin in 1967—first in his class of 250. In the following year he received another doctorate, a Ph.D. in biochemistry. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the country to receive both advanced degrees. His dissertation project turned out to be the beginning of his lifelong quest. It started quite serendipitously. His assignment was to study the blood of patients with various illnesses.

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Vitamin K, copper, sodium, vitamin B6, B12, zinc, amino acids, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, potassium may all be depleted by antibiotics. What Else to Take If You Take These Drugs Take supplements of the above nutrients and be sure to use probiotics (see natural alternatives at the end of this chapter). Fluoroquinolones Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) Enoxacin (Penetrex) Lomefloxacin (Mctxctquin) Norfloxacin (Noroxin) Ofloxacin (Floxin) Sparfloxacin (Zagam) What Do They Do in The Body?

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Aloe vera contains a num ber of compounds necessary for wound healing, including vitamins C and E, two potent antioxidants, and varying amounts of proteins (at least 22 amino acids), complex carbohydrates, glucose, and vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential for the growth of new cells. Various studies have documented that this herb penetrates injured tissue, relieves pain, is anti-inflammatory and increases the blood supply to the injured area. Aloe may also help to stimulate the growth of new skin.

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EXCEPTION ONE: Plants of definite nutritive value may be used on a fairly consistent basis, because their rich blend of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, and hormones afford the body solid protection against potential illnesses. Such herbs might include: alfalfa, beet root, chamomile, dandelion, evening primrose, flaxseed, ginger, hops, kelp, marshmallow, nettle, onion, parsley, radish, stinging nettle, turmeric, watercress and yarrow. EXCEPTION TWO: A lingering or lifetime illness that demands the constant use of certain herbs.

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Food for Life, an analysis of the health benefits of vegetarianism, and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a professional organization in Washington, DC, that promotes preventive medicine through nutrition. "The amino acids that form proteins increase the blood's acidity. To neutralize this effect, the body releases calcium from the bones, which winds up in the urine. The dairy industry has used osteoporosis as a marketing tool, but countries that consume large amounts of milk and dairy products actually have the highest rates of hip fracture.

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A potentially deadly hereditary disease, commonly called the "maple syrup urine disease," blocks the metabolism of these three amino acids. In children affected with this disease, keto acids are dumped into the urine, making it smell like maple syrup. The amino acid deficiencies that result cause problems with the nervous system, seizures, and a failure to thrive. Valine supplementation may be helpful in muscle building (along with isoleucine and leucine) and in liver and gallbladder disease.

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Pregnant women should not take amino acids unless instructed to do so by their doctor. The term "antioxidant" has become a buzzword in the media. Anyone who listens to the radio, watches TV, or reads a magazine or newspaper has heard the term. But what are antioxidants and what do they do? When I hear people talking about antioxidants, they usually say something like "antioxidants prevent or WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? slow down the aging process" or "they prevent cancer." These people are on the right track. To understand what antioxidants are, let's first discuss the term "free radical.

The bee product also has B vitamins and amino acids, more essential components of human health. Finally, it contains an essential oil that likely contributes to its medicinal effects. DOSAGE Propolis is available commercially in the following forms. °^ Capsules I recommend capsules to enhance immunity. The typical adult dosage is 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily. Tincture This form can be taken internally to enhance immunity, especially if you have a sore throat or upper respiratory tract infection. The dose is 1 to 3 milliliters taken three times daily.

Actually, the bacteria in the gut produce amino acids, including lysine in very small amounts. This amino acid is highly concentrated in muscle tissue. Foods high in lysine include chicken and wild game, cottage cheese, and wheat germ. Most fruits and vegetables, except for avocados, contain little lysine. Lysine is involved in many different metabolic activities in the body. It is required for growth, particularly in children. It is thought to be important for bone health, and some consider it a supplement for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

You can get the full spectrum of amino acids from the combination of various plant foods. They are also very important for detoxification. That's significant because proper detoxification removes toxins that cause fat storage and water retention. °^ Watch Your Water Intake Drinking an adequate amount of water is critical for weight loss. Dehydration, even at a marginal level, actually causes the body to store water, and water retention is a large factor in weight gain. In addition, water is essential for detoxification.

It is one of the amino acids that are depleted from the body when it is under stress. People who have Parkinson's disease, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, asthma, and depression have been found to have low levels of lysine. DOSAGE A typical dosage is 1,500 to 3,000 milligrams for the acute treatment of herpes outbreaks (both Type 1 and Type 2). Lower dosages are used by some practitioners for the prevention of outbreaks, usually 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily. A number of nutrients help your body absorb and use lysine.

Other amino acids act directly as neurotransmitters." Braverman E., The Healing Nutrients Within. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1997, p. 9. ARSENICUM • According to Dana Ullman, coauthor of Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines, over 70,000 registered homeopaths practice in India. Britain is home of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, and the Royal Family has been under homeopathic care since 1930. In France, more than 6,000 physicians practice homeopathy and over 18,000 pharmacies sell homeopathic remedies." Cummings S, Ullman D, Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines.

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Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) (Public Law 103-417): • Defines supplements as amino acids, herbs, botanicals, metabolites, and diet products as well as vitamins and minerals. • Makes the FDA responsible for proving that a supplement is harmful, rather than making the manufacturer prove that it is not harmful. • Ends the FDA's independent authority to remove harmful products from the market. • Makes the Secretary of Health and Human Services responsible for initiating court proceedings against harmful products.

Histidine is essential for infants; its adult requirement is uncertain. The amino acids arginine, cystine, glycine, glutamine, proline, and tyrosine are consideted to be "conditionally essential"; they may be tequired under certain conditions, genetic and otherwise. The protein metabolites carnitine, ornithine, and taurine also may be conditionally essential. cOther fatty acids in the omega-3 series also may have essential functions. Synthesized by intestinal microorganisms; dietary requirement uncertain. eCholine is synthesized by the body to some extent; the dietary requirement is uncertain.

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Vitamin K, amino acids, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6 and B12 are all depleted. What Else to Take If You Take These Drugs Supplements of the above. Take them two hours after a meal. Also be sure to take probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics (see natural alternatives at the end of this chapter).

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By the definition used here, techno-foods encompass an enormous range of products: foods enriched or fortified with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, amino acids, or fatty acids, as well as herbs, plant phy-tochemicals, and even wood pulp derivatives. They also include "lesser-evil" foods that have been formulated to be low in calories, fat, sugar, salt, caffeine, or allergens or to contain artificial substitutes for unwanted ingredients such as sugar or fat.

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