The H Factor Solution

by Braly, James

• ISBN13: 9781591200420
• ISBN10: 1591200423
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-01
• Publisher: Basic Health Pubns

Summary

Staying healthy, happy, clearheaded, and full of energy into old age -- this is what we all want. But insuring that we do depends on how well we can "read" the state of our health. What if there was a single test that could do that, as well as point the way to a superhealthy future? Fortunately, there is. This test measures your level of homocysteine, an amino acid that is found naturally in the blood. High levels of homocysteine, or a high "H score," predicts your risk of more than 100 diseases and medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression. In fact, it is even more accurate than a cholesterol reading for predicting the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It also is the single best functional indicator of folate, B[subscript 12], and B[subscript 6] vitamin status. When homocysteine is high, one or more of these vitamins is low. Moreover, elevated homocysteine is an excellent biological marker for glutathione, SAMe, L-cysteine, and methyl donor deficiencies; when homocysteine is high, one or more of these critical anti-aging, health-promoting natural body chemicals is deficient.

Author Biography

James Braly, M.D., is an internationally renowned expert on food allergies, gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and clinical nutrition. He is currently medical editor and consultant for www.drbralyallergyrelief.com Patrick Holford was founder of the prestigious London-based Optimum Nutrition Center. Today, Mr. Holford is in great demand in England as a lecturer, writer, and nutritional consultant for radio and national television

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments,	vii
A Note from Dr. Kilmer McCully,	ix
Foreword by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.,	xi
Introduction,	1	(8)
Part One-The Homocysteine Story
1. The Health Secret of Homocysteine,	9	(8)
2. What Is Homocysteine?	17	(8)
3. Ten Reasons to Lower Your Homocysteine,	25	(10)
Part Two-How's Your Homocysteine?
4. Homocysteine-Your Most Vital Statistic,	35	(8)
5. The Homocysteine Scale-From Sick to Superhealthy,	43	(4)
6. The Risk Factors for High Homocysteine,	47	(6)
7. How to Measure Your Homocysteine Level,	53	(8)
Part Three-Medical Conditions linked to High Homocysteine
8. Live to a Healthy 100,	61	(8)
9. Heart Attacks and Strokes,	69	(10)
10. Cancer,	79	(6)
11. Diabetes and Thyroid Problems,	85	(6)
12. Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease,	91	(6)
13. Depression and Schizophrenia,	97	(6)
14. Complications of Pregnancy and Infertility,	103	(8)
15. Chronic Pain and Inflammation,	111	(6)
16. Digestive Disorders,	117	(6)
Part Four-The H-Factor Solution: Diet and Lifestyle
17. Eat High-Quality Protein and Fruits and Vegetables,	123	(16)
18. Foods and Beverages to Avoid,	139	(10)
19. Reduce Stress-and Stop Smoking!	149	(6)
20. Dieting Don'ts and Correcting Estrogen Deficiency,	155	(6)
Part Five-H-Factor Supplements
21. Eat Right and Take Supplements,	161	(6)
22. Supplementing with Folate,	167	(8)
23. Supplementing with Vitamin B12,	175	(4)
24. Vitamins B6 and B2, Zinc, and Magnesium-The Homocysteine Busters,	179	(8)
25. TMG, SAMB, and Choline-The Premier Methyl Donors,	187	(10)
26. The Synergy Principle-Why Multiple Nutrients Work Better,	197	(4)
27. A Gentle Word of Caution about Supplements,	201	(4)
A Review: Twelve Solutions for Superhealth,	205	(4)
Appendices
A. The Biochemistry of Homocysteine,	209	(1)
B. 100-Plus Medical Conditions Associated with High Homocysteine,	210	(5)
Resources for Testing and Lowering Homocysteine,	215	(3)
Recommended Reading,	218	(1)
Notes,	219	(16)
Index,	235	(6)
About the Authors,	241