The Health Diva

Managing Homocysteine levels is our latest and most simple ways to maintain a healthy heart. Elevated Homocysteine levels are thought to be a key indicator for the potential to develop cardiovascular disease.

Homocysteine is a compound, which is thought to trigger damage to your arteries that could lead to heart attack, or stroke. If you have high homocysteine levels you are more at risk of blood clots, which could cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Homocysteine is made in your body, through the conversion  of the aminoacid methionine found in proteins. If the body is well nourished, and has adequate vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid then homeocysteine is converted into a harmless compound, however if we have below optimum levels of these nutrients, then homeocysteine levels can elevate, and will eventually be a significant risk for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin B6 helps turn homeocysteine into harmless compound cystathionine. Folic acid and B12 convert homeocysteine back to methionine, ready to carry on it’s antioxidant action.  Other recent evidence shows that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke.

Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid to protect yourself. Whole-grains, leafy green vegetables, and dairy products are all good sources of these nutrients, taking a daily B complex will ensure adequate intake. Homocysteine lowering supplements have been developed to specifically maintain your homocysteine levels.

If you are concern about your homocysteine levels, your GP or a qualified nutritionist has access to blood tests to determine your homocysteine levels. Ask the Diva to put you in touch with a nutritionist in your area.