Definition:

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced from the breakdown of proteins in the diet.

• Elevated blood levels of homocysteine have been linked with a wide range of health disorders, including heart disease, stroke, macular degeneration, hearing loss, migraine, brain atrophy, dementia, and cancer.
• Genetic issues, such as methylation issues caused by genetic mutations such as the MTHFR gene, can enhance homocysteine levels.
• A high-protein diet, especially one that includes red meats and dairy products, is also high in methionine, the parent compound of homocysteine. Following such a diet can increase blood levels of homocysteine.
• Numerous factors, including prescription drug use, smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption, advancing age, genetics, and obesity, contribute to elevated homocysteine levels.
• A program of regular exercise may help reduce homocysteine levels.

Treatment:

• Avoid methionine-rich foods: Particularly red meats and dairy products. Although methionine is an essential amino acid, it is also suspected to indirectly promote atherosclerotic plaque growth by increasing homocysteine levels.
• Exercise: In a cardiac rehabilitation program following bypass surgery, angioplasty, or heart attack, 76 participants experienced a modest 12% reduction in homocysteine just by engaging in a program of regular exercise.
• Decrease or eliminate: Alcohol, coffee (filtered and unfiltered), and smoking.
• Weight loss: obesity is associated with higher homocysteine.
• Certain supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, can help in the treatment of elevated homocysteine levels.