Health Info Facts

For every person who asks this question, the answer will be slightly different. Each one of us has different needs and different ways of meeting those needs – a unique combination of stress and biochemical individuality. Genetic factors play an important part in this. For example, recent research indicates that as many as 5 to 15 per cent of people may have a particular type of genetic mutation in the DNA which codes for an enzyme involved in the metabolism of an amino acid known as homocysteine. This leads to higher homocysteine concentrations and therefore an increased risk of heart disease, and in women, of having babies with neural tube defects. Because folate and other B vitamins are involved in homocysteine metabolism, such people have higher folate requirements than those who do not have this type of genetic mutation, and may need supplements. Future research may show the presence of other common genetic variations, which throws doubt on the concept of assuming normality for nutrient requirements in any population.

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What is Pangamic Acid? Pangamic acid was isolated in 1951 by the biochemist Ernest Krebs, who named it vitamin B15. Pangamic may play a role in the formation of amino acids, glucose oxidation and cell respiration and may act as an antioxidant. It may also lower blood cholesterol and improve circulation. There are no known toxic effects from even high doses of pangamic acid. Pangamic acid has also been used to reduce the build-up of lactic acid and thereby to lessen muscle fatigue and increase endurance

Gynecomastia is a scientific term that comes from the Greek words for ‘women-like breasts’. Gynecomastia itself is not physically harmful, but in some cases may be an indicator of other more dangerous underlying conditions. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast resulting in what is sometimes called ‘man boobs’. It affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. These breast formation in males is most commonly caused by hormonal changes that can occur at puberty or as part of the aging process. Breast development due to being overweight is referred to as pseudogynecomastia or false gynecomastia. Breast tissue growth in guys can appear on one or both sides of the chest, and the breast area can feel tender. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. Hormone changes that occur with normal aging can cause gynecomastia, especially in men who are overweight. One of the several glands that produce hormones can malfunction for reasons other than chromosomes. If the balance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone is changed, breast development can occur. (continue reading…)

Do you wonder about the connection between caffeine and acid reflux? Here are some common reasons why caffeine can affect acid reflux and its related symptoms:

1. Gastro esophageal reflux can be caused by caffeine decreasing the pressure in the LES.

2. Caffeine can interfere with the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) metabolism. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is produced naturally in the nervous system, GI tract, and brain. GABA is essential for stress and mood managing, and evokes a sense of calm within the digestive tract. Caffeine interferes with GABA, and thus reflux can become more common and painful.

3. The hormones Cortisol, epinephrine and nor epinephrine are elevated by caffeine. Together, these hormones increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, and put the body in a state of emergency. When these hormones are more prominent, blood is routed to other areas away from the digestive system leading to reflux issues.

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