Functional medicine approach to the management of high homocysteine
Nutrients
B vitamins are the main therapeutic agents used to treat elevated or high levels of homocysteine. In general, the combined use of vitamin B12, folate and B6 is effective in lowering homocysteine levels. It is important to note that B vitamins should be taken in the methylated form and not synthetic.
In addition to a methylated vitamin B complex, other nutrients which have been shown to be effective include choline, betaine, omega-3 fatty acids, N-acetylcysteine and magnesium.
The role of diet
Poor dietary nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption are closely linked to the increased homocysteine levels in the blood. The homocysteine levels have been found to be higher in patients who have suffered a heart attack and stroke indicating the importance of measuring homocysteine levels to predict the risks of these diseases.
The lack of nutrients in the diet and unhealthy lifestyle habits may also play a role in triggering abnormal homocysteine metabolism in patients with Turner syndrome.
The results of these studies have suggested that improving dietary and lifestyle habits and ensuring that your body is not deprived of essential nutrients could help to avoid the rise in homocysteine levels. This would protect you against the disorders linked to the increased homocysteine level and reduce the risk of complications including mortality.
Exercise
Regular exercise, especially resistance exercises has been found to be beneficial for maintaining normal homocysteine levels in the blood. Resistance exercises may reduce plasma homocysteine levels and inhibit the development of diseases caused due to abnormal homocysteine metabolism.
Stress
Chronic stress results in methyl group depletion which can interfere with optimal methylation and thus contribute to elevated homocysteine levels. Therefore, it is important to address stress through lifestyle means and often with some supportive supplementation.
6 Responses
Great information . I have been aware of our homocysteine levels playing a big role in our heart health, I enjoyed seeing this explanation. Thank You
Hello Beatrice, thank you for the lovely comment! Glad you enjoyed the article. Much love
How do you go about checking your homocysteine levels?
Hello Randy, you can test your homocysteine levels via a blood test. This can be requested at every GP! It is good to be tested as it can give you insights in your methylation. Warmest regards, Deborah
How about low homocysteine levels? Like 5.4? Any suggestions?
Hello Skye,
Excellent question. If you have low homocysteine, this means you may not have enough homocysteine for both methylation and making glutathione.
It’s important to look at why your body has low homocysteine in the first place?
– High demand for glutathione is a factor to consider. Are you struggling with high amounts of inflammation, chronic stress or free radical exposure?
If yes, it’s important to balance this overuse of glutathione. Minimising stress levels, supporting your adrenals, improving sleep and reducing inflammation.
Of course, you can consider taking liposomal glutathione complex (quicksilver scientific has a great one with all the appropriate co-factors) if this is a major culprit but again, remember the ask “WHY”
– Do you consume a limited or low amount of protein? Protein is really important to ensure you are getting enough building blocks. Then it’s important not only to consume quality protein but also be able to digest, breakdown and absorb these nutrients. Stress, and eating while on the go are two common culprits. However, digestive function should be analysed properly, how is your microbiome functioning, do we have pathogenic overgrowth? You can support through digestive enzymes and herbs to help with digestion and nutrient uptake.
– Cysteine, cysteine, cysteine! Cysteine is very important for many reactions. If cysteine levels are low, the body will break down glutathione in order to provide it! So not only does one become low in homocysteine, but also glutathione. Therefore it is important to consume sulfur rich foods.
– Are you over methylating??? Sometimes individuals can be taking too much or doing too much which results in over-methylation and can lower your homocysteine levels too much.
I hope this has provided you with a little further clarification on how to address or look at why your homocysteine is low and also how to start raising it.