10 facts: Why TUDCA is favorable? ๐Ÿ™Œ

Liver

1. TUDCA is tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which is naturally produced in the body as a short-chain bile acid that facilitates the breakdown of fats and helps in the absorption of nutrients. TUDCA is necessary for the metabolism of fats and oils that are consumed in the diet. Research has shown that TUDCA has amazing health benefits, promotes overall wellbeing by supporting the gut microbiome, and protects the nervous system, brain, heart and liver. Because of its health benefits, TUDCA is prescribed by health professionals, sometimes as a supplement. Though it was mentioned long before as traditional Chinese medicine, recent research studies have made it popular as a supplement for its tremendous health benefits.

Gut health

2. TUDCA for gut health: TUDCA is known to be hepatoprotective and prevents damage to liver cells. So, it shows promising results for those dealing with fatty liver, cirrhosis and hepatitis. As far as gut health is concerned, TUDCA has amazing benefits:

โ€ขIt promotes the growth of good bacteria and maintains a balance in the biodiversity.

โ€ขIt strengthens the immune system by promoting the growth of immune cells, of which around 80% are in the gut microbiome.

โ€ขIt helps to tone down the inflammatory response in the gut and prevent chronic inflammatory conditions like leaky gut.

3. Other health-promoting benefits of TUDCA are:

โ€ข It protects the brain cells from damage by clearing toxins from neurons and supporting brain functions.

โ€ข It supports cardiovascular health by lowering LDL levels by breaking down and removing excess cholesterol.

โ€ข It lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the sensitivity of insulin in the cells and muscle tissues.

โ€ข It promotes free radical damage due to antioxidant properties, prevents cell damage and helps cell repair.

โ€ข Protects the liver from toxins from heavy metals, alcohol and medications.

โ€ข Support immune system by reducing inflammation.

Brain

4. TUDCA for brain: Research has shown many potential benefits to the brain and nervous

system, as it can cross the blood-brain barrier and can have antioxidant e๏ฌ€ects like cell repair, prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. Some of the neuroprotective e๏ฌ€ects are:

โ€ข It can remove toxins, harmful amyloid-beta plaques and reduce the risk of Parkinsonism and Alzheimerโ€™s disease.

โ€ข As already mentioned, it can reduce mitochondrial damage and neuronal cell death.

โ€ข Reduces neuronal stress by easing the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cells.

Eye health

5. TUDCA and eye health: Studies have shown that TUDCA can prevent retinal damage and help in restoring vision by protecting from photoreceptor degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

TUDCA acts as a powerful neuroprotective agent on photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, which helps in visual processing. Loss of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can slowly lead to visual dysfunction and visual loss. So, TUDCA have the potential to protect the photoreceptors and RGCs. Therefore, it can prevent the risk of many retinal disorders.

6. TUDCA food sources: TUDCA is naturally produced in small quantities in the liver. Actually, the liver produces bile salts and releases them in the intestines. In the gut, the good bacteria metabolise them into UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid). They are released back to the liver, where they combine with taurine and become TUDCA. So, there is no direct food source of TUDCA. But there are food sources which can help the body to produce TUDCA. Some food sources are :

โ€ข Taurine-rich: Non-vegetarian foods like poultry, fish like salmon, tuna, and shellfish.

โ€ข Bile stimulators like beets, artichokes, ginger, turmeric, greens like arugula, dandelion, co๏ฌ€ee, and citrus.

โ€ข Probiotics like fermented foods (Kimchi, kefir, yoghurt).

โ€ข Fibres like flaxseeds, chia seeds, oats.

Supplements

7. TUDCA supplement: Dietary supplements are water-soluble bile derivatives; synthetic TUDCA are used as a supplement. Commercial TUDCA are paired with Milk Thistle, which can have a dual action of liver-protective and regenerative support. The recommended dosage is 250 -1000mg/day. There are no severe side e๏ฌ€ects, but a high amount can cause diarrhoea or stomach upset. Commercially available in the form of pills, capsules and powdered form. Contraindications are for individuals with gallbladder disease, pregnant or lactating mothers and those taking diabetic drugs and insulin.

8. TUDCA and NAC: Another pairing of compounds as a supplement has been popular, such as TUDCA with NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine), which is a precursor of glutathione, an amino acid which is a potent antioxidant. Both compounds, as a pair, act as a powerful agent for free radical damage, oxidative stress, and the detoxification of cells from harmful toxins. It helps in the clearing of toxins, especially from the liver and kidneys. This combination also enhances the metabolism of dietary fat by improving the bioavailability of bile acids.

Bile salts

9. TUDCA supplement usage: TUDCA supplement is generally recommended by health care professionals mainly for liver health support, metabolic support and neurological health support for brain and eye health. Ideally, TUDCA supplement should be taken post-lunch or dinner, after a large, proper meal so that it can facilitate the smooth flow of bile salts and help in absorption. Start with a lower dose, then gradually increase the dose so that the tolerance level is assessed. Drink a full glass of water along with the dose, as it can be absorbed more smoothly. The standard dose limit should not be exceeded to prevent side e๏ฌ€ects.

10. Takeaway: TUDCA is a naturally occurring bile acid which has some amazing health benefits apart from supporting liver health. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant properties, such as reducing cellular stress, promoting cellular repair and regeneration, protecting brain and eye health, and supporting metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Dietary sources and supplements are taken to increase the bioavailability and optimise the functions. It can also help to treat liver cholestatic diseases.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love ๐Ÿ™

Are popcorns ๐Ÿฟ healthy ? 9 facts ๐Ÿ™Œ

  1. Popcorns are corn kernels which get popped when heated. Today, across the world, this has become the most popular snack amongst all age groups. Corn is the oldest grain which has been consumed for over 5000 years. It has been popular due to its easy availability and low cost. As far as health point of view is considered, it is a whole grain food, rich in fibre, low in calories and dense in nutrients.
  2. Studies show that popcorn is high in fibre and contains many vitamins and minerals. Important nutrients in popcorn are vitamins B1, B3, B6, iron, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and phosphorus. Many studies also show that it is rich in polyphenols which are potent antioxidants. Polyphenols reduce the risk of damage by free radicals, diabetes, and heart disease and improve gut health. Popcorn is gluten-free so it can be a healthy option for people with gut issues.

3.Since, it is high in fibre and low in calories, it can help in weight loss. Eating a cup of popcorn which is around 30 calories can relatively be more beneficial in terms of fibre and nutrient content than any other popular snack. Also, it can give the feeling of fullness and curb your hunger for quite some time. Therefore, eating in moderation of popcorn can be very useful in the process of weight loss in an overweight individual.

4.Popcorn contains antioxidants Zeaxanthin, beta carotene and lutein which are very essential to eye health. These antioxidants can slow the age-related macular degeneration of the eyes, lower the damage caused by blue light and overall improve the eyesight.


5.Other health benefits of yellow popcorn are :
*Boost the metabolism and energy production due to the presence of vitamins B, B3, B6 and folate.
*Popcorn contains niacin which helps to reduce depression naturally.
*Phosphorus, and manganese present in popcorn help to support bone health.
*Popcorn can combat tumour cells due to the presence of ferulic acid.
*It can reduce the level of bad cholesterol and prevent the risk of heart disease.
*It can slow down the process of ageing as it helps in free radical damage.
*It can add iron (28 gm of popcorn containing 0.9mg of iron) to the diet and reduce anaemia. *It can control blood sugar as it has a low glycaemic index and helps in diabetics.

6.Air-popped popcorn is healthiest. Unsalted popcorn, unflavoured is healthier than those with an excess of oil, butter, sugar, caramel, and salt. Microwave popcorn bags which are pre-packed contain the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and sometimes, trans fat which are harmful to health.


7.Popcorn added to diet in moderation can prove to be safe and beneficial to health. But it may have side effects on certain individuals. Some individuals can have allergic reactions to popcorn like swollen face, and breathing difficulty which may require urgent medical attention. People with digestive diseases and inflammatory bowel disorders can have flaring-up symptoms when consuming popcorn.


8.Popcorn is the ideal choice for adding to your diet in moderation. You can definitely enjoy popcorn daily, as long as you stick to one cup per day without any butter, salt, sugar, or artificial flavors. This will provide a healthy dose of whole fiber content, making it the most nutritious snack option for your diet.

9. Yellow corn which is organically grown, non-GMO, is best for regular consumption. Popcorn which is popped from such type of high-quality corn, air popped with no added flavours is ideal and provides immense health benefits. Rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals, whole grain fibres can help to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, obesity, diabetes and many malignancies.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love ๐Ÿ™

10 facts to understand why glutathione is necessary ๐Ÿ™Œ

Hello everyone โœ‹

1.Glutathione is a naturally found antioxidant in our body. It is important to know about this powerful antioxidant because it has a host of many benefits. Its primary function is to fight free radical that damages body cells. Itโ€™s vital for the body because it helps to protect from many diseases like autoimmune diseases, liver damage, heart diseases, respiratory diseases and neurological disorders. As we grow older, the glutathione level slowly declines and the body marches towards poor health.


2.It is essential to maintain the level of glutathione in the body. If the level drops, certain symptoms may appear, such as anemia, fatigue, increased frequency of infections, low immunity status, sleep problems, and brain fog. To boost glutathione levels, it is recommended to consume sulfur-rich foods such as cruciferous vegetables, avocados, broccoli, spinach, garlic, and unprocessed meat. Several studies have indicated that consuming vitamin C can increase glutathione levels in the body. Therefore, it is important to consume citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwis, and papayas regularly. Additionally, it is recommended to consume foods rich in selenium such as chicken, fish, eggs, Brazil nuts, and brown rice to maintain glutathione levels in the body.

Aging

3.Glutathione is a compound that is mainly composed of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Our body naturally produces this compound, but its level decreases with age. In addition, chronic diseases, poor diet, stress, anxiety, and frequent infections can also contribute to the reduction of glutathione levels. Low levels of glutathione are commonly found in individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as heart and liver diseases, sepsis, trauma, HIV/AIDS, and cancers. The role of glutathione in the body is crucial because it helps to prevent free radical damage, repair cells, and facilitate protein synthesis. Moreover, glutathione can bind with toxic metals like arsenic, silver, lead, chromium, mercury, and copper, and help to reduce their toxicity.


4.Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that offers several health benefits. It can reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent the development of various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. Glutathione can also help to reduce cell death and improve blood levels of protein, bilirubin, and enzymes in fatty liver diseases like alcoholic and non-alcoholic types. Additionally, it plays a significant role in maintaining mitochondrial DNA, which is necessary for building proteins and cells. Several studies have shown that glutathione can improve blood circulation and prevent plaque buildup, thereby improving peripheral arterial disease. It may also help to improve symptoms of tremors and rigidity in Parkinson’s disease, respiratory diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, autism in children, and psoriasis.

Glowing skin
Gut health

5.Various studies have demonstrated that glutathione has a significant role in preventing skin problems such as acne, eczema, wrinkles, and aging. It also helps in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. When the balance between good and bad microbiome in the gut is harmonized, the overall health of the body is improved, and the skin appears healthy and radiant. However, if the balance is disrupted, it leads to skin problems and other health issues, including bowel disturbances. Glutathione is instrumental in detoxifying the body, repairing cell damage, and maintaining a balanced gut health. Therefore, by improving the level of glutathione in the body, it is possible to resolve skin problems and many gut issues.

Supplements


6.Low levels of glutathione can lead to a variety of health issues. While natural food sources are the best way to improve glutathione production in the body, supplements like vitamin C and E, curcumin, N-acetylcysteine, and selenium can also help. However, injectable supplements can be toxic and oral supplements are not very effective as they break down in the stomach. In cases of low immunity, glutathione is sometimes medically prescribed. In such cases, oral or injectable supplements may be recommended under medical supervision.

Alcohol

7.Certain lifestyle changes are essential to improve the glutathione levels in the body. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, too much dairy, caffeine and processed food is required to boost the levels in the body. Having a balanced diet, with good quality natural food sources, exercise and good sleep can improve the glutathione production in the body.


8.Glutathione levels are not typically measured in the body like essential nutrients, so research is still insufficient to understand the effects of low levels and supplement requirements. Studies do show that low levels can result from poor diet, stress, environmental toxins, and increasing age. Low levels of glutathione are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, liver diseases, and Parkinsonโ€™s disease. However, supplementing with glutathione does not decrease the risk, so more studies are required to determine the optimal intake and its effects.

Milk thistle


9.Supplements of glutathione that are commercially available include Selenium, Vitamin C and E, milk thistle, and N-acetylcysteine. The dose of glutathione depends upon an individual’s age, sex, past medical history, and drug allergies. Studies have shown that glutathione is given at a range of 250 to 1000 mg/day in either injectable or inhalant forms. However, it is strictly advised to seek medical guidance before taking glutathione supplements since it can cause possible side effects. Some side effects like skin rashes, cramping, bloating can appear and inhalant glutathione might cause breathing problems too.

10.In brief, glutathione is a vital antioxidant that is naturally produced in the body and offers numerous benefits. A deficiency of glutathione can lead to the development of various chronic diseases, including cancer. As we age, the level of glutathione in our bodies naturally decreases. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of dietary sources that can help boost the natural production of glutathione in the body. If advised by a medical professional, supplements can also be taken to improve the levels of glutathione in the body.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love ๐Ÿ™