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.
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:
•It promotes the growth of good bacteria and maintains a balance in the biodiversity.
•It strengthens the immune system by promoting the growth of immune cells, of which around 80% are in the gut microbiome.
•It 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:
• It protects the brain cells from damage by clearing toxins from neurons and supporting brain functions.
• It supports cardiovascular health by lowering LDL levels by breaking down and removing excess cholesterol.
• It lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the sensitivity of insulin in the cells and muscle tissues.
• It promotes free radical damage due to antioxidant properties, prevents cell damage and helps cell repair.
• Protects the liver from toxins from heavy metals, alcohol and medications.
• Support immune system by reducing inflammation.
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 effects like cell repair, prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. Some of the neuroprotective effects are:
• It can remove toxins, harmful amyloid-beta plaques and reduce the risk of Parkinsonism and Alzheimer’s disease.
• As already mentioned, it can reduce mitochondrial damage and neuronal cell death.
• Reduces neuronal stress by easing the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cells.
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 :
• Taurine-rich: Non-vegetarian foods like poultry, fish like salmon, tuna, and shellfish.
• Bile stimulators like beets, artichokes, ginger, turmeric, greens like arugula, dandelion, coffee, and citrus.
• Probiotics like fermented foods (Kimchi, kefir, yoghurt).
• Fibres like flaxseeds, chia seeds, oats.
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 effects, 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.
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 effects.
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.
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Peace and love 🙏
