Sulfation-Another Liver Function

Sulfate is a major pathway in the body that is essential for many biological processes.  For example, sulfate is needed to start the cascade of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.  Without protease, lipase and amylase, food is not digested efficiently. Biochemical sulfation is a phase II enzyme reaction in the liver effective in rendering manmade (xenobiotic) pharmacological drugs and toxic substances less active.  Sometimes the pathway of phase I is imbalanced with phase II and can actually cause these same substances to be more active.  Sulfation is the derivative of the target  amino acid tyrosine.   

Many people will state they are allergic to sulfate when they mean they had a reaction to a sulfa medication, a phamaceutical drug classification for sulfonamides.  Sulfonamides are antibacterial medications that prevent the growth of the bacteria by disrupting the metabolism.   

Sulfate is needed for formation of proteins in joints.  Low levels of sulfate are found in plasma and synovial fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Sulfate is essential in forming the mucin proteins which line the gut walls.  These have two main functions–they stop the gut contents from sticking and they block transport of toxins from the gut to the bloodstream.  Low plasma sulfate is found in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.  Irritable bowel syndrome is identified with symptoms that may include constipation, diarrhea, alternating bowel habit, abdominal bloating and pain, and flatulence.  

Sulfate is necessary for formation of brain tissue.  Before birth, the functional units of the brain, neurons, are laid down on a scaffolding network of sulfated carbohydrate chains.  Reduced sulfation can leand to faulty neuronal connections and later dysfunction. 

Sulfate is not easily absorbed across the gut wall.  Recent research has shown that it can be absorbed across the skin.  It is also formed in the body by oxidation of the amino acids cysteine and methionine.  This pathway is often suboptimal and many people benefit from sulfate supplementation.   

A comprehensive detoxification test that demonstrates the liver’s health regarding detoxification is available to help identify the efficiency of the process of phase I and phase II detoxification.  The advantages of properly identifying the balance of the detoxification system are you can support it nutritionally and identify areas of concern such as amino acid deficiency, heavy metal burden, and also pesticide toxicity.    One should not indescriminately add tyrosine supplementation into their regimen as it can produce unintended consequences since it is also a target amino acid for the cascade of neurotransmitters called catecholamines.

www.cemmed.com                                    Clinic in Portland, Oregon

www.mynetimpact.com/1153052         Science based nutritional products

www.multipureusa.com/hwc                     The best water system on the planet

www.mybiopro.com/jmwade                      Related to EMF sensitivity

Today’s Quote:  ” If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.”  Yogi Berra

Yeast Infections-Vaginal Symptoms, Preventative Steps

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called candida albicans and affect some women more than others.  You recognize the symptoms of yeast by itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva which is the skin that surrounds your vagina.  You will note a white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese and experience pain during intercourse.  Sometimes the vulva swells.  While the infection can be very uncomfortable, the symptoms usually aren’t very serious.  Health information regarding  candidia offers practical self-help preventative steps to limit or avoid developing an infection. 

Candidia is a natural organism found in the vaginal area. Usually the acidic balance of the vagina keep yeast from over producing, but that balance can be altered by menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, antibiotics, birth control pills as well as the moist environment. 

You will want to talk to your doctor to make sure a yeast infection is the cause of your yeast infection.  A prescription may be required.

Here are some simple suggestions to help you avoid and control yeast infections:

1.  Wear cotton underpants.  Avoid nylon underwear since it retains moisture and  heat which encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.

 2.  Don’t share washcoths, towels, or bathing suits with others.

 3.  After bowel movements, wipe front to back to avoid anal-vaginal contamination.

 4.  Avoid chemicals in your personal hygiene regimen (e.g., harsh soaps, perfumes, commercial douches, tampons, sprays, perfumed toilet paper, etc.).

 5.  Avoid sugar, sweets and refined foods in your diet.

 6.  Include ample amounts of vitamins A, B, C, and E in your diet.

 7.  Get an adequate amount of sleep.

 8.  Don’t douche except for curative reasons; avoid commercial douches.

 9.  Avoid wet or damp towels.

 10.  After bathing, pat genital area dry and keep it dry.

 11.  Avoid pants that are tight in the crotch.

 12.  If using antibiotics, eats lots of yogurt.

 13. Take showers instead of baths.  Soaps can more easily get into the vagina with baths.  Soap or bubble baths are “basic”– the vagina is normally an acidic environment.

 14.  Make sure your sexual partner is clean or use a condom.

 15.  Make sure you have proper lubrication for intercourse.   Poor lubrication can cause irritation and inflammation, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.

 16.  Be aware of and avoid vaginal irritants such as tampons, unclean diaphragms,  aggressive intercourse,  and examining instruments.

 17.  Avoid emotional stress.

 18.  Avoid leaving tampons in too long, trapping normal discharge. Change  tampons at least twice a day.

19. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This may help prevent the bacteria that normally live in your rectum from getting into your vagina.

20. Also avoid using colored or perfumed toilet paper. These items seem to affect the balance of acidity in the vagina and can lead to yeast infections.

www.cemmed.com                                    Clinic in Portland, Oregon

www.mynetimpact.com/1153052         Science based nutritional products

www.multipureusa.com/hwc                     The best water system on the planet

www.mybiopro.com/jmwade                      Related to EMF sensitivity