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Glyconutrients

That’s how MIT describes the newly emerged science of Glycomics research on sugars and their impact on human health.

An increasing number of scientists believe that certain carbohydrates represent the next frontier in the search for non-toxic treatments for various degenerative conditions.

• Glycomics is the total body of knowledge about sugars and how they function.
• Glycobiology is the study of how sugars impact living systems.
• Glycoscience is the study of the structure and function of carbohydrate or sugar molecules.
• Glyconutrients are natural plant sugars.
• Glyconutritionals are products that contain glyconutrients.

The eight known saccharides essential for healthy structured functioning cells are:

1. Fucose (not to be confused with fructose)
2. Galactose
3. Glucose
4. Mannose
5. N-AcetylGalactosamine
6. N-AcetylGlucosamine
7. N-AcetylNeuraminic Acid
8. Xylose

Each of these glyconutrients is associated with a specific health benefit. To understand the purpose of each of these glyconutrients it is essential to understanding the overall health benefits.

Mannose is a major player in tissue remodeling and intelligent interactions between cells. The addition of mannose to your diet can accelerate the process of cellular communication and healing; inhibit tumor growth and spread; and prevent bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Cytokines are the chemicals that make the body feel achy when we have a cold or flu. Mannose plays a very essential role in the production of cytokines. Mannose is found in the inner leaf gel of Aloe Vera plant.

If you are at all familiar with any saccharide it is probably glucose. Combined with another saccharide, fructose creates what we know as table sugar. This saccharide is found in items such as candy bars, cupcakes, and ice cream as well as foods as bread, rice, pasta and some vegetables. Glucose is a potent, quick energy source that can be absorbed directly by the blood stream. Memory enhancement, calcium absorption and cellular communication are some of the central health benefits of this saccharide. One down side to Glucose is that to much intake of this saccharide will raise your insulin levels which can lead to obesity and diabetes.

Galactose is another widely known saccharide, though usually heard of only when found in combination with glucose. If you are familiar with the term lactose intolerant then you may be vaguely familiar with this glyconutrient. Together with glucose it forms a disaccharide (two monosaccharides connected) by the name of lactose. Galactose is found mainly in dairy products. Health benefits include inhibiting tumor growth and spreading especially in the liver. Healing of wounds and decreasing inflammation are other benefits along with enhanced cellular communication.

Xylose is an antibacterial and anti fungal carbohydrate. Research has given us evidence that Xylose may help prevent cancer of the digestive tract. Certain manufacturers will substitute xylose for ingredients such as sucrose and corn sweeteners in products like chewing gum or toothpaste. Unlike table sugar and corn sweeteners. Xylose does not cause dental problems.

Fucose is abundant in human breast milk and certain mushrooms. Research has linked this glyconutrient to a wide variety of activities in the brain including brain development and the ability to create long-term memories. An immune modulator, Fucose inhibits tumor growth and its spread. Fucose has been found at the junctions between nerves, kidneys, and even in the testes. In diseases such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and certain cancers, metabolism of fucose is found to be at abnormal levels. Another benefit found with fucose is its ability to guard against respiratory tract infections while inhibiting allergic reactions.

N-acetylglucosamine is not only hard to pronounce but is also difficult to find in our modern day diets.
In the immune modulator class along with Fucose, N-acetylglucosamine has anti-tumor properties and has been shown to produce activity against HIV. Glucosamine, which is used for cartilage in our knees, elbows, and other moving parts, is a metabolic product of this glyconutrient. Repairing cartilage, decreasing pain and inflammation, and increasing the range of motion in osteoarthritis are all benefits of glucosamine. Some symptoms of diseases such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and interstitial cystitis have been shown to improve with the use of N-acetylglucosamine. The most abundant supply of this glyconutrient is found in mother's breast milk.

Although N-acetylgalactosamine has not been researched to a great extent, it has been shown to inhibit tumor spread and help with the cell-to-cell communication process. Some studies have shown that people with heart disease have lower-than-normal levels of N-acetylgalactosamine. This is also found in the mother's breast milk.

N-acetylneuraminic acid is vital for brain development and learning. Some of the benefits that have been associated with N-acetylneuraminic acid are brain development, blood coagulation, lowering the LDL, the so-called bad cholesterol, and prevention of strains of influenza A and B. Those diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome as well as alcoholics have a hard time with the processing of this sugar. As we age, the levels of this saccharide decrease, causing the risk of problems in our health. One of the most predominant places that this nutrient is found is also with the above two glyconutrients in the vital breast milk.

"The missing link" as some health officials would call these eight essential saccharides is found in many different plants and fruits. Unfortunately their sources are not as saturated with these vital glyconutrients as they once were. Due to green harvest, soil depletions, and our utilization of processed foods, our bodies are not receiving these glyconutrients in the amounts that we need to maintain optimal health. Research is beginning to create the like between the epidemic of the breakdown of the bodies systems resulting in the illnesses that are so common today and the profound lack of glyconutrients in our daily diets.

If you are interested in maintaining the health that will enable you to live longer and disease free, please research these vital glyconutrients and find out how they can provide a life of wellness.

Glyconutrients are NOT synthetic drugs, nor are they vitamins, minerals, or herbals, nor a cure for specific diseases. They are essential nutrients for human cells to communicate properly, thereby giving the body and the immune system a healthy environment for the natural healing process to occur.

Experiences

Glyconutrition helped my Graves Disease (Hyperthyroidism)

People often ask how or what influenced my decision to become involved with glyconutrition. In addition to losing many loved ones to cancer and diabetes, my own health became a concern not so long ago.

About four or so years ago at age 28, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and was given the options of either taking medication for two years, have surgery, or take the radioactive iodine treatment. Of course, I chose to take the medication (Tapazol) for two years. Six months later I had gained over 20 pounds, was cold all the time, and dealing with muscle spasms in the chest, backside, arms and legs. Somewhere along the way I had also developed a heart murmur. For that they prescribed Propranolol, a beta blocker.

My endocrinologist retired around this time and I was reassigned to a different doctor. This doctor informed me that the medication was working as it should and the point of it was to destroy my thryoid, making me "hypo" instead of hyper, then I would be placed on the synthetic thyroid hormone for the rest of my life. This was news to me. My previous doctor had told me that Tapazol would regulate my thyroid and get it back on track. I was fed up, uncomfortable and depressed so I decided to stop taking all medication.

My husband, Naoki, had found out about glyconutrition two years ago and wanted us both to take it. Symptoms from the thyroid problem were coming back (temperature sensitivity to heat, constant sweating, tremors, blurred vision, weightloss, frequent colds, moodiness) and I was just tired of feeling terrible. About three and half months on the products I noticed the tremors disappeared and I could sleep better, as well as wake up refreshed.

After four months my weight evened out to 110 and has stayed there. I don't experience sensitivity to heat anymore, and the best thing is that my vision has improved. Stress has a lot to do with things too, so in addition to taking the products I looked for ways to relax (knitting, turning off the tv and reading, etc.)

I currently take the following products on a regular basis:

Glyconutrient(original formula) - 5 capsules twice daily
Antioxidant (highest avail on ORAC-O) - 3 capsules twice daily
Phytosterol - 3 caplets twice daily
Whole Food Multivitamin - 2 caplets twice daily (the recommended use)
Heart/Cardio Supplement - 1 capsule twice daily

Avoid: kelp, heavily salted foods, kale (the small quantity in the antioxidant product is ok), seaweed/iodine bodywraps (spa treatment)
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If you or someone you know has Graves Disease / Hyperthyroidism and would like to learn how I became asymptomatic and normalized my TSH levels, please contact me before you consider radiating, cutting (surgery), or poisoning through medication. To comply with certain regulations I gave generic terms to the what products I've been taking. Feel free to email or call me for names of the specific products.

As far as glyconutrients go, there is only one company that follows strict guidelines (GMP - Good Manufacturing Practices) to insure you're getting the same active ingredient in every container and serving. They also hold worldwide patents on this technology. I am aware that there are places to purchase those supplements cheaper, but from what I've read tests have shown that they don't come close in quality or effectiveness.

My life and lifestyle has changed so significantly since using these products. Whatever your health condition currently is, I hope you also find improved health and happiness with glyconutrition as I have.

FAQ

Q: Why isn't my doctor familiar or knowledgable about glyconutrients?

A: Glycoproteins were introduced to the 1996 edition of Harpers Biochemistry, a medical textbook. The segment was written by Dr. Robert K. Murray, MD, PhD. Doctors who completed medical school before then may not have yet learned about this technology.

Q: What exactly are glyconutritionals?

A: Simply put, glyconutrients are, food. They are nutrients not usually acquired in today's diet because we no longer forage for our food off the land and therefore, we don't access these sugars which are available from plant roots and fungus. The glyconutrient complex is a proprietary blend of sugars derived from plants that are available in powder or capsule form.

Q: Do glyconutrients have side effects?

A: Since these are just food, they've not been found to have side effects or to interact with pharmaceuticals or other natural products -- kind of like eating an apple.

Q: Can I purchase glyconutrients at my local health food store?

A: The glyconutrient complex that contains all 8 necessary sugars is available primarily through distributors. One reason for this is that this technology is so new that the public is not familiar with it and requires an education before purchasing. Single sugars can be bought such as glucosamine which is known to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis.

Q: So where can I purchase these glyconutrients?

A: We are distributors of glyconutritional products. Just contact us if you're interested in purchasing product or obtaining more detailed information about glyconutrients.

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Last updated at 09/14/07 02:48:10