Saw palmetto, pygeum africanum, stinging nettle and beta-sitosterol are all effective in dealing with an enlarged prostate and its attendant problems. The ayurvedic ProstaCare formula has been clinically tested and found to be very effective in dealing with both the static and dynamic components of BPH.

Most cases (90%) of prostatitis are non-bacterial in orgin so antibiotics are of limited use. However, I have found Zyflamend, a turmeric-containing anti-inflammatory, to be very effective and extensive research has shown that quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, is highly effective in dealing with category III prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Not surprisingly, a vast amount of research has gone into finding medications that will help prevent and treat prostate cancer. At this time, there are no pharmaceutical products that do a good job of this although aspirin and NO-ASA (nitrogen oxide containing aspirin) have shown some promise. Fortunately, there are numerous natural supplements that have been found effective either in clinical trials, epidemiological studies or in cell culture investigations.

Clinical trials have found lycopene effective in both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. The best sources of lycopene are processed tomato products such as tomato paste and tomato sauce, but supplements based on Lyc-O-Mato are equally effective. About 15 mg/day is the recommended dosage for prevention while double that is suggested for treatment.

Several epidemiological studies have found fish oils to be effective in preventing both BPH and prostate cancer. A daily intake of about 500-1000 mg of EPA plus DHA is needed for maximum benefit.

British researchers have found that men who consume garlic at least twice a week have a 44% reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Chinese researchers have found green tea to be highly effective in preventing prostate cancer and Italian researchers concluded that the active component in green tea (EGCG) may serve as a natural inhibitor of prostate cancer progression.

Several studies have found that that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

There is strong evidence that a combination of vitamin E and selenium is highly effective in preventing prostate cancer. A large clinical trial (SELECT) involving over 32,000 men is currently underway to investigate this further. The daily dosage used in the trial is 400 IU of vitamin E and 200 micrograms of selenium. NOTE: Vitamin E should always be taken in combination with vitamin C (3x 500 mg/day) in order to avoid undesirable effects.

There is some evidence that zinc supplementation may be helpful in preventing both BPH and prostate cancer, but that amounts greater than about 40 mg/day may be detrimental in the long term. Zinc should always be taken together with copper in a 10:1 or 15:1 ratio.

At least two clinical studies have found red clover (Trinovin) effective in halting the progression of low-to moderate-grade prostate cancer tumours. The dosage used was 40 mg four times daily.

A recent clinical trial concluded that pomegranate juice is effective in slowing the progression of prostate cancer.

The antioxidant resveratrol is found in red wine and at least three studies have found that it inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Zyflamend is a standardized combination of carbon dioxide (supercritical) extracts of turmeric, ginger, Holy Basil, green tea, rosemary, skullcap, and oregano. A clinical trial is currently underway at New York’s Columbia-Presbytarian Medical Center to investigate its application in prostate cancer treatment.

Oats
Oats, the superstars of the whole grains are rich in beta glucan soluble fibre and are low GI. They can help lower cholesterol control blood sugar levels and help with satiety (feelings of fullness). They also contain potent phytochemicals, phenolic compounds in outer layer of grain, which act as antioxidants.

Yoghurt
You get a great calcium boost from yoghurt, but it’s the probiotics that make it a super food. Probiotics, sometimes referred to as aBc bacteria, are live cultures found in certain yoghurts and there are different types or strains available. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that probiotics offer a host of benefits including promoting gut health, immune protection, cancer risk minimisation, cholesterol lowering as well as helping treat conditions like traveller and toddler diarrhoea and atopic eczema.

Blueberries
These brightly coloured fruits deliver high levels of antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clotting, protect body cells and decrease the effects of brain ageing. That’s why they’re sometimes referred to as the ‘brain berries’.

Spinach
This dark green, leafy vegetable contains a synergy of phyto-nutrients and antioxidants including vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, folate, iron, and the carotenoids – lutein, zeaxanthin. Folate is especially important for women planning pregnancies, heart health and cancer protection. So it’s not just Popeye who should be getting his fill.

Nuts
Nuts contain healthy oils, fibre, vitamins and minerals, potent phytochemicals and the amino acid arginine. They’re no longer a dieter’s foe with research showing that regular nut eaters often maintain a healthy weight. There’s also compelling research linking nuts and heart health with findings that a serve of nuts (30-45g), five times a week, may cut the risk of coronary heart disease in half.

Soy beans
These beans are an excellent source of high quality protein, containing twice as much protein as any other legume. The active ingredients are the soy protein and plant phyto-oestrogens (isoflavones) which have positive benefits for heart disease and possibly diabetes control, cancer protection (breast, colon, prostate) and in some cases decreasing certain menopausal symptoms.

Tomato
These vibrant red fruits are packed with the anti-oxidant lycopene. Lycopene offers a host of benefits including heart health and may reduce risk of prostate cancer. Interestingly you can increase the absorption of the lycopene in tomatoes by cooking in a small amount of olive oil. What great news for pasta lovers!

Citrus fruits
The CSIRO’s Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits report shows a compelling trend of protection against various types of cancers from eating citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. The greatest protection is for cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, larynx and stomach where studies showed risk reductions of 40 to 50% by consuming one to two serves of citrus fruit a day.

Sardines and oily fish
This heart-friendly, omega 3 and zinc rich fish, makes a perfect grilled lunch dish. And they’re also good news for osteoporosis prevention. Sardines contain edible bones with calcium and significant sources of vitamin D. Sunlight also provides vitamin D to the body, however dietary vitamin D may be more important as we ‘slip, slop, slap’ to prevent exposure to harmful sunrays.

Rosemary and other herbs
Everybody loves a barbie, but in more recent times concerns have been raised about the potentially cancer causing compounds that are formed when meat is grilled at high temperatures. But maybe Mother Nature is looking out for us? Recent research from Kansas State University has revealed that there may be more to the story of the perfect flavour match of lamb and rosemary. When meat was rubbed with antioxidant extracts of common herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano and thyme, the levels of harmful compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HA) were reduced. This effect was thought to be due to the powerful antioxidants in herbs soaking up these HA free radicals.

Complete pre-conception vitamin support has also been shown to help enhance fertility. Vitamins C and E are important cleansing antioxidants that play a vital role in repairing damage caused by the environment, aging and in preventing cellular damage due to oxidizing free radicals.

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant central to overall reproductive health and wellbeing. In a preliminary human trial, couples with fertility difficulties that were given vitamin E showed a significant increase in fertility. Other studies indicate that pre-conception vitamin supplementation can increase fertility. Folic acid supplementation is also essential to help prevent birth defects.

Fertility supplements may promote the restoration and balance of hormones that play a pivotal role in menstrual health and regular ovulation, supporting a woman’s reproductive organs and the development of reproductive tissues.

Infertility affects more couples than you think. Over 15% of couples in the U.S. report difficulties in conceiving. In a third of these cases, it is the man that faces fertility issues; in about another third, it is the woman; in another third, it is both the male and female who require fertility solutions. With tens of thousands of couples seeking help in their trying-to-conceive efforts, there’s no better time for these herbal-nutritional innovations.

Healthy sperm are defined not just by count, but also by sperm motility and by healthy morphology (sperm size and shape and the integrity of the sperm membrane). Sperm motility is determined by the percentage of sperm that are moving and qualified by the sperm’s capacity to “swim” in a forward direction. Healthy sperm motility is the critical attribute that allows sperm to propel themselves through the uterus to the fallopian tube to penetrate the surface of the ovum and fertilize the egg.

L-carnitine plays a crucial role in sperm development and maturation in the male. Once the sperm is ejaculated, the sperm requires metabolic efficiency to process fat and sugars into energy. Sperm motility refers in part to efficient sperm metabolism (the processing of fuel to energy).

There a large number of herbs that you may (and I say MAY) find helpful as a insomnia herbal remedy. Before testing any insomnia herbal remedy you should consult your Doctor or other Health Professional before self medicating. Lets face it most drugs are good and er bad.

I’ll list some of the main insomnia herbal remedys here and add a few notes. Others insomnia herbal remedys are mentioned at great length in the books mentioned at the bottom of the article.

Essential oils are organic compounds that are extracted from various plant parts, including flowers, trees, herbs, spices. Essential oil compounds are found in the leaves, wood, resin, fruit, flower blossoms, roots and buds of the plant. Lots of Herbal remedies for insomnia can be used as essential oils.

Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb and the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine. The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called “ginsenosides”. These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. Benefits; to reduce the effects of stress, boost energy levels, assist with mental and body fatigue and maintains excellent body functions. An excellent Herbal Remedy for Insomnia. It hits all the targets.

Maca. Maca grows in volcanically enriched soils high up in the Peruvian Andes in a pure, unpolluted atmosphere. According to scientific research, Maca is amazingly rich in healthy amino acids, carbohydrates, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. Benefits of Maca, Increases libido, Deeper sleep, Balances moods, Helps adapt to stress,Slows the aging process,Lessens aches and pain. This was a new one to me and as yet I haven’t tried it as a insomnia herbal remedy. Any comments ?

Mushrooms promote good health and vitality and increase your body’s adaptive abilities and are an effective insomnia herbal remedy. Mushrooms are probiotic meaning they fight off illness by restoring our bodies balance and natural resistance to disease through homeostasis. Natural mushroom supplements contain an active ingredient proven by research to be an incredibly effective enhancing agent to the immune system. Mushrooms are low in calories and high in vegetable proteins, chitin, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals. Hands up for mushrooms as a insomnia herbal remedy!

Extracts of (St John’s wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. St John’s wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants us as an insomnia herbal remedy. Researchers in Europe have studied St John’s Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is “hypericin”, react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine) and again a wonderful insomnia herbal remedy.

Yohimbe is a popular herb originally from South Africa and known worldwide as an excellent aphrodisiac. Traditionally yohimbe bark has been used to treat fevers, coughs, and leprosy. Often yohimbe tea was taken by warriors in preparation for battle. Yohimbe supplementation was also taken during fertility celebrations, mating and marriage rituals. It has been used as a topical anesthetic, and a hallucinogen when smoked.!! Yohimbe’s most common, modern use is as a tonic and as a insomnia herbal remedy

Yohimbe is also known to reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and prevent heart attacks. Because it stimulates the central nervous system, it has been used to treat narcolepsy and weight loss, and has other positive effects on overall health such as a insomnia herbal remedy!

Lecithin is also an important component of the endocrine glands and the muscles of the heart
and kidneys. It makes up 73 per cent of the total liver fat. Nervous, mental or glandular
overactivity can consume lecithin faster than its replacement. This may render a person irritable
and exhausted. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to add lecithin to the diet, if the body’s own
supply decreases as in old age or working under stress.

Rich Sources
Lecithin is derived from the Greek Word, likithos, meaning egg yolk. Egg yolk is a rich source of
lecithin, and also a rich source of cholesterol. This combination makes it possible for the lecithin
to emulsify the cholesterol. Vegetable oils, whole grain cereals, soyabeans, liver and milk are
other rich sources of lecithin. The cells of the body are also capable of synthesizing it as needed,
if several of the B vitamins are present. Since these B vitamins are generally removed when
grains are refined, people who eat exclusively white flour products are lacking them.

Benefits
The action of lecithin on the heart is the most important of all its proved benefits. It achieved its
popularity initially in this area. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that tends to collect in the walls of
the arteries and veins, thus narrowing them. This may eventually lead to a fatal blood clot.
Scientific studies have shown that lecithin has the ability to break up cholesterol into small
particles which can be easily handled by the system. With sufficient intake of lecithin, cholesterol
cannot build up against the walls of the arteries and veins.

Like cholesterol, lecithin is continuously produced in the liver, passes into the intestine with bile
and is absorbed in the blood. It helps in the transportation of fats. It also helps the cells to
remove fats and cholesterol from the blood and to utilise them. It increases the production of bile
acids made from cholesterol, thereby reducing the amount in the blood. It will thus be seen that
cholesterol can cause trouble only if lecithin is lacking in the system.

All atheroscleroses or changes in the arterial walls are characterised by an increased of the blood
cholesterol and a decrease in lecithin. It has been shown that experimental heart disease,
produced by feeding cholesterol, could be prevented merely by giving a small quantity of lecithin.
Atherosclerosis has been produced in various species of animals by increasing the blood cholesterol or decreasing the lecithin.

In normal health, when a diet high in fat is taken, there is tremendous increase in the production
of lecithin. This helps in changing the fat in the blood from large particles to smaller and smaller
ones. In case of atherosclerosis, however, the lecithin in the blood remains very low regardless
of the quantity of fat entering the blood. The result is that, the fat particles remain too large to be
able to pass through the arterial walls. A more serious situation can develop if there is lack of
lecithin in cells also.

Besides reducing the cholesterol level in the blood, there is mounting scientific evidence to
suggest several other benefits from lecithin. It has been suggested that its intake in sufficient
amounts can help rebuild those cells and organs which need it. Lecithin helps to maintain their
health once they are repaired. It may mean that a deficiency of lecithin in the diet may be one of
the causes of ageing and that its use may be beneficial in retarding the ageing process.

Edward R. Hewith in his book, The Years Between 75 and 90 says, ” with older people the fats remain high in the blood for from five to seven hours and in some cases as long as 20 hours, thus giving the fats more time to become located in the tissues. If lecithin is given to older people before a fatty meal, it has been found that the fats in the blood return to normal in a short time, in the same way they do in younger people.”
In some cases, the cosmetic effect of lecithin does as much for the mental outlook of persons as it does for their physical well-being. It has been found to eliminate the yellow or yellow- brown plaques on the skin or around the eyes caused by fatty deposits. It is a natural tranquilliser which
is beneficial in ner- vous exhaustion. It can produce great alertness in elderly people.

Some studies have indicated that lecithin increases the gamma globulin in the blood. This helps
fight infection. It provides an increased immunity against pneumonia. It has also been found to
lower blood pressure in some people. IN combination with vitamin E, it has proved helpful in
lowering the requirements of insulin in diabetics. It has also proved valuable in the treatment of
certain skin ailments, including acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Lecithin has been suggested as a sexual aid. It was used in Germany 30 years ago as a
restorative of sexual powers, for glandular exhaustion and nervous and mental disorders.
Seminal fluid is rich in lecithin. Because of its loss from the body, its need for men is regarded as
specially great. Its use is also considered valuable in minimising pre-menstrual and menopausal
tension.

Dr. N.A. Ferri, an eminent physician remarks – “Lecithin has a versatile function in life. It is an
extremely important factor in the digestion and oxidation of fats, thus creating more muscle and
glandular activity, resulting in greater body exertion and less fat accumulations. Lecithin is
essential not only for tissue integrity of the nervous and glandular system in all living cells, but
has been regarded as also the most effective generator and regenerator of great physical,
mental and glandular activity. Shattered nerves, depleted brain power, waning activity of vital
glands, find in lecithin, especially in the cellular structure of the nervous system and endocrine
glands a source of dynamic energy.”

The best way to increase lecithin is to eat the same amount of fat as usual, but reduce animal fat
except that from fish. Oil may be used for cooking, seasoning and salad dressing. All hydrogenated fats such as margarines, cooking fats, hydrogenated peanut butter and processed cheese should be avoided as also foods prepared with them.

Dietary fibre plays an important role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases.
There is sufficient evidence to suggest that an artificial depletion of fibre as in case of refined
cereals and sugar has over the last 100 years contributed to several degenerative diseases.
Recent studies in this area indicate that sufficient intake of fibre-rich diet may help prevent
obesity, colon cancer, heart disease, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis and
diabetic conditions.

Studies have also established that dietary fibre is a collection of elements with a variety of
functions rather than a single substance with single function as was assumed earlier. This new
insight into the true nature of fibre has given the lie to old beliefs that bran is synonymous with
fibre, that all fibre is fibrous or stringy and that all fibre tastes the same.
Physiological effects

Fibre in the diet promotes more frequent bowel movements and softer stools having increased
weight. The softness of stools is largely due to the presence of emulsified gas which is produced
by the bacterial action on the fibre. A high fibre intake results in greater efficiency in the
peristaltic movement of the colon. This helps in relieving the constipation which is the main
cause of several acute and chronic diseases.
Recent studies suggest that increasing the dietary fibre intake may be beneficial for patients with
irritated bowel syndrome who have diarrhoea and rapid colonic transit, as well as to those who
have constipation and slow transit. The high fibre diet, like bran, thus regulates the condition
inside the colon so as to avoid both extremes – constipation and diarrhoea.

Investigations have shown that several potential carcinogens are produced in the faeces. Their
production is related to the acidity of the gut content. The greater the acidity in the bowel
content, the less is the production of these carcinogens. The breaking down of the fibre by
bacteria renders the faeces more acidic. This reduces the amount of possible carcinogenic
substances. Fibre also reduces the possibility of formation of harmful toxins in the large intestine
by reducing the intestinal transit time of the food contents.

Dietary fibre increases the bacteria in the large intestines which require nitrogen for their growth.
This in turn reduces the chances of cancerous changes in cells by reducing the amount of
ammonia in the large bowel. Fibre reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the diet. It also slows
down the rate of absorption of sugars from the food in the digestive system. Certain types of
fibre increase the viscosity of the food content. This increased viscosity indirectly reduces the
need for insulin secreted by the pancreas. Thus a fibre-rich diet can help in diabetes mollitus
Sources of Fibre

The most significant food sources of fibre are unprocessed wheat bran, whole cereals such as
wheat, rice, barley, rye, millets ; legumes such as potato, carrots, beet , turnip and sweet potato ;
fruits like mango and guava and leafy vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce and celery. The
percentage of fibre content per 100 gms. of some foods are : bran 10.5-13.5, whole grain
cereals 1.0-2.0, nuts 2.0-5.0, legumes 1.5-1.7, vegetables 0.5-1.5, fresh fruits 0.5-1.5, and dried
fruits 1.0-3.0. The foods which are completely devoid of fibre are meat, fish , eggs, milk, cheese,
fats and sugars.

Bran, the outer coverings of grains, is one of the richest sources of dietary fibre. And it contains
several types of fibre including cellulose, hermicellulose and pectin. Wheat and corn bran are
highly beneficial in relieving constipation. Experiments show that oat bran can reduce cholesterol
levels substantially. Corn bran is considered more versatile. It relieves constipation and also
Importance of Dietary Fibre lowers LDL cholesterol, which is one of the more harmful kinds. Besides being rich in fibre, bran
has a real food value being rich in time, iron and vitamins and containing a considerable amount
of protein.

Dr.Dennis P. Burkitt, a noted British physician remarks, ” Grain roughages, such as rich bran
and wheat bran, are an essential part of a healthy diet, and a preventive against diseases like
piles, constipation, bowel cancer, varicose veins and even coronary thrombosis. ” Dr. Burkitt
worked for many years in Africa and found after a series of observations that rural Africans who
eat bulk of fibrous foods rarely suffer from any of these diseases.

Legumes have high fibre content. Much of this fibre is water- soluble, which makes legumes
likely agents for lowering cholesterol. Soyabeans, besides this, can also help control glucose
levels.

The types of fibre contained in vegetables and fruits contribute greatly towards good health. The
vegetables with the biggest fibre ratings include sweet corn, carrots, potatoes, parsnips and
peas. And among the high ranking fruits are raspberries, pears, strawberries and guavas.
Types of Fibres

There are six classes of fibre. They are cellulose, hemicellouse, pectin, gums, mucilages and
legnin.

They differ in physical properties and chemical interactions in the gut, though all except
legnin are poly-saceharides. The facts known so far about these forms of fibre as a result of
various studies are discussed below.

Cellulose : It is the most prevalent fibre. It is fibrous and softens the stool. It abounds in fruits,
vegetables, bran, whole-meal bread and beans. It is also present in nuts and seeds. It increases
the bulk of intestinal waste and eases it quickly through the colon. Investigations indicate that
these actions may dilute and flush cancer-causing toxins out of the intestinal tract. They also
suggest that cellulose may help level out glucose in the blood and curb weight gain.

Hermicellulose : It is usually present wherever cellulose is and shares some of its traits. Like
cellulose, it helps relieve con- stipation, waters down carcinogens in the bowel and aids in
weight reduction. Both cellulose and hemicellulose undergo some bacterial breakdown in the
large intestine and this produces gas.

Pectin : This form of fibre is highly beneficial in reducing serum cholesterol levels. It, however,
does not have influence on the stool and does nothing to prevent constipation. Researchs are
being conducted to ascertain if pectin can help eliminate bile acids through the intestinal tract
thereby preventing gallstones and colon cancer. It is found in apples, grapes, berries, citrus
fruits, guava, raw papaya and bran.

Gums and Mucilages : They are the sticky fibres found in dried beans, oat bran and oatmeal.
Investigations have shown that they are useful in the dietary control of diabetes and cholesterol.

Legnin : The main function of legnin is to escort bile acid and cholesterol out of the intestines.
There is some evidence that it may prevent the formation of gallstones. It is contained in cereals,
bran, whole meal flour, raspberries, strawberries, cab- bage, spinach, parsley and tomatoes.
The best way to increase fibre content in the diet is to increase the constipation of wholemeal
bread, brown rice, peas beans, lentils, root vegetables and sugar -containing fruits, such as
dates, apples, pears and bananas. The intake of sugar, refined cereals, meat, eggs and dairy
products should be reduced. Candies, pastries, cakes which are rich in both sugar and fat,
should be taken sparingly. White processed bread should be completely eliminated from the
diet.

Requirement :
There are divergent views as to the requirement of dietary fibre for good health. There is no
recommended daily dietary allowance for it and hardly any data about optimum amounts. Some
Africans known for lower incidence of degenerative diseases take about 150 grams of fibre a
day. In Europe and North America, where there is a high incidence of such diseases, people
take 25 grams or less a day. Dr. John H. Cummings, a noted fibre expert in England, considers that a fibre intake of 30 grams ( about one ounce ) per day is sufficient for good health.

Excessive consumption of fibre, especially bran, should however, be avoided. Due to its content
of crude fibre, bran is relatively harsh and it may irritate the delicate functioning of the digestive
system, especially in the sick and the weak. Excessive use of fibre may also result in loss of
valuable minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium from the body through
excretion due to quick passage of food from the intestine.

Classification of Amino Acids with respect to their essentiality
Essential  Nonessential
Histidine* Alanine
Isoleucine Arginine
Leucine Asparagine
Lysine Aspartic acid
Methionine Cysteine
Phenylalanine Cystine
Theronine Glutamic acid
Trypophan Glutamine
Valine Glycine
Hydroxyproline
Proline
Serine
Tyrosine
 

Factors in addition to the age, sex and physiological condition of an individual influence the
requirements for specific amino acids. If total protein intake is low, small surpluses of certain
amino acids can increase the need for others. The non-essential amino acids in protein also
affect the quality of protein. For example, the amount of sulphur – containing essential amino
acid methionine required may be somewhat reduced if cystine, a sulphur-containing nonessential
amino acid,is supplied in the diet. Likewise, the presence in the diet of tyrosine, a
non-essential amino acid similar in structure to phenylalanine, may reduce the requirement for
phenylalanine.

Much research has been done on amino acids in recent times and this has paved the way for
dramatic treatment and cure of different problems by their judicious use. They are now dubbed
as ” the nutrients of the 80’s” and “medical foods”.
The various functions of the essential and frequently investigated non-essential amino acids,
their deficiency symptoms and their therapeutic uses are discussed below :

TRYPTOPHAN
Of all the essential amino acids , tryptophan is the one that is most investigated by nutrition
researchers. It is essential to blood clotting, digestive juices and the optic system. It induces
sleep and quietens the nervous system. It wards off signs of premature old age – cataracts of the
eyes, baldness, deterioration of sex glands and malformation of teeth enamel. It is also
necessary to the female reproductive organs and for proper utilisation of vitamin A by the body.
Major sources of this amino acids are nuts, and most vegetables. Lack of tryptophan causes
symptoms similar to those of vitamin A deficiency.
A number of scientists feel that it can be used as a safe and effective food remedy for insomnia
and pain. Under experimental conditions, tryptophan in doses of one gram or more has been
shown to be most effective for persons who suffer from mild insomnia and for those who take a
long time to fall asleep. Tryptophan may also be a natural painkiller. Researches at Temple
University in Philadelphia have indicated that it worked without causing the side effects
associated with other anesthesia or analgesics.
Tryptophan as a food medicine should be taken between meals with a low protein food such as
fruit juice or bread . One to three grams a day seems to be the range favoured by most
researchers.

METHIONINE
This is a vital sulphur -bearing compound which helps dissolve cholesterol and assimilates fat. It
is required by haemoglobin, the pancreas , the lymph and the spleen. It is necessary to maintain
normal body weight and also helps maintain the proper nitrogen balance in the body. Rich
sources of methionine are Brazil nut, Hazal nut, and other nuts. It is also found in Brussel
sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, pineapples and apples. Its deficiency can lead to chronic
rheumatic fever in children, hardening of the liver (cirrhosis) and nephritis of the kidneys. Studies
show that methionine and chorine prevent tumours and proliferation.

LYSINE
Lysine inhibits viruses. Its use along with vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A helps eliminate virus
infections. Vitamin C protects this amino acid while in the body so that lysine plus vitamin C has
a much stronger anti-virus effect than if either is used seperately. Lysine also influences the
female reproductive cycle. Lack of adequate lysine in the diet may cause headaches, dizziness,
nausea and incipient anaemia. The main sources of this amino acid are most kinds of nuts,
seeds, vegetables and sub-acid fruits. Lysine upsets in the body have also been associated with
pneumonia, nephrosis and acidosis as well as malnutrition and rickets in children.
It is considered a natural remedy for cold, sores, shingles and genital herpes. In a study
published in 1983, a group of researchers polled over 1,500 people whose daily intake of lysine
was over 900 mg. 88 per cent said that lysine seemed to reduce the severity of their attacks of
herpes virus and accelerated the healing time. These results have, however, been disputes by
some scientists.

VALINE
Valine is an essential body growth factor, particularly for mammary glands and ovaries. Valine is
directly linked with the nervous system. It is essential for the prevention of nervous and digestive
disorders. Major sources are almonds, apples and most vegetables. Lack of this amino acid
makes a person sensitive to touch and sound.

ISOLEUCINE
This amino acid is essential for maintaining the nitrogen balance vital to all body functions. It
also regulates metabolism of the thymus, spleen and pituitary glands. Rich sources are
sunflower seeds, all nuts, except cashew nuts, avacados and olives.