Betaine: A Possible Answer for the Genetic Clock

The Ticking Clock

Everyone has a genetic clock. It begins ticking when we are conceived, holding all of the genetic information of who we are, what our immune systems will be, what proclivities we may have toward disease or health in each organ and system, and, more important, at what hours our organs and systems will begin to decline

We can alter our genetic clocks based on lifestyle choices and our environment. But no matter what, at some point the clock begins to wind down. For most of us, this occurs with the onset of old age, and our systems stop working so well. We become more susceptible to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and breakdown of vital organs.

A Natural Substance May Be Part of the Answer

Betaine is a metabolite of choline, and is a substance found primarily in seafood, wheat germ or bran, and spinach, and some other fruits and vegetables. Its chemical name is trimethylglycine (TMG for short), and it is showing solid potential as a potential preventive for chronic diseases which commonly afflict the aging body.

Among a large number of studies, the additional ingestion of betaine in supplement form, as well as in the increased consumption of foods which contain it naturally, aging people may be able to find assistance in the promotion of cardiovascular health and cancer prevention.

1. Helps to reduce potentially toxic levels of substances which degrade blood vessels, and promote good blood circulation, especially to extremities.
2. Helps to reduce the accumulation of plaque in vessels and so assist in prevention of dangerous arteriosclerosis.

In studies involving cancerous growth and spread, betaine appears to act with other substances to provide excellent antioxidant activity, helping to restore natural immunities

Betaine and the Liver

Liver function is critical to health and to life itself. One of the most debilitating conditions of aging is the increased fatty deposits in the liver. In several studies, betaine showed excellent benefits in the reduction of these fatty deposits, allowing the liver to better function overall, so long as alcohol was not a factor in deterioration.

Betaine and the Stomach

In additional studies, betaine appears to held in the reduction of painful and sometimes dangerous stomach acids.

Other Potential Uses

Betaine has shown some promise in the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and stroke. Because studies are so premature, there is no definitive information. Still, it certainly cannot hurt to use betaine as possible assistance in these areas.

Dietary Sources of Betaine

As already mentioned, sources include spinach and other dark-colored vegetables as well as seafood, particularly that which is of the invertebrate variety. Another source of betaine is red wine, and cheap red wine at that. Much of cheaper red wines are made using beet sugar. Some researchers suggest that this may be one reason why the French typically do not have the heart disease that Americans have, even though their diets are just as high in saturated fats.

Available Forms for Supplemental Use

Consumers may purchase betaine supplements in powder, tablet or capsule forms. Recommended dosage is between 500 and 1000 milligrams per day.

Interactions

There are no known interactions of betaine with other drugs; however, it is always safe to check with a physician if betaine supplement regimen is begun.

Summary

Research seems to suggest that higher levels of betaine are particularly beneficial as we age. Because there are no know contra-indications with this supplement, it makes sense to use it.

A Word About Betain Hydrochloride

Betain hydrochloride is a difference substance from TMG. It is another form of betain which helps digestion by assisting in the restoration of pepsin in the stomach. If betain hydrochloride is desired as a supplement, it should be taken in 650 milligram capsules once a day.