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Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
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THE ADRENAL GLANDS The adrenal glands sit like a tiny pyramid on top of each kidney.
They are made up of two distinct parts:
• The adrenal cortex: The outer part of the gland which produces hormones that are vital to life, such as cortisol, which helps regulate metabolism and helps your body respond to stress, and aldosterone, which helps control blood pressure.
• The adrenal medulla: The inner part of the gland which produces hormones which help your body react to stress, such as adrenaline.
Of all of the endocrine organs, the adrenal glands are the ones that most often test weak and give people the most challenges.
• The adrenals represent the body’s reserve tank.
• When the body’s reserves get used up, the person will have health challenges.
Stress
• Due to the high pace at which today’s society travels, adrenal malfunction is common, manifested by multiple allergies and corrections to thyroid, hormones and sugar handling problems that do not last.
• It is estimated that 75 - 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems.
• Unmanaged reactions to stress have been shown to be greater risk factors for cancer and heart disease than cigarette smoking or eating high cholesterol foods.
In the presence of stressors, the body almost immediately attempts to increase cortisol levels.
This increase is associated with both endocrine and autonomic responses in preparing the body to defend itself normally.
However, elevated cortisol levels for extended periods of time, negatively affect virtually every aspect of physiology.
It becomes more difficult to:
• Maintain proper blood sugar levels
• Slow down for rest
• Recover and repair
• Get good quality sleep
• Balance hormones
• Maintain mucosal immune integrity
• Maintain bone mass
• Produce effective general immune function
• Effectively regulate inflammatory processes
• Detoxify the body
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
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Without proper intervention, continued high adrenal stimulation can lead to adrenal exhaustion and lowered cortisol levels. Eventually, this can lead to adrenal or cardiac failure.
Four stresses that contribute to hypoadrenia:
1. Physical stress – hard work for long hours
2. Chemical stress – environmental pollutants and food-related factors such as poor diets high in refined carbohydrates, preservatives, and additives, etc.
3. Emotional stress – worry, anxiety, anger, etc.
4. Thermal stress – severe temperature changes
A combination of physical, chemical, emotional and thermal stress exhibits a response that causes activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The severity and longevity of the stress response as well as the adaptive capacity of the organism will determine the resultant affects.
Stress is first perceived through the nervous system with resultant hormonal activation; thus, it is a neuroendocrine response. In humans, any stressor good or bad stimulates the hippocampus to activate the hypothalamus which then releases corticotropin releasing factor (CRF).
The CRF travels through the hypophyseal portal system to the pituitary stimulating the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The ACTH then travels through the systemic circulation to the adrenal cortex where it releases the glucocorticoid cortisol.
Due to cortisol, stress makes us fat, thins our bones, shrinks our brains, suppresses our immune system, and kills our sex drive. Immediately upon activation of the pathway, this causes stress and the body reacts.
This provokes:
• Gluconeogenesis
• Decreased insulin sensitivity
• Amino acid mobilization
• Protein catabolism
• Disappearance of the blood-born eosinophils and lymphocytes
It is imperative to understand the pivotal role of adrenal physiology, in not only the apparent stress we see in our patient population and perceive in our own lives, but the long term effects over-stimulation of the gland produces in chronic disease states.
An incalculable amount of human morbidity and perhaps mortality exists due to the failure of physicians to understand and effectively treat “The chronic stress response”.
Stress can come from how we perceive and deal with the world around us, as well as how healthy our internal organs function. Dealing with financial woes, marital issues, stress at work, guilt, worry, frustration, anxiety, depression, are all contributing factors.
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• Decreased lymphocyte production
• Mobilization of free fatty acids from adipose tissue
• Decreased phagocytosis and white blood cell migration
• Increased red blood-cell production
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
Organ dysfunction such as GI disturbances, microbial overgrowth, cardiac disease, chronic musculoskeletal pain, injury, etc., collectively contribute to our stressor load.
In the presence of stressors, the body almost immediately attempts to increase cortisol levels. This increase is associated with both endocrine and autonomic responses in preparing the body to defend itself normally. However, elevated cortisol levels for extended periods of time, negatively affect virtually every aspect of physiology.
It becomes more difficult to:
• Slow down for rest
• Recover and repair
• Get good quality sleep
• Balance hormones
• Detoxify the body
Without proper intervention, continued high adrenal stimulation can lead to adrenal exhaustion and lowered cortisol levels. Eventually, this can lead to adrenal or cardiac failure.
HYPOADRENIA A common symptom that should light up a lightbulb and make you aware of the adrenals is when a client says “I never felt the same after the accident.” According to the medical doctor, they are supposed to be healed, but they do not feel healed.
The adrenal glands secret mineral corticoids. Aldosterone is probably the most important one that is particularly found deficient in cases of fatigue.
People who use marijuana at least once a week for several weeks will have hypoadrenia.
The SI joint will usually subluxate posteriorly in cases of hypoadrenia.
• The front adrenal neurolymphathic is two inches up and one inch lateral to the navel bilaterally
• The back adrenal neurolymphathic is between T11 and T12 bilaterally near the laminae groove
• The neurovascular is the posterior fontanel in the back of the head
Symptoms of hypoadrenia:
• Depression
• Hormonal imbalance
• Skin problems
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue and weakness
• Tired in the morning
• Increased allergies � of �3 20
• Maintain bone mass
• Maintain proper blood sugar levels
• Maintain mucosal immune integrity
• Produce effective general immune function
• Effectively regulate inflammatory processes
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including thirst
• A suppressed immune system
• Light-headed upon standing
• Pain inside the knee - attachment to the sartorius
• Muscle and bone loss and muscular weakness
• Cravings for foods high in salt, sugar or fat
• Heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
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THE THREE STAGES OF ADRENAL STRESS Hans Seyle, MD, considered the father of stress, identified a pattern of stress related illnesses. He wrote the classic text on stress in the 1930’s where he developed the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which is the manifestation of stress in the whole body over time.
GAS is broken down into three stages:
1. The Alarm Reaction
2. The Adaptive or Resistance Stage
3. The Exhaustion Stage
Stage 1: The Alarm Phase is characterized by an increased output of Cortisol with a normal, low normal or low DHEA level. (Total Cortisol high).
During the alarm phase, there is a sympathetic dominant body response. Hydrochloric acid secretion is decreased.
There is an adrenal medullar stimulation which causes increased epinephrine (adrenalin) and norepinephrine secretion. There is also a stimulation of the posterior medial portion of the hypothalamus.
This Causes:
In the Alarm Phase:
• The adrenal muscles will show weak in the clear, such as the sartorius and gracilis
• If the adrenal muscles do not show in the clear, have the person touch both of the Neurolymphatic points for the adrenals (2 inches up and 1 inch out from the navel) and retest the adrenal muscles (either gracilis or sartorius)
• If the adrenal muscles now show, that means they are in the adaptation stage of the GAS
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• Greater blood flow to arms
• Greater arm flow to legs
• Increased breath• Racing heartbeats
• Sweating
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
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THE ADAPTATION PHASE
Stage 2: The Adaptation or Resistive Phase is characterized by depressed cortisol levels, with a borderline low or low DHEA level. (Total Cortisol normal). After recovery from the alarm phase, if there is additional stress or a series of stressors, the body goes into the Adaptation phase.
• Entering this phase lets your body keep fighting a stressor long after the effects of the fight-or-flight response have worn off.
• Cortisol is largely responsible for this stage, which stimulates the conversion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to energy through a process called gluconeogenesis.
• This process ensures your body has a large supply of energy after glucose stores and muscles have been exhausted.
• Cortisol also promotes the retention of sodium to keep your blood pressure elevated and your heart contracting strongly.
• The resistance reaction provides you with the necessary energy and circulatory changes you need to deal with stress.
The Adaptation Phase and Cortisol
Cortisol is a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone that, in small quantities, speeds tissue repair, but in larger quantities depresses the body’s immune defense system.
• A prolonged resistance reaction increases the risk of significant disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer). This is because the continual presence of elevated levels of cortisol overstimulates the individual cells and they begin to break down.
• Your body goes on trying to adapt under increasing strain and pressure. If this phase goes on too long, your body systems weaken leading to exhaustion (the third stage).
• The resistance phase can continue for years but, because each of us has a different physiology and life experience, the amount of time one can remain in this phase is unpredictable.
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Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
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THE EXHAUSTION PHASE Stage 3: The Exhaustion Phase
The Exhaustive Phase is characterized by depressed Cortisol levels, with a borderline low or low DHEA level (Total Cortisol low).
• This stage is found most frequently.
• This is where people burn the candle at both ends.
• The exhaustive stage shows when things that should be bad are good and things that should be good are bad.
The Reverse Adrenal Syndrome
This represents the Exhaustive Phase of the GAS.
• It is called Reverse Adrenal because what usually weakens the person actually strengthens them, such as white sugar.
• This is due to the body being so exhausted that it will grab hold of anything to keep it going.
Example: White sugar should normally weaken the body, because it has been bleached and only has 1 ingredient. On the other hand, honey has 90 trace nutrients. In the exhaustion stage, sugar actually strengthens the body.
• This occurs because the body is so exhausted that it will grab anything it can to keep going.
• Sugar is one of those things it will grab onto. Ironically, if you give a person “good nutrients” like an apple, which is normally perceived as a very nutritious substance, an apple will actually weaken them.
Reversal Adrenal Test
1. Find a strong indicator muscle.
2. Make sure the your test muscle is not over-facilitated by switching it off.
3. Put the white sugar on their body and retest, and it should weaken them.
4. If it does not weaken them, we conclude that person has Reverse Adrenal Syndrome.
5. We can give the person GSC (a multi-glandular product from Progressive Labs) and then repeat the sugar test. It should now weaken them. Test for how much GSC they should take per day.
6. This makes a great teaching tool to show the person an example of how kinesiology works.
7. Of the three adrenal syndromes, the Reverse Adrenal Syndrome is by far the most common one that shows up as a result of the fast pace that we all live.
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
MUSCLE TESTING RESPONSE TO THE ADRENAL SYNDROMES Alarm Phase: The Adrenal muscles test weak in the clear
Adaptation Phase: The Adrenal muscles test strong in the clear but weak when the NLs for the adrenals are CL’ed or the PSIS is CL’ed.
• This is also know as Hidden Adrenal
Exhaustion Phase: The Adrenal muscles may test weak in the clear, but will strengthen on white sugar or a strong muscle will not test weak on white sugar.
• You can also pull on a joint in a direction it normally doesn’t move, like twisting a finger (ask the person if it is ok to do this first in case they had a recent injury to the joint). If it makes an indicator muscle weak, then it indicates they are in the exhaustion stage of stress and will have a general condition of weakened ligaments.
Muscle Testing to Determine What Will Balance
1. Put a weak muscle in circuit from any of the tests for the various phases.
2. Test the finger modes and see what comes up, using verbal testing to see what tests strong in that domain.
• Structural Mode can be neurolymphatics, aerobic exercise, massage and yoga
• Nutritional Mode can be diet addition, diet deletion, supplement addition (Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Glandulars), drinking more water and detoxing
• Emotional Mode can include emotional stress release and anything in your emotional tool box
• Energy Mode can include meridian trace, acupressure points on the TW meridian, chakra work, reiki or things in your energy tool box
• Also check for lifestyle changes that the person feels they need to do:
• time for fun
• recreation
3. Do the NL points for the adrenals 2” up and 1” out from the navel and the NV points on the posterior fontanel as they discuss the corrections that the person is going to make that feel good to them and how they will get support to do that.
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• get more sleep
• prayer and mediation
• social contact
• doing their passion
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
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Triple Warmer
Adrenal glands
Flexes the knee and hip and adducts the thigh. Provides medial knee support
Lower half of the pubic bone
Upper part of the medial surface of the tibia
With the legs together, rotate the leg you are testing in medial rotation and while gripping behind the ankle, pull straight out as you stabilize the opposite leg
Front: 2” up and 1” out from the umbilicus bilateral
Back: 1” to each side of the spine between T10 – T11 & T11 – T12
#2 – the posterior fontanel
• Adrenal problems, infections, and allergies
• Postural signs:
Vitamin C and Adrenal Tissue
Meridian
Organ
Action
Origin
Insertion
Muscle Test
NL
NV
Indications
Nutrition
GRACILIS - TRIPLE WARMER
NL
NV
• Knock knees
• A shorter leg on the weak side
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
CORTISOL
Cortisol is commonly known as the “stress” hormone because the adrenal glands release cortisol as part of the stress response.
It is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating many body processes, including metabolism and immune response, and controls mood, motivation and fear.
Secretion of cortisol is controlled by the HPA axis which we covered in Class 16.
Some of the body processes regulated by cortisol include:
• Reduce inflammation
• How to use carbohydrates, fats and proteins
• Increase blood sugar (energy the body needs in fight or flight)
• Boosts energy (adrenaline rush) to cope with stress and restore balance after
When the body is in a state of chronic stress, this leads to a constantly elevated blood cortisol level.
Regardless of the source of the stress, whether it's running away from a bear, fighting an infection, or getting steamed at your son's baseball umpire, the body responds with the same Stress Response cycle.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels burn out the body's cells, breaks down tissue and is catabolic.
The body uses Vitamins B1, B5, B6 & B12, Vitamin C and Vitamin D, to make cortisol, so these nutrients may be low in cases of chronically elevated cortisol.
Excess cortisol over a prolonged period of time can lead to muscle wasting, decreased libido in women as well as cessation of women's monthly menstrual cycle.
In the event of pituitary or adrenal tumor, a sudden spike in cortisol can result in Cushing Syndrome.
Symptoms of chronically high blood cortisol include:
• Anxiety and depression
• Headaches
• High blood pressure and Heart disease
• Memory and concentration difficulties
• Digestion issues
• Diabetes
• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face
Too little cortisol leads to Addison's disease.
Low cortisol impedes critical metabolic functions.
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• Regulate blood pressure • Regulate the sleep-wake cycle
• Difficulty sleeping
• Thin, fragile skin that is slow to heal
• Facial hair in women
• Osteopenia, Osteoporosis
• Impaired thyroid, pancreas and ovarian function
• Suppressed immune system
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
Symptoms of low cortisol include:
• Chronic tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids for low cortisol but corticosteroids often have side effects.
Herbs and Foods that can help low cortisol include:
• Licorice
To keep cortisol levels normal and the body functioning in a healthy way, the best strategy is stress management.
Identify factors in your life that cause or lead to stress and develop strategies to reduce or eliminate the stress response.
For instance, you leave for work at 8:00 am and are caught in the height of rush hour traffic. One solution might be to see if your job offers flexible hours allowing you go in later and leave later, thereby missing the traffic or at least not being caught in the worst of it.
Other strategies for reducing stress and lowering cortisol include:
• Eating well including Omega-3, Vitamins B, C & D
• Exercise and plenty of fresh air
• Sleeping for 7 - 8 hours at night
• Socializing with friends
• Helping other people
• Laughing (is the best medicine)
• Find outlets for relieving stress such as hobbies, coloring, etc.
• Meditation, deep breathing, yoga and relaxation therapies like massage
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can increase cortisol
In circadian rhythms, cortisol is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle, and peaks and peaks between 7 – 9 am.
Additional cortisol bursts occur throughout the day, associated with exercise, meals and metabolic function.
Exercising after eating inhibits the extra cortisol burst for exercise since cortisol was already released for digestion.
Chronic stress, along with chronically elevated cortisol, can lead to adrenal gland burnout and chronic deficiency in cortisol, DHEA and other hormones, and severely compromising the body's ability to recover from illness and be healthy.
In effect, your gas tank is running on empty. � of �10 20
• Muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Darkening of the skin, especially on scars and skin folds
• Weight loss
• Pain in the abdomen
• Coffee• Grapefruit• Rhodiola• Ashwagandha• Ginseng
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
DHEA AND PREGNENOLONE
DHEA is the counter-regulator to cortisol and is also a steroid hormone.
Together they work synergistically to maintain balance and counter-balance.
Pregnenolone is the precursor to all steroidal hormones:
• Progesterone
In chronic stress, the body uses pregnenolone to make cortisol.
If pregnenolone is used to make cortisol, there is less of it to make the other hormones, including DHEA.
The result of excess or chronic stress is an elevated cortisol-to-DHEA ratio; a normal ratio is approximately 5:1 to 6:1.
The cortisol-to-DHEA ratio is what modulates energy output at the cellular level everywhere in the body.
DHEA is the precursor hormone for making estrogen and testosterone.
It promotes anti-aging and longevity.
Conditions associated with low DHEA include:
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Disease
DHEA helps to maintain the balance in the body and aids in:
• Immune system regulation
• Endocrine gland - thyroid, pancreas, ovarian - function
• Protein, fat and glucose metabolism
• Regulated blood sugar
• Regulated blood pressure
• Regulated cholesterol levels
• Regulated mood
DHEA promotes healthy cellular function, tissue repair and growth and is anabolic in function.
DHEA has a role in over 150 various metabolic functions.
After the age of 30, DHEA gradually starts to decline and accelerates in decline as we continue to age so that by our 70s, our body only produces about 10 - 20% of the amount of DHEA it did prior to age 30.
DHEA can be supplemented but it is a hormone not a vitamin so should be monitored carefully by a medical practitioner.
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• Testosterones• Aldosterone • DHEA • Estrogens
• Adrenal Fatigue• Alzheimer's
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Hypothyroidism
• Healthy detoxification pathways
• Strong bones
• Lean muscle mass
• Improved memory and cognitive function
• Hormone balance
• Energy production
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
Understanding the Relationship between Cortisol and DHEA
DHEA and Cortisol balance each other.
Their levels vary depending on the level of stress and how chronic that stress is.
In the Cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, normal function is 5:1 to 6:1 (Cortisol:DHEA)
Cortisol-to-DHEA Levels
1. Normal cortisol, normal DHEA = normal adrenal function
2. Elevated cortisol, normal DHEA = short-term response to stress and a low blood sugar level
3. Elevated cortisol, elevated DHEA = normal adrenal function but chronic stress
4. High cortisol, low DHEA = impaired adrenal function, the body cannot make enough DHEA to counterbalance cortisol - This is the first stage of Adrenal Exhaustion
5. Low cortisol, low DHEA = impaired adrenal function, the body cannot make either cortisol or DHEA, associated with severe fatigue, no morning peak of cortisol and low melatonin at night
6. Low cortisol, DHEA borderline low or normal = most likely suggests early stage adrenal recovery
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Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
RHODIOLA
Rhodiola has many active components including phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids and quinones.
• It is an adaptogenic herb.
• Helps balance hormones and induce relaxation.
• It supports cognitive function, memory and concentration.
• It sensitizes neurons to dopamine and serotonin stimulating pleasure pathways and improving focus, memory and mood.
• Supports weight loss with exercise by speeding up fat-burning cells and activating the enzyme "hormone-sensitive lipase."
• Stimulates metabolic function increasing circulation which in turn oxygenates the cells allowing them to function at a higher efficiency, essentially stoking the fire.
• Rhodiola can regulate the heart beat and eliminate irregular heart beat (arrhythmia).
• It supports muscle recovery after workouts.
Health Benefits of Rhodiola
• Increases energy
• Immune support
• Depression
• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves cognitive function
How to use of Rhodiola
• The root is dried and powdered.
• May be found as a tea or supplement.
• Look for Rhodiola harvested from colder, harsher climates as this environment develops the active compounds Rosavins found in Rhodiola.
Side Effects of Rhodiola
• Insomnia
Precautions of Rhodiola
• None are known
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers should always use caution when taking herbs and do so under the guidance of their physician.
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• Diabetes
• Reduce inflammation
• Arthritis
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Increases libido
• Aids in weight loss
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Cardiovascular support
• Increased blood pressure• Irritability • Chest tightness
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
• It helps prevent oxidative stress on the brain and aids in lessening symptoms of drug withdrawal.
• Ashwagandha leaves can selectively inhibit cancer cells and the root helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
• It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial and anti-stress properties.
• It's beneficial for the cardiovascular system, strengthening the heart, decreasing inflammation and lowering cholesterol.
• Stimulates thyroid gland function and supports immune system function.
• Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
• Energy
• Anti-aging
• Stress resistance
• Hormone balance
• Aphrodisiac
How to use Ashwagandha
• Dried, fresh or as a tea, and supplement form.
• Traditionally, one teaspoon of dried Ashwagandha mixed with a cup of warm milk and honey has been used to help calm vata and regulate sleep/wake cycles.
Side Effects of Ashwagandha
• May make the user sleepy
Precautions of Ashwagandha
• People with Graves' disease or hyperactive thyroid should not use Ashwagandha as it stimulates thyroid function.
• Pregnant women should not use Ashwagandha as it has abortive factors.
• Do not use if taking other medications.
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• Diabetes
• Reduce inflammation
• Arthritis
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Improved memory
• Balance moods
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Thyroid function support
• Nausea • Upset stomach• Diarrhea
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
LEUCINE
Is an essential amino acid that must be obtained from the foods we eat
• The acupuncture test point is SI 1
• It is the more important ketogenic amino acid in humans, the other being Lysine
• It is broken down into a precursor of ketones versus other amino acids which are converted into glucose
• Leucine and Lysine are never converted to glucose
There are 5 amino acids that can be converted to both ketones and glucose:
• Phenylalanine
• The remaining amino acids are converted solely to glucose
• Ketones regulate blood sugar and aid in weight loss
• Leucine is used by the Liver, fat (adipose) tissue and muscle tissue
• It is rapidly transported to the brain where it is converted into glutamate
• Leucine is a regulator of cell growth
• It is also the most abundant of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) that are critical for human life
A branched-chain amino acid has a side chain carbon branch (molecular structure):
• Leucine
• Branched-chain amino acids function in metabolism and physiology - metabolically in protein synthesis and glucose metabolism, physiologically in the immune system and brain function
• Lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes require BCAAs
• Leucine directly stimulates muscle production; however, long-term supplementation in elderly men did not increase muscle mass or strength
• However, too much Leucine could possibly lead to obesity
• In people with obesity and insulin resistance, BCAAs have been found to be elevated suggesting a possible relationship
• Leucine is often used by body builders to increase muscle mass but should be used with caution and is best taken with food prior to working out
• Leucine is also used in foods as a flavor enhancer (glutamate/MSG)
Food Sources:
• Meat (Beef, Chicken, Raw chicken egg yolk) • Salmon
• Dairy (Whey protein, whole cow's milk)
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• Tyrosine• Threonine • Tryptophan• Isoleucine
• Valine• Isoleucine
• Beans (Pinto, Lentil, Chickpea) • Nuts & Seeds (Hemp seed, Peanuts, Almonds)
• Whole grains (Wheat germ, Oats, Corn)
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
Health Benefits:
• Metabolic & Immune function
• Regulates blood sugar
• Parkinson's
• Helps prevent breakdown of muscle tissue after trauma or severe stress
• Protects against seizures - because it is broken down into ketones and ketones stabilize seizure activity
How to use:
• The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Leucine is 42 mg/Kg of body weight daily
• This equates to approximately 3 gm daily for a 160-pound person
• Upper tolerable intake limit for a healthy individual is suggested to be 500 mg/Kg daily
• L-Leucine is the natural form
• D-Leucine is the synthetic lab created form
• Look for supplements that are made from foods or consume foods rich in Leucine
Side Effects:
• May decrease Serotonin
• Leucine toxicity (characterized by urine that has a sweet odor like maple syrup) causes delirium and neurologic issues
• Taken when fasting or without food may induce hypoglycemia
• BCAAs can cause hyper-excitability in cells - poor calcium absorption by the cells is a trigger for this hyper-excitable cell state that leads to cell death
• Long-term and high dosage effects of supplementing with Leucine have not been studied
Precautions:
DO NOT take Leucine if you are:
• On the medication Levodopa
• On any medication for diabetes
• On the medication Diazoxide
• Taking any medication for inflammation (corticosteroids)
• On thyroid hormone supplementation
• High amounts of Leucine may elevated blood ammonia level which can lead to brain injury and death
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• Lower LDL cholesterol level
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Benefits the kidneys
• Growth hormone production
• Speeds wound healing and treats burns
• Growth & Repair of muscle and bone
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
VALINE
• Valine’s acupuncture test point is CX 1.
• It is a branched-chain amino acid like Leucine and Isoleucine.
• It is not manufactured in the body so we must get it from the foods we eat.
• It promotes normal growth, repair tissue, regulates blood sugar and provides energy.
• Valine stimulates the Central Nervous System.
• It is also required for the brain to function properly.
• It is essential for maintaining muscle mass and energy required by muscles to function.
• It helps to detoxify excess nitrogen from the liver and transport it to other body tissues as needed.
• It may be beneficial for liver and gallbladder disease and beneficial for damage done to the liver by alcohol and drugs.
• Valine is required for the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells.
• Vegetarians, people on a low-protein diet or endurance athletes who aren't eating enough protein may be deficient in Valine.
• Signs of deficiency for Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine are different.
Signs of Valine Deficiency
• Neurological deficits
• Impaired mental function
• Diseases affecting the myelin sheath
Health Benefits
• Brain health
• Mental alertness
• Energy
• Regulates the immune system
Food Sources
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• Muscle mass deterioration
• Inability to absorb proteins
• Weak muscles
• Insomnia
• Insomnia
• Nervousness, Anxiety
• Liver disease
• Regulate blood sugar
• Tissue growth and repair
• Healthy nervous system
• Meat
• Dairy
• Mushrooms
• Peanuts
• Kidney beans
• Leafy vegetables
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
How to Use
• Available as L-Valine but should always be taken with Leucine and Isoleucine.
• A good balance of the 3 branched-chain amino acids is 2 mg Leucine, 2 mg Valine and 1 mg of Isoleucine which is believed to provide optimal absorption.
• Valine is available individually but may also be found in a combination supplement with Leucine and Isoleucine.
Side Effects
• A crawling skin sensation
• Hallucinations
• Impaired Liver and/or Kidney function
• Increased ammonia level in the body
Precautions
• People with Liver or Kidney disease should only take Valine under the direct guidance of their physician.
• People with ALS and Lou Gehrig's disease may experience lung failure on supplementation, do not use without direct supervision of your physician.
• May interfere with blood sugar after surgery. Stop using branched-chain amino acids at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
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Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
ISOLEUCINE
Facts about Isoleucine
• Its acupuncture test point is CX 9
• This is the third of the branched-chain amino acids.
• It is also essential and must be obtained from the foods we eat.
• Isoleucine supports blood clotting at wound sites and the manufacture of hemoglobin.
• Like the other 2 branched-chain amino acids, it is also involved in tissue building and repair including the manufacture of base proteins used throughout the body.
• It can help boost energy levels and improve stamina; so, muscle builders and performance athletes may benefit from the branched-chain amino acids as they assist with post-workout muscle recovery.
• Isoleucine helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and significantly increases the body’s ability to use glucose during exercise.
• Vegetarians, people on a low-protein diet who aren’t eating enough protein, endurance athletes and people with liver disease may be deficient in Isoleucine.
• Isoleucine can be used to make both glucose and ketones for energy.
• Isoleucine, Leucine and Valine - the three branched-chain amino acids - make up almost 70% of all amino acids in the body’s proteins.
• These 3 are essential to human health, growth, repair, maintenance and well-being.
Signs of Deficiency
• Low blood sugar
• Low energy
Health Benefits
• Improved energy
• Tissue repair and maintenance
• Blood sugar regulation
Food Sources
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• Sugar cravings
• Dizziness
• Improved athletic performance
• Faster wound healing and recovery
• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Beans
• Lentils
• Legumes
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Muscle tremors
• Depression
Biochemical Kinesiology Class 17
How to use
• Available as L-Isoleucine but should always be taken with Leucine and Valine.
• A good balance of the 3 branched-chain amino acids is 2 mg Leucine, 2 mg Valine and 1 mg of Isoleucine which is believed to provide optimal absorption.
• Isoleucine is available individually but may also be found in a combination supplement with Leucine and Valine.
Side Effects
• No known side effects
Precautions
• People with Liver or Kidney disease should only take under the direct guidance of their physician.
• People with ALS and Lou Gehrig's disease may experience lung failure on supplementation, do not use without direct supervision of your physician.
• May interfere with blood sugar after surgery. Stop using branched-chain amino acids at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• May cause imbalance of brain neurotransmitters.
• Arginine and methionine may cause interactions.
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