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Hi Everyone!
For April, our discussion will highlight a molecule that is extremely important and one you may not be familiar with: Phosphatidylcholine (pronounced: Phos-faa-tidal-choline). Please join me as we as we analyze the importance of this wonderful compound!
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Phosphatidylcholine or PC for short, is possibly the most important of the tens of thousands of molecules that make up cellular life. It is one of four phospholipids that form the body's cell membrane: Choline (PC), Ehtanolamine (PE), Serine PS, and Inositol (PI). Now that we've got the chemical nomenclature out of the way, let's talk about why this particular lipid or fat is so very important. There is increasing evidence that the cell membrane may be more important and have more to do with cellular/body health genetically than DNA! If this is true, it's even more important to supply the cell membrane with adequate nutrition that includes PC since it is this fat that makes up the greatest percentage of the cell membrane - 50% in fact.
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The cell membrane has many functions, one of which is to enclose and contain all the cellular "organelles" that run the cell and the body. But the membrane has an even higher function. Our cell membranes form our genetic library that literally runs our entire system by allowing substances (nutrition) in or out of the cell. Since Phosphatidylcholine provides the primary and most abundant lipid of the cell membrane, you can see how important it is to be included in our daily diet. What exactly does PC do? Phosphatidylcholine serves as the body's main source of choline, an essential nutrient and precursor to the neurotransmitter, acetyl-choline. PC is also necessary for the production of surfactants, which form the mucus membranes of the lungs and intestinal tract and is therefore critical for their proper functioning. In fact, it provides an anti-inflammatory effect on the gut and recent studies have shown that it is beneficial for those suffering from ulcerative colitis. It also protects the stomach and intestinal lining from the damaging effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
PC is necessary for the composition and repair of cell membranes and is vital for normal liver function. It also protects liver cells from viral damage, reduces fibrosis, and prevents cell death from drugs, alcohol and other chemical toxins. Several studies have shown PC's protective and healing effect on patients with hepatitis A, B and C as well as its ability to reduce cellular death and oxidative stress.
Although studies are limited, data suggests PC supplementation can reduce symptoms of illnesses associated with low levels of acetyl-choline including, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Huntington's chorea, Tourette's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.
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A Caution:
The majority of what is currently sold on the market today as Phosphatidylcholine is lecithin, or triple lecithin. Lecithin cannot form a micelle (collection of smaller cells). Even though it contains phospholipids and PC, when taken orally, it is assaulted by lipases, phospholipases, and other enzymes which remove their fatty acid chains and break down the other components. This typically occurs with soy-based or GMO (genetically modified organisms) sources.
Now the good news! intraMAX and intraKID contain Phosphatidylcholine AND in the right form (non-soy, non GMO). It therefore is able to construct the necessary micelles to support proper cell function without breaking down and losing their effectiveness. Just another one of hundreds of reasons to use intraMAX and intraKID for, not only your daily PC, but also for daily detoxification and supplemental nutrition!
As always, I thank you again for reading!
Until next month, I remain yours in good health!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mike 214-707-3878 www.SomaHealth.Net |
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