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Aflatoxin (see Mycotoxins)
Agar
Also known as agar-agar, this is a seaweed extract
used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin.
Agnus castus
Herb
Agnus castus has been widely researched. It is best
known as a female hormone balancer, especially helping to promote the
production of progesterone by increasing luteinizing hormone and
inhibiting the production of follicle-stimulating hormone by the
pituitary. Its main indications are to treat frequent menstruation,
premenstrual symptoms such as fluid retention and acne, and menopausal
problems. In breast-feeding mothers, Agnus castus can help to stimulate
milk production, although it takes a few weeks to take effect. This herb
has a relaxing and calming quality.
Availability:
From health food shops, herbalists and nutritional therapists.
Alanine
Amino acid
An amino acid formed from the conversion of
pyruvate (a common compound formed during carbohydrate metabolism) or
the breakdown of DNA or the dipeptides carnosine and anserine, (this
latter process requires a zinc-dependent enzyme) found in large amounts
in chicken and turkey.
Alanine helps to prevent exercise-induced ketosis and may reduce
the ketosis of diabetes. It can be converted quickly in the liver to
usable glucose, thus acting as a major energy source, and by triggering
the release of glucagon from the liver, it can stimulate an
increase in blood sugar.
Alanine also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and is
important in the body's production of lymphocytes (white blood cells). According to
environmental medicine expert Dr William Rea, it is frequently deficient
in chemically sensitive individuals, resulting in a slow ability to
conjugate toxins.
Availability:
Not normally available as a food supplement. Albumin Albumin (or albumen) is synthesized in the liver and is a major protein of blood plasma. It is mainly responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure in blood vessels and a lack of albumin therefore explains fluid retention in protein deficiency states. Albumin also acts as a carrier for many substances in the blood.
Adapted from the Nutritional Health Bible by Linda Lazarides |
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