L-Histidine: An Essential Building Block

L-Histidine is a naturally-occurring amino acid, created in the human body as a building block for proteins, and other vital molecules. It is the precursor for the histamine that is associated with allergic reactions, as well as a component of carnosine and anserine. In infants, L-Histidine is an essential amino acid. Because their bodies cannot manufacture it, L-Histidine must come from the proteins in their diet.

In adults, L-Histidine is considered a conditional essential amino acid. In other words, the adult body manufactures L-Histidine, but under conditions of stress or disease, the supply will be depleted. In the metabolism, L-Histidine is important for managing trace minerals, such as copper, zinc, iron, molybdenum, and manganese, as well as the elimination of other metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which are toxic. L-Histidine does not perform these functions, but is an essential building block for the molecules that do. A depletion of L-Histidine in the body will hamper its ability to manage toxins and essential minerals. L-Histidine depletion can be caused by chronic allergic reactions, or continued exposure to toxic metals.

As a supplement, it is speculated that L-Histidine could serve as an anti-oxidant, or affect the immune system. People with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have low L-Histidine levels in their blood, leading to theories that supplements of the amino acid will help alleviate the symptoms of that disease. Initial studies are not definitive, but promising. Many of the benefits attributed to L-Histidine actually come from its derivative, histamine. Histamine is being studied for the ability to reduce inflammation, and to make cancer-fighting cells, and anti-viral cells, more effective.

There is evidence that histamine and L-Histidine levels in the blood are dependent upon each other. L-Histidine supplements have no severe side effects, but mild gastrointestinal upset may occur. Both peptic ulcer disease and chronic allergies may be affected by L-Histidine supplements, and individuals with these conditions should only take it on doctor's orders. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and small children, should not take L-Histidine.

Recommended L-Histidine Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of L-Histidine is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized L-Histidine, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.