Help your digestive system and prevent cancer with dietary nucleotides

(NaturalHealth365) Nucleotides can be considered the “unsung hero” within the body – especially for the digestive system. And, although they are not well-known, they are essential to the creation of new DNA and RNA and are found in just about every cell in your body.

New evidence points to their role in digestive repair as well as potential cancer prevention. With an estimated 74 percent of Americans currently dealing with gut health issues and digestive discomfort of some sort and an estimated 1,688,780 new cancer cases expected by the end of 2017, how can you determine if dietary nucleotide supplementation is right for you?

Why nucleotides are essential for the digestive system and immune health

The body needs billions of nucleotides to make new copies of DNA every time a cell divides. It also needs nucleotides to make proteins. It can obtain them from salvaging them from old proteins, from synthesis from amino acids such as glutamine, as well as synthesis from sugars. Human beings also receive dietary nucleotides from healthy foods.

One major function of nucleotides has to do with gut healing and repair, especially in areas of intestinal weakness. This is of particular importance for those dealing with gut-related conditions such as IBS, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, but also for those with autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and cancer. Approximately 80 percent of immune system cells reside in the gut and many experts now link many disease conditions to gut imbalance.

In fact, over 100 years ago, Russian scientist Ilya Metchnikoff suggested that development of disease and even the aging process itself was a byproduct of “auto-intoxication.” This is when unhealthy bacterial overgrowth causes certain toxic chemicals such as ammonia to develop in the digestive tract.

And recently, a London-based investigation published in the journal Gut made some exciting discoveries about the function and importance of nucleotides in the digestive system. They write that the digestive system requires an on-going and hefty supply of nucleotides produced by the liver.

They also found that when enough intrinsically-produced (or de novo) nucleotides are produced for the digestive system’s needs, a number of benefits can be seen, including improved liver regrowth and increased immune system responsiveness – especially against opportunistic microbes. They also warn that bad eating habits may strip the body of the means to produce nucleotides internally.

Nucleotides have also been found to improve the condition of small bowel ulcers, promote intestinal repair after dietary stress (like eating gluten, drinking alcohol or ingesting NSAIDs), and may help with “gut mucosal defense” – which is a mechanism of the immune system.

Lack of dietary nucleotides may play a role in the early stages of cancer

New discoveries have also made the link between inadequate amounts of nucleotides in the body and the development of cancer. A joint study by researchers at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and University of Michigan Medical Center found that oncogenesis may result from inadequate nucleotide levels that cannot support normal DNA replication and stability of genes.

Who needs dietary nucleotide supplementation?

The majority of nucleotide content that is not already produced in the body comes from certain kinds of foods. Mushrooms, meats such as lamb and fish, legumes, fruits, vegetables and nuts are especially good sources of dietary nucleotides. In fact, most individuals can get all that they need from what they eat.

Of course, if you eat based on the “Standard American Diet,” are exposed to toxins, or have chronic stress, you may suffer from low nucleotide production. The effects of this may be noticeable and devastating, including possibly a higher risk for cancer.

If you have a weak immune system or digestion, experts state that you may benefit from supplementation with dietary nucleotides in capsule form. Others, however, say that supplementation can also occur during key periods in a person’s life when they need extra energy, balance and support. This may include times of stress, overwork, lack of sleep, major illness, after injury or surgery or at the onset of sickness or infection.

There is still a lot that we need to learn about nucleotides, how they function in the body, and especially how supplementation may both help and possibly hinder the body’s natural processes. For these reasons, always consult your holistic health practitioner before deciding on nucleotide supplementation.

One thing seems to be certain, however. For specific conditions, for strengthening and repairing the gut and for specific times of heightened stress, supplementation with nucleotides may be a path to take on your journey to prevent cancer and other disease conditions.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
PLOS.org
ScienceDirect.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
ScienceDaily.com

About the author: Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is a best-selling author and specialist in Chiropractic, Bio-Energetics, Meridian Stress Analysis, Homeopathy and Digital Thermography. After 30 years in active practice, she decided to “retire” and devote her time to sharing her personal, non-toxic Breast Cancer healing journey with others. Her years of experience and research have culminated in “The 7 Essentials™ “, a step-by-step coaching program that unravels the mystery of healing the body. Her website and personal healing journey have touched the lives of thousands of women around the globe. To get your F.R.E.E. 7-day mini e-course and to receive her weekly inspiring articles on the power of natural medicine – visit: BreastCancerConqueror.com