Glycobiology is the study of a group of saccharides (sugars) called glyconutrients that are essential to proper cellular function. New research has revealed the fact that these biologically active sugars are critical for the transfer of all biological data between each of our 600 trillion cells. Every cell in our body communicates by utilizing a Braille-like alphabet of eight glyconutrients. If a person is missing any of these necessary sugars their cells cannot communicate properly.
Glyconutrients serve as the body's intercellular messengers to communicate all that is required for proper function of each and every individual cell. For this cell-to-cell communication, cells use at least eight specific carbohydrates to "speak" to each other. As your cells touch each other, they communicate over this "sugar code" everything a cell needs: nutrition, repair, hormones, etc. Without these sugars, your body's "operating system" breaks down. If you are deficient in any one of these glyconutrients your cells are not able to properly exchange information, which may result in a miscommunication and dysfunction, making the cell susceptible to disease. Example: if your immune system mistakenly attacks your own cells, then you have an autoimmune disease.
This discovery established the fact that all mammals must synthesize glyconutrients as a normal function of life. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) picked "Glycomics" as one of the Top Ten Technologies that will change the world. In 1996 Harper's Biochemistry, a prominent medical textbook, added a new chapter called Glycoproteins. Doctors who study glycobiology believe that a deficiency of these sugars may be a cause for much of today's diseases, like cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, HIV, MS, allergies, Crohn's, ADHD and many more.
In a perfect world we would be getting these eight necessary glyconutrients from a diet consisting of a broad variety of vine-ripened fruits and vegetables, roots, and berries. However due to modern agricultural methods, and the high percentage of processed and nutritionally empty foods in our diets, we only get two of the necessary eight plant sugars. The process to produce the eight glyconutrients is very complex and requires a host of enzymes and micronutirents to complete the action. If your body is trying to perform these conversions on a daily basis, you can bet that you are robbing your body of vital energy.
Do I Need Glyconutrients?
The health benefits associated with glyconutrients and the difficulty in obtaining enough of these "good" saccharides in our diet mean that supplementation is necessary for most people. When cells communicate at maximum effectiveness, they function at optimal levels, thereby maintaining a healthy body.
The most important nutrient is the one that is missing. The only way to be sure you are getting all eight of the sugars is to supplement your diet with a glyconutrient complex. No combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbals, or any other nutrient can replace the necessary saccharides found in glyconutritionals.
Clinically proven to be absolutely safe, glyconutrients are bio-identical to the same sugars your body naturally produces, making it physiologically impossible for them to interfere with medication, or harm you in any way. Glyconutrients are as safe and natural as mother's milk! Many studies have shown that breast fed babies have a better immune system and fewer allergies. According to a Swedish study, breast milk contains five of these necessary sugars. Its no wonder breast milk is best.
The majority of people take a drug (medicine) or even a nutritional product when they have a health problem. Glyconutrients definitely can be of great help to anyone trying to regain their health. But, just as importantly, glyconutrients can help healthy people function at an optimal level. They are truly a wellness nutrient!
If you are interested in learning more about glyconutrients, I think you will find the following web sites helpful:
http://www.milwaukeecourier.org/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=41634&sID=20 http://www.glycoscience.orghttp://www.sweetvibranthealth.comhttp://www.livingsugars.com Receive a complimentary report: "Benefits of Glyconutrients" by e-mailing Dr. Enders at nelja@mannapages.com with "glyconutrient benefits" in subject line.
About the Author
Dr. David K. Enders is a 1973 graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Enders has studied nutrition for 30 years and has had several articles on nutrition published in professional journals. After completing a Clinical Teaching Residency at Palmer College of Chiropractic he moved to the Chicago area, where he now provides nutritional counseling.
