"It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"

Today, concludes my four part series concerning the essential nature of the B vitamin known as Folate or Folic Acid. Previously, I have presented the idea that the story of folic acid is much like the story of health and life itself; it is multifaceted, comprehensive and still being discovered.

So, what do we presently know about this vitamin and its role in our health. Growing research evidence is establishing that folic acid deficiencies are associated with numerous health maladies. Just spend a few minutes on the internet searching for news stories about folic acid and you will find a slew of information. These stories point to folic acid as being a factor in cases like alzheimers and dementia, heart and cardiovascular diseases, depression, osteoporosis, cervical, breast, pancreatic and colon cancers, hearing loss, psoriasis, restless leg syndrome, chronic fatique, cleft lip/palate defects, and of course neural tube birth defects which was highlighted in my February 26 post.

For the record let me briefly list some of the common natural food sources of folic acid along with their approximate bioavailability % rating. This food list includes: Beets - 30%, Brewers Yeast - 10%, Brussel sprouts - 30%, Cabbage - 30%, Cantaloupe - 30%, Cauliflower - 30%, Celery - 50%, Eggs - 70%, Fish - 70%, Green leafy vegetables - 50%, Kidney beans - 30%, - Lima beans - 30%, Liver - 80%, Nuts - 50%, Oranges - 30%, Wheat germ - 50%.

The scope of this blog is not to provide a detailed scientific explanation of how folate deficiencies may contribute to the above mentioned health conditions. The first Wikipedia link given above can be a first step for those wanting to know more. Let me instead present you with this idea. I believe that most thinking people would accept the premise that our over-all physical health and well-being is largely dependent upon the health of the trillions of individual cells that make up our physical bodies. With that being said, let me now take this opportunity to comment on the critical role folic acid plays in promoting the accurate replication of our human genome.

Before its life cycle ends, every cell in our physical body is programmed by the genetic code within its nucleus to reproduce or replicate itself through cell division. The accurate transfer of this genetic material - the DNA and RNA into the new cell forming is vitally important if we are to maintain good health. Most have heard about the role of antioxidants and how they protect against free radical damage. Free radicals can damage this genetic code. Damaged genetic code makes us more susceptible to defects and diseases like those mentioned earlier in the post. Researchers believe folic acid, like antioxidants, performs a primary role in ensuring the proper transfer of DNA into the newly formed cell.

I have often heard it said that humans have the genetic potential of living to the age of 140 years. And yet, doesn't that seem almost unbelievable in our modern era today? Based on what we already know, for that genetic life potential to ever become a reality, it only stands to reason that the genetic code would have to be replicated faultlessly through the many life cycles of the numerous individual cells that make up the human form. Modern research is providing the evidence that sufficient folic acid nutrition plays a fundamental role in the accurate tranfer of our genetic code from one generation of cells to the next.

In one sense, it could be said we are all being reborn daily through this genetic transfer. And if we were to accept that premise, would it then motivate us to be more mindful and intentional on how we care for ourselves? Could we approach our own health like the way two excited, expectant parents might prepare for the conception, development and birth of their first born child? May we, indeed, love ourselves in this same manner and be conscious of our own daily birthing. We can make preparation for this event by providing those essential nutrients necessary for our health and total well-being on an on-going and daily basis. This thought of being reborn daily reminds me of a lyric from Bob Dylan's song, "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" - from his classic Album Bringing It All Back Home- where he says "That he not busy being born is busy dying." Dear reader, where are you on that spectrum of life and death? May we all choose life for ourselves.

Obviously, there is much more that could be said on this and other related subjects; and the good news is I will in upcoming posts. And, if you like what you are reading, then why not link up with my blog by subscribing to its RSS feed on the Sidebar under Feed Frenzy. That way, future posts will come directly to you at the time of publication. Until next time, choose Life.

David's Web Page

Health Notes

Folate | Human Genome | Essential Nutrients | DNA | antioxidants | Bob Dylan