Methionine – what it is, benefits, foods and side effects!

Methionine is a proteinogenic amino acid that belongs to the essential amino acids and cannot be synthesized autonomously by the body. For this reason, it is extremely important to introduce it in sufficient amounts through food or as a food supplement.

Sulfur bonds are present in all living things and have numerous functions. Cysteine ​​and methionine are sulfur amino acids. In fact, it plays an important role in the synthesis of important proteins such as carnitine or melatonin. It acts as a fat dissolver and limits the accumulation of fat in the liver.

What is methionine?

Methionine or L- methionine  is an essential amino acid for many vital functions in the body. In fact, its function is performed in various tissues, such as hair, where it plays an important structural role.

In addition, the combination of these two amino acids helps keep hair soft and at the same time consistent due to its greater ability to retain keratin (also present in nails).

Many therapeutic and hair enhancement products are based on methionine . The best vehicle is oral supplementation, but many “restorative” bottles and shampoos are also widely used to apply it directly to the hair .

After all, with this amino acid the human body amplifies its purifying possibilities to facilitate the elimination of toxic substances for the body such as many metals and, in particular, mercury.

What is methionine for?

In addition to metabolic functions, methionine helps to detoxify us from toxins, thanks to its chelating action; more helps to fight the formation of free radicals and prevents the onset of endometriosis , a disease of women with uterine tract, which involves the growth outside its seat of competence on the part of the uterine tissue, creating serious consequences for the health of the patient.

However, as far as hormonal pathologies are concerned, this protein is able to cleanse the liver from excess estrogen production, which can lead to imbalances and other types of diseases.

Finally, it also helps to keep cholesterol levels in the blood under control, thanks to its stimulating action on the production of lecithin by the liver, an antagonist molecule capable of reducing the presence of this harmful substance in our circulatory system.

Health benefits of methionine:

Other of its benefits concern:

• Cure some allergies;
• Helps in the treatment of asthma ;
• Treats psychiatric symptoms such as depression and schizophrenia;
• It cleanses the body of excess acetaminophen molecules, usually due to an overdose of this substance.

Methionine for hair:

Methionine is an amino acid that is essential for many vital functions of the body: this substance, in fact, helps the balance of metabolism and the growth system, providing sulfur compounds that nullify the harmful and dangerous action of free radicals . By the way, the right amount of it in the body also reduces the risk of skin, hair and nail diseases,

Methionine-rich foods:

Methionine is contained in various foods such as egg whites, sesame seeds, walnuts, peaches , cow’s milk, cheese, meat and fish. Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, may not be enough to support the correct Methionine requirement .

Its biological function, then, is subordinate to cystine, and therefore a protein can be considered complete only if both substances are present ( cystine supplement ).

Side effects:

After talking to your doctor and consulting the package insert for these supplements, it is advisable to avoid taking too much Methionine . In fact, an overdose of this protein can even cause serious effects. Among these effects, the ones that stand out are the increase in the levels of homocysteine, a sulfur-based amino acid, whose high value in the blood is symptomatic of the emergence of some cardiovascular diseases.

Further damage due to a methionine overdose will result in brain damage and an increased risk factor for developing tumor formations. Finally, more common side effects are reported, including delusions, a feeling of perpetual drowsiness, disorientation, and confusion.

But if you have detected one or more of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor.

Contraindications:

Some categories of patients should avoid the use of methionine -based supplements . Among them are those who suffer from acidosis: this protein can contribute to the body’s acidity levels.

However, special attention should also be paid to all those who suffer from liver diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver.

Pregnant or lactating women should refrain from these supplements to avoid serious harm to both. After all, it is important to pay attention to the effects related to taking methionine , keeping the doctor informed in case they appear. If one or more of the above symptoms appear, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.