Mood Enhancer Remedies

 

Overview of SAM-e

SAM-e is the supplement name for a coenzyme that is naturally found in the body called S-Adenosyl methionine or SAM. The supplements react the SAM-e way in the body as the natural substance, even though it is introduced in a different method. This is important, as not all naturally occurring substances can recreate their effects in supplement form.

The natural coenzyme SAM is made from adenosine triphophate and methionine. It is mostly found and produced in the liver. It is part of the methyl group of enzymes that are eventually processed into mecleic acids, proteins and lipids.

SAM is not found naturally in the diet. It is instead made by the body when a person consumes the amino acid methionine. In order for SAM to be produced by the body it needs Folic Acid and Vitamin B12.

It has been found that an increase in eating foods containing methionine does not necessarily increase the amount of SAM the body produces. Since SAM is beneficial to the body it is important for some people to take a supplement or SAM-e in order to ensure they do not become deficient in SAM.

Deficiencies of SAM are commonly found in people who suffer from liver disorders like cirrhosis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and depression. People suffering from liver disorders are not able to produce or store SAM normally, so many doctors recommend this supplement for this group of patients. In the other groups the reason for deficiency is not as clear, however, in tests people who suffer from these conditions all shared the SAM-e SAM deficiency.

 

History of SAM-e

The naturally occurring SAM was discovered in 1952 by GL Cantoni in Italy. Since discovery, SAM has been widely studied. Numerous clinical trials and tests have been done using SAM-e to help discover the benefits of a supplement for certain groups of people.

There have been clinical trials concerning hepatitis C, cirrhosis and depression, among others. All the trials have shown some promise for the beneficial effects of SAM-e on patients suffering from the health problems in the study. There were often large improvement of conditions and results favoring the use of SAM-e in treatment of such conditions.

 

Benefits of SAM-e

There are four major benefits that have been discovered with the use of SAM-e. All benefits help in treating conditions that are major health concerns and do not already have effective treatments. The use of SAM-e to help treat ailments like cirrhosis, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer's disease has been very positive in clinical trials making SAM-e a very promising and intriguing supplement to those in the medical field.

SAM-e, when used to help treat arthritis patients, has shown to be an effective pain reliever. People who have been unable to get relief through common treatment have been able to better control the pain related to arthritis through the use of SAM-e.

For Alzheimer's patients SAM-e has shown very positive results as a way to gain back cognitive function. SAM-e helps to prevent oxidative damage and cognitive impairments in the brain, which are directly related to the development of Alzheimer's disease. SAM-e may be the breakthrough needed to help prevent and treat this debilitating disease.

Cirrhosis, either alcohol related or not, is helped through the use of SAM-e. SAM-e helps to actually restore liver function in cirrhosis patients by reversing heptotoxicity. Through regular use it is believed that SAM-e may cure cirrhosis in the liver.

SAM-e has also shown antidepressant effects and has been studied for use as an antidepressant. Patients who suffer from depression and take SAM-e have reported a boost in their mood that they could not get through traditional treatment.

 

Health Claims of SAM-e

The reason that SAM-e seems to be beneficial in many situations involving health problems related to the brain, such as controlling mood, pain sensations and memory, is because SAM in the body is involved in processing hormones and neurotransmitters in the body that control those things.

SAM helps in the production of both dopamine and serotonin. Both of these play different roles in the body that effect mood and brain functions.

Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter. It is produced in the brain. Dopamine serves several functions. It helps with control of motor skills, regulates behavior, affects sleep, mood and the ability to learn and also has been linked to pain control. It is sometimes given in a man made drug form.

However, natural dopamine and dopamine from a drug react differently in the body. Dopamine taken through a drug can not effect the central nervous system the way natural dopamine can and will not produce the natural effects. Instead, oral dopamine will increase the heart rate and raise blood pressure. Therefore through taking SAM-e a person can stimulate the natural production of dopamine to get the natural effects they desire.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that works in the central nervous system. It plays a major role in controlling anger, aggression, regulating moods, sleep and appetite. It also helps in regeneration of the liver. Through taking SAM-e a person can enable their body to produce more Serotonin and get the benefits quicker than they would without the supplement.

Once taken, SAM-e helps to boost the body's natural functions to produce hormones and neurotransmitters that account for the benefits seen in patients suffering from cirrhosis, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and depression. Cirrhosis patients often see an increase in serotonin which then increases the rate of liver regeneration and repair. Alzheimer's patients get the boost of both dopamine and serotonin that helps the brain function properly. Arthritis sufferers get the pain relieving boost of more dopamine production. Those suffering from depression will have an increase in dopamine and serotonin to help balance their mood and put them back in control over their mood and behavior.

 

Recommended Daily Allowance of SAM-e

The recommended daily allowance for SAM-e is up to 1600 mg a day. However, as it is being tested more and more higher doses may be recommended. There have yet to be any major adverse effects from taking SAM-e, even at high doses.

The only side effect reported was minor stomach pain which usually was not enough for a person to stop taking SAM-e. Generally it is a very safe supplement that has many benefits.

The FDA does not currently audit supplements like SAM-e. All testing is independent and any benefits found are reported strictly through the independent testing organizations. Medical professionals may explain this to patients before instructing them to take SAM-e. All this really means is that the government is not paying for or otherwise backing the claims that SAM-e works. This is because the FDA does not test natural products and SAM-e is a natural product. It does not mean that SAM-e is not effective.

Natural products are never regulated by the FDA as they only regulate products that are processed and chemically manufactured to ensure safety for consumers. SAM-e is all natural and something already found in the body. Combined with the numerous studies and lack of any adverse effects, many users and doctors choose to use it for its benefits.

 

Summary

There are many different drugs and a lot of research that has been done on alternative treatments for the health problems that can be helped by taking SAM-e. Usually these other treatments fail, though. People do not like the side effects. They do not like the unnatural reactions they experience from being on a drug. SAM-e provides the benefit of being natural with no major side effects.

Taking SAM-e allows many people to feel more "in control". They are treating their health problem in a natural way without having to introduce harmful substances to their body. They are simply using SAM-e to boost a process that is already occurring in their body.

The body already recognizess SAM-e and so it does not react negatively to it. Instead it knows what to do with it and can do so effectively and efficiently. There is generally nothing to worry about when taking SAM-e, which is something that can not be said about most of the common treatments for diseases like cirrhosis, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and depression.

There is no reason for a person already suffering from a debilitating disease to have to combat side effects from a drug that is supposed to be helping them. Choosing between letting the disease progress and battling horrible adverse reactions is not something anyone wants to do, but it is often the case for patients who are using drugs to treat their condition. Patients choose SAM-e because they can get treatment without any reaction that will make them feel even worse than before.

SAM-e can be found where supplements are sold; generally this can range from drug stores to grocery stores to online shops. SAM-e can often be found at affordable rates in bulk purchases. As with any substance you choose to ingest daily, you should let your physician know that you are taking SAM-e so he or she can help you gauge its results.


These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.