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The Great Glyconutrients 8Glyconutrients 8: There are eight glyconutrients that are important to have in your glyconutrient complex.
In addition to improving cell to cell communication, the eight essential saccharides our bodies need are described in Miracle Sugars (2003) by Rita Elkins and in Sugars That Heal (2001), by Dr. Emil I. Mondoa, MD. They report that these sugars work in the body in the following ways: Glucose: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients readily available in our diets (converted from white sugar, fructose and starchy foods) and in most cases is over supplied in the form of sugarcane, rice, corn, potatoes, wheat, etc. It is a potent fast energy source, enhances memory, stimulates calcium absorption and enhances cellular communication. Too much or too little of this sugar can be problematic. Elderly Alzheimer’s patients register much lower glucose levels than those with organic brain disease from stroke or other vascular disease. Glucose metabolism is disturbed in depression, manic-depression, anorexia and bulimia. (1 of Glyconutrients 8) Galactose: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients readily available in our diets, it is obtained from the conversion of lactose (milk sugar) and is also easily obtained from dairy products UNLESS you suffer from lactose intolerance. It inhibits tumor growth, enhances wound healing, decreases inflammation, enhances cellular communication and increases calcium absorption. Galactose levels are usually lower in people with adult and juvenile arthritis and in those with lupus. Also triggers long-term memory formation. (2 of Glyconutrients 8) Fucose: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients not readily available in our diets but is found in breast milk and several medicinal mushrooms. It has numerous well-documented benefits for the immune system. It influences brain development, improves the brain’s ability to create long-term memories, is an immune modulator and inhibits tumor growth. Fucose metabolism is abnormal in cystic fibrosis, diabetes, cancer and episodes of shingles which is caused by a herpes virus. This saccharide also guards against respiratory tract infections and inhibits allergic reactions. (3 of Glyconutrients 8) Mannose: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients not readily available in our diets, it plays a profound role in cellular interactions and has even been known to lower blood sugar levels. It is absolutely vital for proper immune defenses against microbial invaders, and it has a natural anti-inflammatory effect. It can inhibit tumor growth and spread; prevent bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections. Also eases inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus patients are deficient in this saccharide. Mannose also lowers blood sugar and triglyceride levels in diabetics. (4 of Glyconutrients 8) N-acetyl-galactosamine: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients not readily available in our diets, it is the least known of the essential sugars. It appears to inhibit the growth of some tumors and, like the other sugars, plays an individual role in keeping cell communiqués clear and promptly delivered. This saccharide inhibits tumor spread and enhances cellular communication. Heart disease patients have lower than normal levels of this sugar. (5 of Glyconutrients 8) N-acetyl-glucosamine: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients not readily available in our diets, it is particularly beneficial for cartilage regeneration and joint inflammation. Glucosamine, a well-known natural medicine for arthritic conditions, comes from this sugar compound. It has many additional therapeutic effects. Deficiencies or malfunction of this sugar have been linked to diseases of the bowel. It is an immune modulator with anti-tumor properties and activity against HIV. Helps repair cartilage, decreases pain and inflammation, increases range of motion in osteoarthritis and is vital to learning. May also help repair the mucosal-lining defensive barrier implicated in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and interstitial cystitis. (6 of Glyconutrients 8) N-acetyl-neuraminic acid: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients not readily available in our diets but is another sugar that abounds in breast milk and dramatically impacts brain function and growth. It too boosts immune function and has documented anti-viral actions. Interestingly, in certain disease states the ability to digest this sugar is impaired. Particularly important for brain development and learning, it improves both memory and performance. In addition, it is an immune modulator that affects the viscosity of mucus which in turn repels bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. In several in vitro and animal studies, the saccharide has been shown to inhibit strains of influenza A and B viruses more effectively than certain prescription antiviral medications. It also influences blood coagulation, brain development and the lowering of LDL (so called bad cholesterol). The processing of this sugar is disturbed in Sjogren’s syndrome and in alcoholics. In general, levels of this saccharide decrease as we age. (7 of Glyconutrients 8) Xylose: One of the eight necessary glyconutrients not readily available in our diets, it is often seen in sugarless gums, candies, etc., in that it has a sweet taste but does not cause tooth decay. It has recently been added to nasal sprays and appears to discourage the binding of allergens and pathogens to mucous membranes. It also has known anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and may help prevent certain cancers. It is antibacterial, antifungal and also fosters cellular communication. Xylose may prevent cancer of the digestive tract. Xylose absorption is decreased in some patients with intestinal disorders including colitis. (8 of Glyconutrients 8)
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