The H Factor Solution: Homocysteine, the Best Single Indicator of Whether You Are Likely to Live Long or Die Young

I found this book very interesting and informative but I feel that a lot of the information is questionable and even the author admitted that with some conditions it is not known whether the high homocysteine causes a particular health problem or if the high homocysteine is simply a symptom of a condition. So I don't totally discredit the author. The statement was made that homocysteine could be used as a cancer marker. But it didn't say how high it had to be to be used as a cancer marker. And IF B2, B6, B12 and TMG etc. lower homocysteine levels, does that mean these supplements used together cure cancer? Somehow, I doubt that. People who are depressed will have lower vitamin B levels but is it the low vitamin Bs causing the depression or does stress cause the body to be depleted of vitamin Bs?Something else, that I don't believe was covered is - how low is too low when it comes to homocysteine? The author makes it sound like the lower the better but Dr. Sinatra and others say this, "But the truth is, when it comes to homocysteine, low levels can be just as dangerous as high. The reason is that an abnormal homocysteine level--either too high or too low -- creates biochemical imbalances that can impact many aspects of healthy body functions." I don't recall this argument even being addressed in the book. It certainly should have been. Did I miss something?.....................................................................Update 03/03/2015I found a pdf file titled "Significance of Low Plasma Homocysteine" Look it up for your self and this document illustrates why homocysteine levels should not be lower than 4.0 nmol/ml and it list the healthy range as between 4.0 nmol/ml to 8.0 nmol/ml.The article seems to be well-referenced and is by Richard S. Lord, Ph.D. and Kara Fitzgerald, N.D.I have also been considering the supplement Protandim which has studies to back it up as for being very effective at treating oxidative stress. Since oxidative stress and high homocysteine seem to go hand in hand, I am wondering if Protandim may be a more effective means of lowering homocysteine (even moreso perhaps than the nutrients mentioned in this book). It would be interesting to compare homocysteine levels in persons who take Protandim compared with those who don't. But I don't think such connection have yet been explored. Consider this: In the book it says, "The reason homocysteine accumulates in the body is because enzymes, the chemical catalysts in the biochemical transformation process, aren't working properly." Interestingly enough Protandim (or the active ingredients found in it) has been shown to "activate Nrf2 and induce phase II enzymes through the antioxidant response element". This is according to an actual study found on PubMed, entitled, "Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation". Look it up for yourself.

'The H Factor Solution...' is a short book about homocysteine. It explains what it is, why one should worry about it, and how to keep homocysteine levels down. The authors do a good job in simplifying the discussion of methylation without trivializing it, and the reader can see that adequate methylation is vital ... and would be reflected by a low amount of homocysteine in the blood. I especially like the detail to which the authors explain all the ways of lowering homocysteine, be it through dieting and/or supplementation.I suppose if I had a criticism it would be for the author to discuss more about key enzymes used within the methylation process and that how some genetic mutations might mean one might be limited in choices for lowering homocysteine, or risk over methylation (, which has undesirable symptoms).Bottom line: I learned a lot from this book and I certainly recommend it for those wanting to learn more about homocysteine.

I had quietly heard through a medical professional that homocysteine levels are tell-tale of heart disease risk. So I bought "The H* Factor Solution" book (print version) authored by James Braly, MD and Patrick Holford to learn about how homocysteine levels can affect one's risk to develop heart disease. In essence, homocysteine blood plasma levels are typically overlooked by many in the medical field, despite the fact that they are a highly predictive indicator of heart disease risk.The authors of "The H* Factor Solution" nicely explained homocysteine's role in the body and how it can effect heart disease risk. After reading the book, I had my homocysteine levels checked and adjusted by intake of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 to enjoy optimal homocysteine levels. Thank you, Dr. James Braly and Patrick Holford, for an informative and easy-to-read book about homocysteine!

This is a very informative book giving clear instructions on how to lower your homocysteine levels. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. However, the first 2 chapters could be rewritten - it was repetitive and annoyed me - I very nearly gave up on reading it. But Chapter 3 kicked in and this became vital reading. If you are interested in your future health and possibly can avoid heart attacks, strokes, Altzeimer's Disease and cancer - then this is a necessary read. I have been 2 months on the protocol so will get a blood test in another month to ensure y level is heading lower.

The specific guidance for what supplements and how much to take of each to lower your homocysteine level is worth the price of this book. I gave it four stars instead of five because it gets a little overly self-promotional at points, and it could benefit from an updated edition because there are newer genetic testing options like 23andme available. I'm really glad I read it, though. This is some of the best, most actionable information around for addressing a very important health issue.

Patrick Holford emphasizes the importance of reducing harmful Homocysteine in the body to improve health and prevent some future illnesses. Homocysteine is such an important and useful marker of disease and inflammation, that it is in every person's best interests to know their levels and reduce them. I have used his principles for 4 years and have extrapolated his advice to reduce my migraines from 12 a month to perhaps 2 or 3 if any at all. I would recommend this amazing book with all it's priceless advice to anyone who suffers from stress, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

This is a detailed account of the discovery and evidence for the dangers of homocysteine. Simple explanations of the biochemistry should be accessible to lay readers. Citations to the academic literature are provided. My only quibble is that the author overstates his arguments with dubious hypotheses. To his credit he provides solutions to the hazard and ways of monitoring one's health status.

Great information available in this book to be found nowhere else. I am following the instructions and hope to have a reduced level of homocysteine in my next test.

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