You will learn

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  • How you can prevent rectal diseases with the amino acids Arginine and Lysine
  • The importance of vitamin C and zinc for healthy digestion

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Protecting the body against enlarged haemorrhoids with L-arginine

The amino acid arginine has an important vasodilator effect in the arteries and capillaries. When blood is able to freely flow throughout the rectum veins, the likelihood of blood congestion is reduced and the possible formation of enlarged haemorrhoids is minimized1. Also, research documented in 2011 confirmed that arginine is very important for healing wounds. This is essential in the event of a burst haemorrhoid or ripped anal fissure2.

Arginine and Lysine promote good digestion and rectal health

Arginine and Lysine promote good digestion and rectal health

The exact cause of enlarged haemorrhoids is still unclear. One possible trigger is excessive and chronic pressure around the rectum. Too much tension causes poor blood circulation. Dutch scientists published a highly acclaimed study in 2000 that documented the benefit of arginine in supporting healthy haemorrhoidal tissue by helping to relax the hypertensive sphincter.

Prior to arginine supplementation, the sphincter pressure was measured at an average of 70 mmHg. Approximately six minutes after receiving arginine supplementation, the rectum pressure was re-measured. The average pressure dropped by 42% to 41 mmHg and no adverse reactions were recorded3

Supporting robust and healthy connective tissue around the rectum with L-lysine

Connective tissue is formed principally from elastin and collagen fibres. When these key building blocks are in good supply, the rectum connective tissue will be strong and any injuries can heal quicker4 Connective tissue fibres are comprised of proteins containing special amino acids.

Lysine is particularly important in the formation of these connective tissue proteins, as American scientists documented in 19955. These findings have also been corroborated in more recent research6.

Vitamin C is essential for strong connective tissues

Strengthening and streamlining collagen fibres requires sufficient vitamin C. This antioxidant is also important for defending the body from free radical damage7.

 

Good rectal health requires zinc

Bleeding will occur as a result of busted piles or tearing of the anal fissure. The result can be proctitis if the wound comes in contact with faecal residues. Left untreated, this can cause significant complications. Thus, zinc supplementation is highly recommended. Zinc is an important component of enzymes involved in arginine and lysine metabolism. Furthermore, this trace element has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Without sufficient zinc, wound healing around the rectum can take longer8.
Buckwheat and horse chestnut can assist with haemorrhoids

For many years haemorrhoids have been successfully treated using extracts of buckwheat and horse chestnut. Numerous studies have shown that these herbal remedies are effective. Not only do these extracts help to strengthen the veins, they also inhibit inflammation, decrease swelling and have a haemostatic effect. The connective tissue is strengthened by better supporting the artery walls and associated antioxidant activity9.
Regular bowel movements need fibre

Constipation and haemorrhoids can be treated using the fibre psyllium. The seed coats are rich in mucilage10 that help to move the stool through the intestines. Furthermore, psyllium swells and as a result the stool volume increases which helps to support defecation11.

Related research studies:

 

  1. “Chong, PS & Bartolo, DC (2008) Hemorrhoids and fissure in ano, Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, Volume 37, issue 3, (pp. 627-644).” ↩
  2. “Hill, N., Fallowfield, J., Price, S. & Wilson, D. (2011) Military nutrition: Maintaining health and rebuilding injured tissue, Phil Trans R Soc B, Volume 366, (pp. 231-240).” ↩
  3. “Schouten, W., Zimmermann, D., Briel, J. & Hecht, H. (2000) Effects of L-arginine on anal resting pressure,  Dis Colon Rectum, Volume 45, (pp.1332-1336).” ↩
  4. “Furth, ME, Atala, A. & Van Dyke, ME (2007) Smart biomaterials design for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Festschrift Honouring Professor David F. Williams, Volume 28, issue 34, (pp. 5068-5073).” ↩
  5. “Reddy, S., Bichler, J., Wells-Knecht, KJ, Thorpe, SR & Baynes, JW (1995) N.epsilon – (carboxymethyl) lysine Is a Dominant Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE) antigen in tissue, protein Biochemistry, Volume 34, (pp. 10872-10878).” ↩
  6. “Close, P., Creppe, C., Gillard, M., Ladang, A., Chapelle J., Nguyen, L. & Chariot, A. (2007) The emerging role of lysine acetylation of non-nuclear proteins Cellular and Molecular Life, Sciences, Volume 67, issue 8, (pp. 1255-1264).” ↩
  7. “Duarte, TL, Cooke, MS & Jones, GDD (1995) Gene expression profiling Reveals new protective roles for vitamin C in human skin cells, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 46, issue 1, (pp. 78-87).” ↩
  8. “Saper, RB & Rash, R. (2009) Zinc: an essential micronutrient, Am Fam Physician, Volume 79, issue 9, (pp. 768-772).” ↩
  9. “Barreira, J., Ferreira, I., Beatriz, M., Oliveira, P. & Pereira, J. (2008) Antioxidant activities of the extracts from chestnut flower, leaf, skins and fruit, Food Chemistry, Volume 107, issue 3, (pp. 1106-1113).” ↩
  10. “Abascal, K. & Yarnell, E. (2005) Botanical Treatments for Hemorrhoids, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Volume 11, issue 6, (pp. 285-289).” ↩
  11. “Campbell, S. (2002) Dietary fiber supplementation with psyllium or gum Arabic Reduced incontinent stools and improved stool consistency in community living adults, Evidence-Based Nursing, Volume 5, issue 2.” ↩