When our diets are balanced with fruits, vegetables, and meats, we provide our body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and efficiently. No other nutrient is a better example of this than taurine.

Taurine is an amino acid, which means it comes from proteins, specifically animal proteins. When proteins are broken down in the digestive tract they are broken into amino acids which are then absorbed and used throughout the body for many different functions. These functions include building muscle, feeding muscle, detoxification in the liver, calming or stimulating the nervous system, and supporting the immune system, among others.

Taurine is found in high amounts in white blood cells. White blood cells, in short, are our immune system. They identify and destroy foreign invaders within our body. When there is not enough taurine present the immune system can be extra sensitive which may lead to allergies. The nervous system uses taurine for proper development of the brain and as a protector from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. The cardiovascular system uses taurine in many areas. For instance, heart muscle has a very high concentration of taurine. It is known that the heart and brain use taurine to balance calcium, magnesium, and potassium within the cells of these tissues. Taurine has been used successfully to treat congestive heart failure and may help with night blindness, arrhythmia, angina, high cholesterol, and reducing plaques in arteries. It is also known that beta-agonist drugs, usually given for heart disease, cause a reduction in taurine, which again is essential in heart health.

The main reason I decided to write on this topic, however, it taurine’s role in the gall bladder and liver. Taurine is an essential element in gall bladder health. Bile, which is made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder, is made of bile acids and bile salts. Taurine is a major component of the bile acids and helps to keep bile salts dissolved. When there is a deficiency of taurine there is less of the bile acid and so the salts are able to form stones. Gall stones are a sign that taurine levels may be low and should be evaluated. Supplementing with taurine may help prevent gall bladder surgery in those with chronic gall stones.

With so many areas of the body in need of taurine, keeping the levels up are essential in promoting health. Low taurine levels can effect the brain, heart, immune system, liver, and gall bladder. Since it is found in meat, vegans are often found to have low levels, which supplementation can help.

Please send this along to those who are having problems with one or more of the organs mentioned above, it may keep them out of surgery and limit future health problems.