Nutritional Supplement / Coenzyme Q10

HERB-OF-THE-WEEK / Nutritional Supplement / Coenzyme Q10
As always, I continue to pray that God is merciful and gracious to us.

"Though many believe that we are physical beings with a spiritual
component, we are most assuredly spiritual beings with a physical
component. Therefore any hopes of saving the flesh, individually or
collectively, must first begin with an attempt to save the spirit."

This Week's Herb:

Coenzyme Q10 is being touted as a "new" vitamin. Vitamin Q, of
course. Studies have shown that it may be effective in combatting
some forms of heart disease and not surprisingly gum disease. (The
health of the heart and the gums for some reason are closely related)

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 has been touted by both traditional and
alternative medical establishments as a dietary supplement that may
reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. According to the
experts, "....It functions as a vitamin and is present in the inner
membrane of the mitochondria. Its primary function is an antioxidant
which stablizes the membrane activity and prevents depletion of
metabolites necessary for the resynthesis of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP)...."
As many of you already you know, ANTIOXIDANTS are substances that
scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are damaging compounds in the
body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell
death. Free radicals do occur naturally in the body, but
environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation,
cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of
these damaging particles. Too many free radical result from constant
bombardment or exposure to toxins. Free radicals are believed to
contribute significantly to the aging process as well as heart
disease and cancer.

Antioxidants such as CoQ10 can neutralize free radicals and may
reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish, organ meats such as
liver, and whole grains. Most individuals obtain sufficient amounts
of CoQ10 through a balanced diet, but supplementation may be useful
for individuals with particular health conditions or those taking
certain medications.
HYPERTENSION
Levels of CoQ10 tend to be lower in people with high cholesterol
compared to healthy individuals of the same age. In addition, certain
cholesterol- lowering drugs called statins (such as atorvastatin,
cerivastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) appear to deplete
natural levels of CoQ10 in the body. Taking CoQ10 supplements can
correct the deficiency caused by statin medications without affecting
the medication's positive effects on cholesterol levels.
HEART DISEASE
Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the
prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to
improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and
act as an antioxidant.

Periodontal (gum) Disease
Gum disease is a widespread problem that is associated with swelling,
bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums. Studies have shown that
people with gum disease tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their
gums. In a few studies involving small numbers of subjects, CoQ10
supplements caused faster healing and tissue repair.

Coenzyme Q10 appears to be generally safe with no significant side
effects, except occasional stomach upset. However, the safety of
CoQ10 supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown
and, therefore, should not be used during that time until more
information is available.
POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS:
If you are currently being treated with any of the following
medications, you should not use CoQ10 without first talking to your
healthcare provider.
Daunorubicin and Doxorubicin
Coenzyme Q10 may help to reduce the toxic effects on the heart caused
by daunorubicin and doxorubicin, two chemotherapy medications that
are commonly used to treat a variety of cancers.
Blood Pressure Medications
In a study of individuals taking blood pressure medications
(including diltiazem, metoprolol, enalapril, and nitrate), CoQ10
supplementation allowed the individuals to take lower dosages of
these drugs. This suggests that CoQ10 may enhance the effectiveness
of certain blood pressure medications, but more research is needed to
verify these results.
Warfarin
There have been reports that coenzyme Q10 may decrease the
effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, leading
to the need for increased doses. Therefore, given that this
medication must be monitored very closely for maintenance of
appropriate levels and steady blood thinning, CoQ10 should only be
used with warfarin under careful supervision by your healthcare
provider.
Timolol
CoQ10 supplementation may reduce the heart-related side effects of
timolol drops, a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma,
without decreasing the effectiveness of the medication.
Other
Medications that can lower the levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body
include statins for cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin,
lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) , fibric acid derivatives for
cholesterol (specifically, gemfibrozil) , beta-blockers for high blood
pressure (such as atenolol, labetolol, metoprolol, and propranolol) ,
and tricyclic antidepressant medications (including amitriptyline,
amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine,
nortriptyline, protriptyline, and trimipramine) .
But why take my word for it.

Until next time remember, most illness (upwards of 80% according to
experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can eaken
your immune system and your ability to fight off disease. In this
order:

1. INADEQUATE REST - Research continues to prove, that no two ways
about it, good quality sleep has proven to be the singlemost
important factor in determining or influencing your health.

2. INABILITY TO DEAL WITH STRESS - If you run around all day like a
chicken with it's head cut off, it will increase your chances of
getting ill and will aggrevate, tremendously, any illness that you
already have, no matter what it is. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt
or also STRESS factors. LEARN TO FORGIVE AND LET GO.

3. INADEQUATE OR IMPROPER NUTRITIONAL HABITS. There are a lot of
practicing vegetarians lately and some load up on the white sugar,
white flour, starches, processed and refined foods. Many whole
foods/alternative medicine type practioneers believe we should be
eating at least 5 times as many fruits and vegetables as meats. Most
experts agree that most diets are seriously deficient in the amounts
of fruits and vegetables that we should be eating to remain healthy.

4. INADEQUATE EXCERCISE - A sedentary lifestyle that does not include
enough excercise will catch up with you. FIND SOME KIND OF PHYSICALLY
ENGAGING ACTIVITY EVEN IF IT'S ONLY WALKING!

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - Required by the FDA.

The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration and these statements are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease.

Until next time,

Q