What is "CoQ10", and why is it so important?

So yesterday we spoke of how the heart functions and some of the ways to strengthen this oh so important muscle to life.

Well today, let's explore an element to help this muscle. And that would be "Coenzyme - Q10".

"Coenzyme Q10" (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally. The cells of the body use "CoQ10" for growth and maintenance. But unfortunately, the older we get, the less we produce.

So what does "CoQ10" do for the heart?

Well . . . "CoQ10" is a substance found inside your cells . . . and it reduces "inflammation" within the cells, including the heart. "CoQ10" also helps with blood sugar regulation, assists in the prevention and treatment of cancer and reduces the frequency of migraines. It can also reduce the oxidative damage that leads to muscle fatigue, skin damage and brain and lung disease.

Okay . . . so what is one of the biggest reasons we lose this coenzyme called "CoQ10" . . . other than aging?

Well . . . we've all heard about "Statins" before. And with 35 million people taking them, Statins are one of the most common medicines prescribed in the U.S. today. This drug works on an enzyme that is used by our body to make "cholesterol". So it's considered the most common "cholesterol-lowering" drug.

BUT . . . Statin use can deplete our natural "CoQ10" levels. And sadly . . . most conventional professionals don't know this. Therefore, don't prescribe this natural replenishment of "CoQ10".

Research has determined that "CoQ10" has significant benefits for people with cardiovascular disease . . . from reducing the risk for a repeat heart attack and improving the outcome in patients with heart failure . . . to lowering blood pressure and helping combat the side effects of cholesterol-lowering statins.

So how do we know if we're "CoQ10" deficient?

Well . . . that's a tough one because fatigue and muscle weakness are the symptoms and we all seem to be in that boat.

Okay . . . so now we need to talk about the negative part of taking a "CoQ10" supplement. Taking 100 mg a day or more may cause mild insomnia and 300 mg for long periods of time may elevated liver enzymes. but with no toxicity. And just be aware that it can lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

So what can we eat to naturally increase our "CoQ10"?

Well . . . that would be organ meat like heart, liver and kidney. Or muscle meat like pork, beef and chicken. You can also get "CoQ10" from Trout, Herring, Mackerel, Sardines, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, oranges and strawberries.

So maybe this is a discussion you and your healthcare provider need to have.

As always, feel free to contact me here