Fish Oil and Coenzyme Q10

Q. Why do I need coenzyme Q10? Your body typically starts losing coenzyme Q10 after you turn 40. If you don’t have heart issues, or a family history of heart problems, taking a maintenance dose of coenzyme Q10 will go a long way in preventing future problems. Plus, it boosts your energy. You also need to supplement with coenzyme Q10 if you’re taking statin drugs since they can deplete your coenzyme Q10 levels. Coenzyme Q10 at a glance: Strengthens and energizes your heart Increases cellular and physical energy Fights age-accelerating free radicals Promotes normal homocysteine levels Support healthy cholesterol levels Supports immune health

 Q. What is coenzyme Q10?

A. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found in every cell’s mitochondria. It’s a necessary part of the chain of events that turns food into energy throughout your body. Without that energy, everything stops. That’s why I call coenzyme Q10 the spark of life. This is why your heart thrives with high levels of coenzyme Q10—it requires enormous amounts of energy. Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant. Since it’s in every cell, it fights free radicals everywhere in your body. Your brain, arteries, joints, eyes all get tremendous protection against oxidation, a main cause of aging.

 Q. How much coenzyme Q10 should I take?

 A. Not everyone needs a large daily dose. If you’re currently dealing with heart concerns or taking statin drugs, you need to supplement with a high daily dose. If you are looking for preventive measures, a baseline coenzyme Q10 dose will do. Most patients I’ve worked with fall into the high-dose category, but a lot of people fall somewhere in between the two ends of the spectrum. The coenzyme Q10 “cheat sheet” below should help you determine your needs.

 At-a-glance coenzyme Q10 dosage recommendations:


Currently dealing with heart concerns; closely monitoring multiple risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, CRP levels, homocysteine, 200 mg daily or more

Looking to greatly increase your physical energy and stamina, as well as protect your heart 100-200 mg daily

Concerned about your family history and/or have been told to watch certain risk factors such as cholesterol, weight, and homocysteine levels. 50-100 mg daily

Over 40 and looking to keep your heart strong and energy levels high. 30-50 mg daily

 Q: Where do I find Coenzyme Q10?

 A: CoQ10 can be found naturally in fish, meat, oil, beans and wheat. Although present in food, CoQ10 is considered as a vitamin that the body cannot synthesize therefore CoQ10 supplementation will be very helpful to the human’s body. Since CoQ10 serves as an agent of energy producer within every cell of the body, the optimal amount of CoQ10 intake is found to have some benefits.

 Q: What are the benefits of Coenzyme Q10?

 A: CoQ10 is proven successful in reducing the symptoms of: Periodontal disease High blood pressure Congestive heart failure (CHF)

 Q. Should I take a coenzyme Q10 supplement that has other nutrients?

 A. A natural partner for coenzyme Q10 is fish oil, or any source abundant in omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFA’s are also critical for a healthy heart, yet they provide benefits that differ from coenzyme Q10. Taking the two together gives you complete coverage for a strong, healthy heart. Scienctific studies suggest that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and omega 3 fish oil if taken together will have the maximum benefit. This is because the natural form of CoQ10 is in crystalline powder, which is insoluble in water, but has high solubility in lipids/fats (fat-soluble).

It is recommended to consume CoQ10 together with Fish Oil as it contains rich amount of fats for CoQ10 to be absorbed optimally into the blood stream for your everyday health.


 




 The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. 

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  

Niacin for raising HDL

Benefits Of Niacin



The benefits of niacin include improved circulation, lowered cholesterol, healthy skin, prevention of diabetes, and treatment for osteoarthritis.

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is naturally produced in the body and is found in many of the foods we eat. These include meats, tuna fish, poultry products, eggs, peanuts, vegetables, cheeses, potatoes, oats, brown rice, barley, wheat flakes and milk. Also rich in vitamin B3 are foods such as cereals and breads therefore they improve the benefits of niacin.

Niacin and Circulation

Histamine which niacin helps to produce is a compound that is capable of dilating blood vessels, which in turn improves circulation. This helps blood to circulate to the hands, feet and all parts of the body, which helps to prevent atherosclerosis or what is sometimes called hardening of the arteries. An additional effect of this benefit of niacin is reducing the risk of heart attack or other vascular diseases.

Niacin Lowers Cholesterol Levels

In spite of the many different cholesterol medications on the market one of the best benefits of Niacin is the lowering low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. In addition to lowering LDL, the bad cholesterol, B3 or niacin increases the good cholesterol HDL or high-density lipoprotein levels. The HDL levels can be increased by as much as 15 to 35 percent, which is more significant than the 5 to 25 percent lowering of the LDL, which is still impressive nonetheless. If you have had a heart attack studies have shown that taking cholesterol-lowering drugs in combination with niacin can decrease the likelihood of a second heart attack.

Healthy Skin and Niacin

Niacin can help keep skin healthy and is used for a variety of skin problems, including inflammation, acne, rosacea, dull skin tone and sagging skin. Regular use can help reduce these problems. Niacin also helps the skin with moisture retention and aids skin’s elasticity and tone. You can use supplements but to increase the benefits of niacin on your skin, eat fish, meats, grains and green vegetables or other foods high in vitamin B3.

Niacin Helps Prevent Diabetes

There us evidence that niacinamide a substance contained in niacin may help delay the onset of insulin dependence for type 1 diabetics. There have been studies performed on animals in which have shown niacinamide can improve the effectivity of drug treatments that are used for diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is another story. This can cause higher levels of cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream. Niacin along with other medications can lower these however niacin may also raise blood sugar that can result in hyperglycemia. This can be very dangerous for someone with diabetes. Therefor you should only take niacin for diabetes as directed by your physician.

Osteoarthritis and Niacin

Niacinamide has been found to increase joint mobility. Also Niacin can reduce joint and muscle fatigue along with increasing muscle strength. Therefore vitamin B3 has been successfully used to treat osteoarthritis. If high doses are taken the benefits of niacin can be seen in around three to four months. The anti-inflammatory effects of niacin have been proven to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Taking vitamin B3 has also shown to rebuild worn out cartilage in arthritis sufferers.

Other Benefits of Niacin

In addition to those discussed above there are many other claimed niacin benefits, however they have not all been fully established. These include the following:

Treating Alcoholism

Decreasing the risk of cataracts

Mental Confusion

Promoting relaxation

Preventing Migraines

Production of adrenal hormones

Crohn Disease

Production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach

Treating depression

Lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Preventing motion sickness

Production of sex hormones

Treating Schizophrenic symptoms

Treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD)

As you can see there benefits of niacin are numerous. However as with any type of vitamin or supplement you should consult with your doctor or medical professional prior to taking these on your own accord.

If you try to take niacin on your own—without your doctor’s supervision—you may take an ineffective dosage, or even a dangerous dosage. Or you may experience troublesome side effects that could be managed easily if you had the right information.

FDA Disclaimer

The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified integrative physician prior to using our products if possible.

Potassium replacement ideas

Symptoms of Low Potassium
Potassium Deficiency Symptoms and Signs


Indeed, knowing the symptoms of low potassium can help you make informed decisions about your health.

However, before we delve into potassium deficiency symptoms, let's briefly discuss what it does to help us maintain vibrant heath.



Potassium is a mineral that harbors electrical properties when it is dissolved in the fluid part of the blood and, as such, it is classified as an electrolyte. It is a nutrient that is critical to life as it is required for the proper functioning of cells, including the cells of the heart muscle. It works closely with its cousin sodium - another electrolyte – in maintaining the body's proper balance of fluids and acid-base. More specifically, potassium controls the amount of fluid inside cells while its cousin sodium maintains the balance of fluid outside cells.

Potassium aids in proper muscle contraction and helps to keep the heart thumping regularly. It is also essential for conducting nerve impulses, aids in energy metabolism, and it even helps to maintain normal blood pressure. In fact, evidence suggests that diets high in potassium may help to protect against hypertension, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.


Lastly, potassium regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes, but this function has been shown to decrease with age.



Symptoms of Low Potassium





The following are potassium deficiency symptoms and signs:



•Muscle Cramps
•Muscle Fatigue and Weakness
•Irregular Heartbeat
•Fatigue
•Mental Confusion
•Irritability
•Abnormally Dry Skin
•Insatiable Thirst
•Chills
•Depression
•Nausea and Vomiting
•Nervousness
•Insomnia
•Diarrhea
•Low Blood Pressure
•Periodic Headaches
•Salt Retention
•Constipation
•High Cholesterol Levels
•Glucose Intolerance
•Impaired Growth
•Edema
•Extreme cases, cardiac arrest



Symptoms of Low Potassium

Who's at Risk?

The following people should pay very close attention to their potassium levels and be aware of potassium deficiency symptoms. Some of the causes of potassium deficiency include:



•Certain diuretics
•Long-term therapy with corticosteroids and adrenal hormones
•High sodium diets and low in fruits and vegetables
•Prolonged fasting
•Bizarre diets
•Seniors
•Excessive intake of licorice over prolonged periods
•Excessive intake of carbenoxolone
•Profuse sweating over a period of several days can reduce stores of potassium or excessive vomiting
•Excessive use of laxatives





Symptoms of Low Potassium: Health Conditions at Risk?





The following health conditions can cause a potassium deficiency. As such, one should also be aware of potassium deficiency symptoms.



•Anorexia
•Nervosa
•Alcoholism
•Malnutrition
•Cystic Fibrosis
•Kidney Disease
•Heart Disease
•Diabetes
•Cushing’s Syndrome
•Surgical Operations Involving the Bowel
•Extensive Burns and Injuries
•Chronic Diarrhea
•Persistent Vomiting
•Influenza
•Chronic Respiratory Failure
•Anemia
•Ulcerative Colitis
•Inflammatory Bowel Disease
•Excessive Excretion of Aldosterone


Should you be concerned about the symptoms of low potassium, it's important that you consult with a qualified health care provider.


Natural Sources of Potassium


Potato, winter squash, tomato, celery, carrots, broccoli, watercress, avocado, banana, oranges, orange juice, raisins, watermelon, cantaloupe, prunes, fish, lamb, bran cereal, wheat flakes cereal, yogurt, milk, salt substitutes and sunflower seeds


If you are pregnant, try to get extra potassium from the foods, not supplements unless directed by your physician.


Potassium is a recommended supplement on the HCG diet because low-carb, low-calorie diets may cause increased excretion of potassium. Symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps, constipation and extreme fatigue. Many physician have written books on low-carb diets and states that you tend to urinate more on low-carb diets due to the fact that your kidneys tend to flush fluids that accumulate when insulin is high and the diuretic effect often leads to low potassium. Please Note: If you have a pre-existing health condition and/or are taking any prescriptions or medications for blood pressure, headaches, migraines, water or fluid retention, or for your heart, check with your doctor before taking potassium.

Readers should not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, but should always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any major dietary changes. This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice.

Folic acid metabolism problems

MTHFR

MTHFR is a gene that makes a protein called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (now you see why we call it MTHFR). The MTHFR mutation is actually just a certain version of the gene.

This version leads to a weaker MTHFR protein. And people with weak MTHFR proteins need extra folic acid.

Indications for MTHFR DNA Testing:

* Hyperhomocysteinemia

* History of venous thromboembolism, coronary artery disease, and/or stroke

* History of pregnancy complications including neural tube defects, stillbirths, and/or recurrent pregnancy loss

* Individuals with other genetic hypercoagulabilites (e.g. factor V Leiden)

* Relatives of individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR gene mutations

*Current or past history of Hypertension and/or Preeclampsia
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the name of a gene that produces an enzyme, also called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. If a person carries the genetic mutation that inhibits production of this enzyme, it can result in hyperhomocytenemia, which is an elevated level of an enzyme called homocysteine found in blood plasma.

When the body is deficient in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, its ability to absorb folate (also known as vitamin B9), such as folic acid, is inhibited.

People with this mutation need extra folic acid. Something called homocysteine builds up in their blood and they need folic acid to combat its effects.

Symptoms Because MTHFR is a blood-based disease with many varieties, symptoms vary depending on the exact mutation of the disease. They can include:

*blood clots

*depression

*anxiety

Treatment Taking folic acid can help women with certain mutations of the disease. Folic acid can be found in eggs, dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, oranges and orange juice and legumes, such as peas and dried beans. Vitamin supplements also contain folic acid. Since this mutation is permanent, it is recommended that you take a supplement containing folic acid throughout your entire life.
Folic acid is often labeled folate or folicin. However, none of these are the active form of folate (known as 5-MTHF or l-methylfolate) your body can absorb and put to work. It takes four separate biochemical reactions for your body to turn folic acid into active folate. You can buy metafolin
if you have difficulty metabolizing folic acid. The products and statements made about specific products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Any testimonials on this web site are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results.


http://www.gdx.net/core/sample-reports/NutrEval_FMV-Sample-Report.pdf http://www.spectracell.com/mnt/#nutrients Testing is available for vitamin deficiencies