Cellular Energy to the Most Hardworking Cells in Your Body

Overview of Coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10, also referred to as CoQ10 or ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like compound which is present in all cells.  It occurs naturally in the body and is found in highest amounts in the mitochondria, where cellular energy is created.  CoQ10 levels are highest in the hardest-working tissues of the body, especially the heart.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, that is, it helps to protect cells from damage caused by the body's own free radicals.  The body produces free radicals in the normal course of energy production.  However as we get older our bodies generate an excess of free radicals.  This can be deleterious for individuals whose bodies are not producing enough Coenzyme Q10 and other antioxidants to control these free radicals.

Coenzyme Q10 has several different actions in the body.  Its most notable effects/help are:

•                    it scavenges free radicals as an Antioxidant

•                    Improves the efficacy of cellular energy production in the mitochondria (energy factories) of the cell

•                    Regulates genes concerned with energy production

•                    Stabilizes membranes

As we age there is a decline in the amount of CoQ10 our body produces.  It is not possible to get large amounts of CoQ10 from diet alone.  Therefore taking a daily supplement, especially as we age, can increase cell energy levels and strengthen the body's antioxidant defence network. 

Basic Cardiovascular Function

In a variety of laboratory and animal experiments, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be effective in reducing the adverse effects of ischaemia-reperfusion injury.  It can enhance energy production in mitochondria and cells and improve clinical outcomes.

Coenzyme Q10 in Hypertension

There have been twelve clinical trials of coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension.  Four were prospective randomized trials and eights were before and after studies.  Overall, the twelve studies showed a fall in blood pressure of 17 mmHg systolic and 10 mmHg diastolic.  coenzyme Q10 has shown to be particularly effective with hypertension in diabetics were it not only lowers blood pressure but also improves diabetic control.  The mechanism of action of coenzyme Q10 in hypertension is almost certainly as an antioxidant, were it scavenges free oxygen radicals, protects the endothelium from oxygen free radical attack and thus improves vascular dilatation by nitric oxide.

Coenzyme Q10 in Heart Failure

A review of all the published trials of coenzyme Q10 in heart failure was first published in 1997.  This showed a beneficial effect of coenzyme Q10.  We updated the findings for this analysis by analyzing nine randomized trials of coenzyme Q10 in heart failure published up to 2003 (2).  Only prospective randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trials were included in that analysis.  The three parameters with adequate numbers of patients for meaningful analysis were coenzyme Q10 levels (5 trials), ejection fraction at rest (7 trials) and mortality (5 trials).  Other parameters were measured in only two trials each.  For CoQ10 levels (279 patients), the weighted mean differences was 1.4 µg/µl representing an increase of 161%.  For ejection fraction at rest (384 patients) the weighted mean difference showed a trend in favor of CoQ10 of 1.9% (95% confidence limits - 0.13% to 3.9%).

An updated meta-analysis has been published recently (12).  This meta-analysis included eleven randomized trials of coenzyme Q10 in heart failure including cross-over and parallel trial designs.  The main end-point of resting ejection fraction showed an absolute 3.7% net improvement (P < 0.0006).  Stroke index also increased by 5.8 ml (P = 0.02).  Sub-group analyses showed that the ejection fraction improvement was more pronounced when only idiopathic cardiomyopathy was evaluated and among patients not receiving angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.  When the results were re-analyzed using a less conservative statistical test (fixed effects modeling) than was used in the initial analysis (random effects modeling), increases in cardiac output, cardiac index and stroke volume all became significant.

In light of the encouraging findings of the abovementioned meta-analyses it is not unreasonable to recommend to patients with symptomatic heart failure despite conventional therapy or those who are experiencing side effects from conventional therapy (especially ACE inhibitors) to take 150-300 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily and to monitor CoQ10 blood levels and clinical response.

Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiac Surgery

Coenzyme Q10 has been used in the cardiothoracic surgical setting in order to offset reperfusion-related increases in free radical formation and oxidative stress.  From 1982 to 2004 at least eight controlled trials of coenzyme Q10 in cardiac surgery have been published.14-22 All but one of these have shown a beneficial effect of some kind.  The one trial showing an absence of effect20 used oral CoQ10 for only 12 hours before surgery, an inadequate time frame for sufficient dosing to increase myocardial levels.  A prospective randomized, placebo-controlled trial from our unit of 300 mg per day of oral CoQ10 for two weeks preoperatively in 121 coronary bypass or valve replacement procedures showed increased mitochondrial CoQ10 content, increased effiency of mitochondrial energy production and improved contractile function in myocardial trabeculae.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

There is some anecdotal experimental and clinical evidence of a beneficial effect of coenzyme Q10 in cardiac arrhythmias.  This would make sense in light of the effect of coenzyme Q10 in improving cellular membrane function and energy production, thus reducing the myocardial ischaemia that can generate arrhythmias.

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Coenzyme Q10 is essentially devoid of side effects.  There are occasional reports of gastrointestinal upset but no other major side effects.

Does coenzyme Q10 Interfere with Warfarin?

The literature contains a case report describing a reduction in the efficacy of warfarin caused by coenzyme Q10.  However, a subsequent prospective randomised trial of coenzyme Q10 showed no effect of coenzyme Q10 on coagulation status in patients receiving Warfarin therapy.  In summary, anticoagulation should be closely monitored during the initiation or withdrawal of coenzyme Q10therapy.

Dosage

Doses between 150 and 300 mg per day are used for heart failure or hypertension.  Ideally, dosage is adjusted according to serum coenzyme Q10 levels. Therapeutic effects are most likely when serum levels are increased to twice normal. CoQuinone 30 dietary supplement was developed to deliver high-quality, highly bioavailable CoQ10 to the cells to support the production of adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP).

Conclusions

There is accumulating laboratory and clinical evidence of the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in a variety of cardiovascular disorders.  Not all of these have been conclusively proven, but in the absence of side effects, it is reasonable to administer coenzyme Q10 to selected patients with various types of cardiovascular disease and gauge the response.

Major Reference: Coenzyme Q10 Research

Healthy & Safe Weight Management

Wanting to get that fit and healthy body? - Try the USANA Reset Difference

Get ready for Summer with the 5-Day RESET Kit from USANA Health Sciences. This is also a DETOX KIT!

This kit is designed to help you overcome carb cravings and start losing weight by breaking away from the typical weight loss diet.

With a simple and convenient 5 day program, you will be replacing your meals and snacks with USANAS shakes. You are also able to have several servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

What makes this different that all the other diets out there?

Many diets you will find to be only temporary. They range from 3 days to 12 days, and usually involve either eating extremely small portions and feeling hungry all day, or eating the same thing over and over for 12 days in a row. This is unlike any other diet / detox I have ever tried. It is designed to have you replace your meals with shakes which are high in protein and fibre. In between shakes you will have a serving of fruits and a serving of veggies. You WILL NOT FEEL HUNGRY, BUT you will battle the urge or comfort food and the taste of the foods you enjoy. If you experience fatigue due to hunger, it is recommended that you eat an additional serving of fruit or veggies. Also as usual, make sure to take in that 8 to 12 glasses of water a day.

A typical person will lose between 5 - 10 POUNDS on this 5 day detox. The glycemic index is the key to controlling your cravings. It is not necessary to starve yourself in order to lose weight, in fact, starving yourself can contribute to the slowing of your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight.

Low glycemic foods keep the blood glucose (sugar) levels more stable, which HELPS REDUCES CARB CRAVINGS. Approximately 95% of RESET participants say that they have reduced carb cravings after completing the RESET.

Contact me for a more detailed presentation:

Jose Jolly Villaviza
Independent Distributor
Health Advocate

0922 8259201 / 0906 3153830
jjdrvillaviza@yahoo.com
www.im4health.usana.com

Stress Management & Relaxation Need Not be Expensive!

What do you do when you feel stressed and overworked?

·        Make a spa appointment and have a massage? Visit the mall and buy something for yourself?

·        Call your friends and go barhopping? File a leave of absence from work and have a vacation?

These things work if you can afford it. But what if you’re living on a tight budget? How do you manage your stress and find a way to relax without hurting your finances?

Personal stress management doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of frugal activities that can help us get rid of stress, unwind and chill out. So if you’ve been feeling restless, tired and pressured from work, here are some cheap ways you can relax and rejuvenate.

1.     Sleep. No cost, always effective. Just don’t oversleep though or you’ll feel sluggish.

2.     Go someplace quiet and appreciate the silence. You can go to the church and pray for spiritual strength.

3.     Meditate and call for positive energy or alternatively, simply take deep breathes and empty your thoughts.

4.     Pamper yourself in your own home. Take a relaxing bath or shower. Prepare a sumptuous home cooked meal.

5.     Stretch, do some tai chi or learn a bit of yoga. The internet has free resources on how to properly do these.

6.     Exercise or at least take a leisurely walk. Get some blood pumping and release some endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals.

7.     Listen to your favorite music. Sing along or dance in your room.

8.     Play with your child, your younger sibling, your baby nephew or niece or with your pet.

9.     Gather old newspapers and magazines and learn how to do origami.

10. Try to learn a performance skill such as juggling, doing magic tricks or spinning poi.

 Reposted from: Money Saving Tips

Take Care of Your Skin

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF PARABENS IN SKIN CARE?

By Karen Eisenbraun

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants, moisturizers and shampoos. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens allow skin care products to survive for months or even years in your medicine cabinet; however, they also enter your body through your skin when you use these products. According to Mercola.com, the body can absorb as much as five pounds of cosmetic chemicals every year. Parabens can mimic hormones in the body and disrupt functions of the endocrine system.

BREAST CANCER

Colby College's Clean Makeup website reports that parabens can mimic estrogen and disrupt the body's hormone system. Cornell University reports that a high lifelong exposure to estrogen can increase breast cancer risk. Estrogen, and synthetic chemicals that act like estrogen, play a role in stimulating the division of breast cells and affect other hormones that stimulate breast cell division. Your body does not easily break down synthetic estrogen, and it can accumulate in fat cells, including breast tissue. In 2004, a study by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom found concentrations of parabens, particularly methylparaben, in human breast tumors. The study examined only the presence of parabens in the tumors but did not determine that they were the cause of the tumors.

EARLY PUBERTY

The ability of parabens to mimic other hormones makes them endocrine disruptors, substances that adversely affect the endocrine system. The endocrine system releases hormones into the bloodstream and is involved in a number of functions related to reproduction, waste elimination, digestion and metabolism. Endocrine disruptors such as parabens can lead to early puberty in adolescent girls and boys, as reported by the New York Times. Endocrinologists have observed the average age of puberty decreasing in the past several decades and have seen girls as young as eight exhibit breast development and pubic hair growth. Endocrine disrupters can also lead to testicular enlargement and breast development in young boys.

DECREASED SPERM LEVELS

Parabens can also adversely affect the male reproductive system. In a study by the Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, researchers administered parabens to three-week-old rats. After four weeks, researchers examined the rats and found their sperm production significantly decreased in relation to the amount of parabens they had received. The rats who received the highest dose of parabens, which was consistent with the daily acceptable intake of parabens in Europe and Japan, showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration.

REFERENCES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals: Parabens
• Mercola.com: Body Absorbs 5 Lbs. of Make-Up Chemicals Per Year
• Colby College: Endocrine Disrupters: Clean Makeup
• Cornell University: Estrogen and Breast Cancer Risk
• PubMed: Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast TumorsRead More on Dangers of Paraben

Nine Natural Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

By Bernie Noe, ND

High blood pressure is typically a silent disease, producing few or no symptoms while increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke, vision problems and kidney disease. There are two basic types of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension: primary (essential) and secondary. Secondary hypertension has an identifiable cause such as kidney disease, adrenal tumors or drugs, although this type is relatively rare compared to the much more prevalent primary hypertension. Primary hypertension is considered to have no identifiable cause. However, from a naturopathic perspective most people with primary hypertension do have an identifiable cause – diet and lifestyle.

All of the following are known risk factors for high blood pressure. Addressing these factors can lower blood pressure in many people.

Reduce salt– Too much salt in the diet causes the body to retain water, which raises blood pressure. About one-third of people with hypertension are salt sensitive and will see a reduction in blood pressure when they reduce their salt intake. Salt (or sodium) is found in most processed foods, especially soups, sauces, cheese and chips – all nutrition labels indicate sodium amounts. People with high blood pressure should limit their daily intake of sodium to less than 1500 mg per day (the average American consumes 3300-4200 mg daily).

Reduce alcohol– While alcohol in moderation,may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, alcohol in excess can raise blood pressure. In general, men should limit alcohol to two drinks per day or less and women to one per day or less. Those with high blood pressure may benefit from further reductions.

Quit tobacco– In addition to raising blood pressure, tobacco raises the risk of heart attack and stroke in other ways, including by increasing the risk of forming blood clots.

Increase physical activity– In addition to raising blood pressure, lack of physical activity tends to cause weight gain and inflammation, both of which are risk factors for heart attack and stroke. The minimum guideline for physical activity is 30 minutes daily of moderate intensityexercise. Optimal is 45-60 minutes per day.

Increase fruits and vegetables— Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium and fiber, both of which lower blood pressure.Countless studies have found that those with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables are at the lowest risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, most cancer, and many other chronic diseases. The minimum intake is 5 servings per day, while optimum intake is 8-10 servings per day.

Decrease sugar and flour— High glycemic foods such as sugar and flour can increase blood pressure, in addition to raising cholesterol, weight and inflammation. All of these are risks for heart attack and stroke. Those who have high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol or are overweight are especially likely to benefit from this. Added sugars such as dessert, soda and maple syrup should be eliminated and all grains should be whole grains and consumption limited to once daily.

Lose weight– Being overweight tends to increase blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Physical activity, avoiding sugar and flour and eating lots of fruits and vegetables are great ways to promote weight loss.

Decrease caffeine– Studies on the impact of caffeine on blood pressure are mixed. Some people with high blood pressure may benefit from reducing caffeine intake.

Avoid food allergens— In some people, food allergies may contribute to high blood pressure. Blood allergy testing, which is available through most naturopathic physicians, is an easy way to determine if you are allergic.

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension), which combines many of the recommendations listed above, has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by 10 or more points. In addition to the above dietary and lifestyle factors, nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, L-arginine, magnesium, and vitamin C and a variety of herbal medicines including rauwolfia can be effective at lowering blood pressure. For most people with primary hypertension, however, addressing the dietary and lifestyle factors listed above will be adequate to lower blood pressure.

Dr. Bernie Noe is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in the state of Vermont and a graduate of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. He is the president of Green Mountain Wellness Solutions in Montpelier, Vermont.

Dr. Noe is a three-time winner of the Vermont Governor’s Gold Medal Worksite Wellness Award for his innovative “Jump Start to Better Health” wellness program for the Vermont Automobile Dealers Association. He is a past officer of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and past-president of the Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

What is your Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)?

I am wondering what nutrients I need to take daily and I found this website that asks me for my age and gender and automatically computes for my recommended daily intake.


It says: 


Here are the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), according to the US Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), for nutrients for a male, age = 39 years.

Click on our list of nutrients which includes all vitamins and minerals. Each link gives a description of sources, benefits, 3D pictures and the problems that deficiency may cause. 

(Note: nutrients with a star indicate Adequate Intake or AI because no RDA can be established)

Nutrients	Needed	My Essentials
vitamin A	900 mcg	3750 IU
vitamin C	90 mg	112.5 mg
vitamin D	5* mcg	3.75 mcg
vitamin E	15 mg	16 IU
vitamin K	120* mcg	15 mcg
thiamin	1.2 mg	1.8 mg
riboflavin	1.3 mg	1.95 mg
niacin	16 mg	10 mg
vitamin B6	1.3 mg	1.95 mg
foliate	400 mcg	250 mcg
vitamin B12	2.4 mcg	3.6 mcg
pantothenic	5* mg	22.5 mg
biotin	30* mcg	75 mcg
choline	550* mg	25 mg
calcium	1,000* mg	68.34 mg
chromium	35* mcg	.075 mg
copper	900 mcg	.5 mg
fluoride	4* mg	n/a
iodine	150 mcg	56 mcg
iron	8 mg	n/a
magnesium	420 mg	75 mg
manganese	2.3* mg	1.25 mg
molybdenum	45 mcg	.013 mg
phosphorus	700 mg	n/a
selenium	55 mcg	51 mcg
zinc	11 mg	5.025 mg
potassium	4.7* g	As Iodide & Vit C
sodium	1.5* g	n/a
chloride	2.3* g	n/a

Do you want to know What your RDA is?

Know more about the My Essentials?

Your Liver Has a Schedule to Follow

Be Good to Your Liver

The liver is the largest single gland in the body. It is located on the right side of the abdomen under the lower ribs and just under the diaphragm which divides the chest from the abdomen. Liver performs a number of important functions in the body. When the liver is healthy it works very smoothly.

Causes of Liver Damage

Most of the foods we eat are stored in the liver, after having been digested and absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The liver has another very important function, that of detoxifying or destroying many harmful poisons and even certain medicines that are taken into the body for other purposes. When the liver is sick these functions are impaired and soon the whole body suffers. Not only does the liver store food materials, it also produces bile, a golden-yellowish liquid that is needed for the absorption of fat from the intestine. Another important substance produced in the liver is cholesterol, part of which passes into the bile. It may even form stones in the bile ducts and gall bladder under certain conditions.

The main causes of liver damage are:

•      Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.
•         Not urinating in the morning.
•         Too much eating.
•         Skipping breakfast.
•         Consuming too much medication.
•         Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
•         Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
•         Consuming overly done foods also add to the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

 We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "liver functioning schedule."

Liver Functioning Schedule

•         Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary toxic chemicals (de-toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes).This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time one is still in an unrelaxed state such as socializing, drinking, eating out, this will have a negative impact on health.
•          Evening at 11 PM - 1 AM: is the de-toxification process in the liver,and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.
•          Early morning 1-3 AM: de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.
•          Early morning 3-5 AM: de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
•          Morning 5-7 AM: de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
•          Morning 7-9 AM: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 -10am rather than no meal at all.

      Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.

      Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

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