Q:  What is a good supplement for the Heart?

A:  Coenzyme Q-1O is one of the most unique of all nutrients. Technically, it fails to meet the criteria of a vitamin, yet, it is essential to life. When tissue levels of CoQ10fall to certain levels (25% of normal), death results. One of coenzyme Q-1O’s main functions is the production of intracellular energy. In the case of humans the primary fuel produced on a cellular level is ATP, or adenosine tn-phosphate. This energy source is the basis of life, since all cellular reactions require and consume it. Thus, due to its role in energy production, coenzyme Q-10 is of crucial importance for organs with rapid metabolic rates such as the heart, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, kidneys, and lungs.

Coenzyme Q-10’s role in cardiac function has received the greatest attention among researchers. In fact, it was ori­ginally extracted from heart tissue (bovine hearts), the richest known source of this nutrient. During the 1950s and 1960s researchers discovered that animals which developed CoQ10 deficiency died of heart failure. The hearts would enlarge in size, and the pumping power decreased dramatically. When the diets were supplemented with CoQ10, the cardiac size and function returned to normal. The next step was to test the effectiveness of CoQ10 on humans suffering from a similar condition: congestive heart failure. The scientists discovered that CoQ10 worked equally well for humans with heart disease and completely reversed the pathology in a number of instances. Further research documented a powerful role in the treatment of hypertension, heart rhythm disturbances, angina pectoris, and coronary heart disease. In all cases the diseased hearts of cardiac patients, particularly those with congestive heart failure, showed a measurable decline in CoQ10 levels from the norm. CoQ10 is also of exceptional value in the treatment of cardiomyopathy, a condition which leads to degeneration of the heart muscle.

Coenzyme Q-10 is similar chemically to vitamin E. The consequence of this similarity is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that many of the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency can be corrected by taking CoQ10. Furthermore, vitamin E enhances the function of coenzyme Q-10.

Avoid all dietary sources of refined sugar as well as refined and/or hydrogenated oils. The refined oils oxidize or “use up” the co-enzyme Q-1O found in the body.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. As always, check with a doctor before starting any treatment program. For more information on using guided relaxation and creative visualization to aid healing and enhance your quality of life, call Positive Changes at 1-877-POSITIVE.