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Heart Failure & CoQ10

CoQ10, officially known as Coenzyme Q10, is a substance that resides in the mitochondria and is found in every cell of the body. Its primary functions are to produce energy and protect cells from oxidative stress. Studies have linked it to having the ability to treat cancer, cardiovascular health and cognitive function and headaches. However, recently a ten-year study has conclusively found that CoQ10 can significantly improve the chances of survival for even the most severe heart failure patients. The study found that supplementing with CoQ10 can restore CoQ10 levels in patients with a deficiency which can extend lifespan and increase the quality of life. This article is going to take an in-depth look at this study to learn more about how CoQ10 can benefit patients of heart failure.

How Does CoQ10 Benefit Heart Failure Patients?

A common misconception about heart failure is that it is oftentimes mistaken to mean when a heart stops beating. Rather, heart failure is categorized as when a heart is not able to pump enough blood to sustain normal function in your organs. Your heart is always working and in order to maintain this task, your mitochondria has to efficiently produce energy. CoQ10 is necessary for the heart to maintain enough energy management. When levels of CoQ10 decline, tissues are unable to efficiently burn fuel which leads to oxidative damage and the ultimate loss of their function. When heart muscles lose fuel efficiency heart failure can occur.

Research Shows Great Results

The results of the ten year study showed that patients who took 100 mg of CoQ10, three times a day were found to have significantly reduced the risk of dying from heart failure, were less than half likely to die from any cause and were half as likely to have a major adverse cardiac event during the study period. After a trial time of only three months of supplementing with CoQ10, researchers found reduced levels of a blood marker of heart failure severity that comes from overworked heart muscles. At the two-year mark, research found that patients had improved measurements of heart function that those who took a placebo.

The study’s main endpoint measurement was the biggest market of the study’s success in determining the benefits of CoQ10 for patients with heart failure. The study found that only fourteen percent of patients in the group that supplemented with CoQ10 had to be hospitalized for worsened heart failure, died from a cardiovascular cause, needed an urgent heart transplant or artificial heart support. Meanwhile, twenty five percent of the patients in the placebo group experienced a major cardiac event. This comes out to those in the placebo group had twice the risk of a major cardiac event as opposed to those taking a CoQ10 supplement.

What Are The Mechanisms Of COQ10?

The mitochondria steadily pumps out a supply of energy that comes from the food you eat. In order to help maintain its efficiency healthy levels of CoQ10 must be maintained. Talk to your doctor about beginning a supplementation regimen of CoQ10 in order to decrease your chances of experiencing a subsequent major cardiac event.

Increase Energy With CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, otherwise known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant nutrient that is found in the mitochondria of every cell in your body. The mitochondria are the part of the cell where the production of cellular energy occurs. Its primary functions are to produce energy and within the cell and to protect from oxidative stress. Like so many other parts of the body, CoQ10 levels drop as your age. Coenzyme Q10 is believed to have a variety of benefits that can support cardiovascular health, treat diabetes, cancer, and headaches. This article will discuss the various benefits CoQ10 has to offer and the best ways to take it.

Although there are dietary sources of CoQ10 like organ meats and lentils, many will choose to supplement in order to ensure they receive the right amount. You can also find CoQ10 in broccoli, spinach, and peanuts but the reason why people choose to supplement is that the amounts of CoQ10 are smaller and the quality of this food would have to be top notch in order for that smaller amount to be available. They would also have to be unprocessed and cultivated in a place that has no pollution. It can also be cooked out in foods, therefore, if you are looking to increase your CoQ10 intake through foods, it is better to supplement with raw foods. Regardless of how you supplement CoQ10, studies have proven CoQ10 to have various health benefits that make the effort to supplement worth it.

Increased Energy

Studies have found that patients who supplemented with CoQ10 reported feeling an increase in energy. The reason for this is because CoQ10 has been linked to improved cardiovascular health can improve the heart’s ability to pump more blood. It can also lower the viscosity of blood which makes it easier to achieve optimal heart function. Increased energy can also be attributed to the fact that CoQ10 can double the levels of antibodies and supported the body’s ability to handle viruses. Taking into consideration that more often than not, people will have some sort of background disease, taking CoQ10 can help combat the effects. When a body is functioning healthily, it also experiences an increase in energy.

Gum Health

Research has shown that having a healthy heart can improve gum health. Gums are full of blood and your mouth is full of bacteria. If you damage the gum layer it is going to get bacteria into your bloodstream which can trigger inflammation through your body. This is crucial because inflammation can damage to blood vessels. By supporting a healthy heart, CoQ10 can also

Additional Benefits

Additional CoQ10 benefits include weight loss, treatment for cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fatigue, muscle weakness, and headache.

It is undisputed that maintain coenzyme Q10 levels offers many health benefits. Talk to your doctor about how to optimally supplement CoQ10 into your diet so that you too can optimally derive from its benefits.

Vitamins offer antioxidant properties and, when combined with other remedies, can cure hemorrhoids. Antioxidants are great for the body because they strengthen body tissues and increase the resistance of blood vessels. Vitamins potent and effective in the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids include vitamins A, B, and C.

Recommended dosages include two to three intakes per day. Always talk to your doctor before you begin taking a vitamin supplement. Another option is to eat more foods that contain these vitamins. Eating vegetables and fruits like carrots, spinach, oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and kale can be very effective.

If you choose to take a vitamin supplement, consult your doctor before you start to ensure that it will not negatively interact with any current medication you take.

CoQ10 And Diet

The heart is undeniably the most important organ in the body. With its complex composition of arteries, capillaries, and veins, the heart is responsible for pumping life through your body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and diet is imperative to safeguarding the lifespan of your heart. Making wise decisions about the foods you eat can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Even if you are taking a CoQ10 supplement, a healthy daily diet is paramount for maintaining a healthy heart. Check out these top tips for optimal heart health.

Choose the Right Carbohydrates

Avoid eating refined grains such as bread, pasta, cereals, desserts and table sugar. Refined grains are made by processing natural, whole grains. This is done to extend the shelf life and give the product a better texture. There are a number of reasons why refined grains are substandard when it comes to a diet. Refined grains are nutritionally imbalanced as they are devoid of iron and B vitamins. Preservatives, bleaching chemicals (white flour), artificial coloring, and flavors are used when processing or refining whole grains. Refined grains contain little to no fiber and have a higher glycemic index which tends to be digested much quicker than whole grains, as a result, this causes a spike in insulin which leads to high cholesterol and diabetes. Switching to whole grains is certainly a healthier alternative.

Cut Back on Salt

Salt is the primary source of sodium. When one consumes too much salt, the excess sodium in the bloodstream retains water within the blood vessels which increases the volume of blood. When more blood flows through the blood vessels, it causes an increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure puts a strain on the heart and while you may not feel it, the pressure damages the walls of the arteries over time. Try limit your salt intake by using fresh herbs to season meals and only adding a small amount of salt after foods have been cooked. A little sprinkle does go a long way.

Eliminate Trans Fats

Trans fats are a man-made fat which is the result of turning a liquid oil into a solid fat such as margarine by means of hydrogenation. Trans fat raises your “bad” LDL cholesterol and lowers your “good” HDL cholesterol which may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Eliminate foods that contain “hydrogenated oil” or “partially hydrogenated oil”. Manufacturers are obligated to mention these ingredients, so be sure to read the food labels carefully. Small doses of trans fats are also found naturally in animal products such as beef, pork, and some dairy. It is best to limit your intake of pork and beef and switch to fat-free dairy products.

The ‘S’ Word

Sugar! Approximately 10% of the calories the average American eats in a day is made up of added sugar however about 1 in 10 people get one-quarter more of their calories from added sugar. Consuming large quantities of sugar damages tissues in the heart and affects the blood sugar levels. Women should limit their added sugars to no more than 100 calories per day, and men should eat less than 150 calories. These recommendations only apply to added sugars. When checking food labels, avoid added sugar such as corn sweetener or syrup, honey, molasses, fruit juice concentrate, high-fructose corn syrup, invert sugar, malt sugar and syrup and sugar molecules ending in ‘ose’ (dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose).

CoQ10 – Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension, is one of the leading causes of death globally because it could result in a heart attack or stroke. One in three Americans is affected by high blood pressure, and therefore they are at risk.

Blood pressure measures how hard blood pushes against vessel walls and it is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). A blood pressure above 140 mmHg/90 mmHg (which are the pressures when the heart is contracting and when it isn’t) is considered to be high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is affected by many factors, so a variety of changes to lifestyle and diet can cause it to decrease.

Lifestyle changes

One of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure is to decrease stress levels. Stressing causes the release of a variety of hormones which narrow the blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Decreasing stress will, therefore, decrease the amount of these hormones and allow pressure to normalize. Ideas for decreasing stress include meditation and yoga, learning and avoiding stress triggers and getting sufficient sleep – about eight hours a night.

More long-term management of blood pressure should include increasing exercise as this causes peripheral vasodilation – increased blood flow to the muscles, which reduces total blood pressure. Excessive amounts of exercise are not necessary – just an increase in daily activity, such as housework, stair climbing and walking. Exercise should also help you to lose weight, which is important to lower blood pressure too.

If you do smoke, it is highly recommended that you stop. The chemicals in cigarettes damage the walls of blood vessels, which lead them to harden and this increases overall blood pressure.

Dietary changes

The different kind of foods we eat have a variety of effects on our blood pressure. Foods which cause increased water absorption, such as sodium and glucose, in salt and sugar respectively, cause the blood pressure to increase. There are large amounts of salt and sugar in processed foods, so it is best to avoid those and other foods which contain high amounts of salt or sugar. Increasing potassium intake has the opposite effect and is suggested to lower blood pressure.

Other substances act as a stimulant, which can increase blood pressure. One example of these is caffeine, which should be minimised in your diet. Another substance to consume in moderation is alcohol. Many alcoholic beverages contain added sugars and high amounts of alcohol can also damage blood vessel walls.

There are certain substances that have a positive effect when eaten, such as dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is about 60-70% cocoa and contains flavonoids which cause blood vessels to dilate, which decreases blood pressure.

Other changes

If after all the lifestyle and dietary changes made, your blood pressure is still too high, there are a variety of other ways you can help to lower it. There are a number of natural supplements which lower blood pressure including garlic, celery juice and ginger root;. There are also a number of commercial supplements such as magnesium, omega-3 and citrulline supplements. If, even after all of those efforts, blood pressure is still elevated, a health professional may prescribe drugs to help.

Exercise & CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is better known as CoQ10 and has been used to eliminate free radicals from your body, reversing the aging process of your cells. Other studies suggest, however, that it can help with fat burning and provide you with more energy during your workouts. CoQ10 assists nerves and muscles by relaxing stiff muscles and abating swelling, as well as providing usable energy to cells. Not only will this help with overall weight loss, but can result in a faster metabolism as well.

Relieving Muscle Cramps and Increasing Function

Muscles require large amounts of CoQ10 in order to keep them functioning for longer and pain-free. Cells need energy and oxygen in order to function properly and CoQ10 provides the cells’ mitochondria with usable energy to perform the best they can. Taking CoQ10 supplements has resulted in more energy and higher endurance, resulting in longer workout times. For people suffering from muscle aches or stiffness, and even chronic pain, CoQ10 can help relieve some pain to help them get through the day. CoQ10 works with the cardiovascular system, strengthening the heart muscle and working as an antioxidant to help cells thrive. This double dose provides the energy and strength your muscles need for a good, long workout.

With the help of CoQ10’s antioxidant surge, free radical damage can be prevented, resulting in cells living longer, healthier lives. Strong cells also are found to burn fat at a faster rate. Using calories to burn fat can be dangerous if you burn too much and lose too much too fast. CoQ10 comes into play here by being a good supplement to balance the number of calories you are burning with calorie intake. Make sure to eat healthy foods and maintain a nutritious diet while you are exercising; it is dangerous to exercise on an empty stomach. Even though you are burning fat cells faster than normal, this could trigger oxidative stress which leads to muscle cramping, cellular damage, and even digestive issues.

CoQ10 In Food

CoQ10 is produced naturally in your body and it is also found in certain foods. To raise CoQ10 levels, you can choose a specific diet rich in vitamins A and E, as CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient.

Some foods that contain CoQ10 are:

organ meats like kidneys and liver
cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
fatty fish like salmon
legumes
sesame seeds
avocado

However, eating a rich, nutrient-filled diet won’t guarantee your CoQ10 levels being accurate. That’s why a supplement is recommended, especially to ensure CoQ10 levels will stay plentiful as you start burning calories during your exercise routine.

Dosage and CoQ10 Capsule Requirements

CoQ10 requires vitamins A and E in order to be synthesized properly in the body. You should take CoQ10 with food. Dosages vary from person to person, depending on their needs. CoQ10 levels are lower and lower as you age, and are especially diminished when you are on certain medications. For the best exercise performance, 100 mg- 300 mgs is suggested, but there is some flexibility as you figure out what works best for you. The supplement should help you feel more energetic, boosts your mood, and lowers your stress.

What is CoQ10?

Officially known as Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10 is a compound in your body that helps produce energy and protects cells from oxidative stress. Although your body produces it naturally, as you age the production slowly decreases. CoQ10 is stored in the mitochondria which is the part of the cells that produce energy. Deficiencies have been linked to health conditions likes heart disease, brain disorders, cancer and diabetes. There are several natural dietary sources from which you can supplement CoQ10 like organ meats and lentils but many will find it beneficial to their health to supplement the enzyme through a dietary supplement. Continue reading to learn more about the various health benefits CoQ10 has for your health and the best ways how to get them.

Happy Health Heart

Heart failure usually occurs as a result of other heart conditions like high blood pressure. Having a heart condition can lead to increased oxidative damage which can affect the heart in a way that it cannot contract normally, relax or pump blood through the body. Studies have found that patients with heart failure who were treated with CoQ10 were able to improve their symptoms and significantly reduced their chances of dying from a heart problem.

Fruitful Fertility

Research has linked that fertility levels lower in conjunction with CoQ10 levels. This causes the body to become unable to protect the eggs from oxidative damage. Maintaining decent levels of CoQ10 can maintain egg quality and even reverse age-related decline in egg quality and quantity. Likewise, CoQ10 can protect sperm from oxidative damage and and quality.

Cancer Prevention

CoQ10 helps your body fight oxidative damage. If your body is unable to fight oxidative damage, your cells can become damaged which can increase your risk of developing cancer. Maintaining healthy levels of CoQ10 can protect cells from oxidative stress. Studies have found that patients suffering from cancer have lower levels of CoQ10 than those without cancer.

Brain Power

Mitochondrial function generally decreases with age. Mitochondrial dysfunction increases the risk of killing brain cells and can cause diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its high fatty acid content and its need for oxygen. Oxidative damage can increase the development of harmful compounds that can affect your memory, cognition, and physical functions.

Decreased Headaches

When abnormal mitochondrial function occurs it causes increased calcium uptake by the cells which can cause low brain energy and migraines. CoQ10 resides in the mitochondria which can affect mitochondrial function and decrease inflammation that occurs during migraines. Studies have shown that patients who supplement with CoQ10 experienced reduced number of migraines. In addition to treating migraines, CoQ10 is believed to prevent them from occurring.

Decreased Diabetes

Metabolic disease, like diabetes, can be caused by oxidative stress that induces cell damage. Unusual mitochondrial function has been linked to insulin resistance. CoQ10 has been linked to the improvement of insulin sensitivity and the ability to support regulated blood sugar levels.

CoQ10 The Bottom Line

CoQ10 is a coenzyme that has the ability to vastly improve your health. It has been shown to improve heart health, blood sugar regulation, migraines and can boost your brain power. Whether you choose to eat more CoQ10 soluble foods like organ meats or lentils or you supplement, CoQ10 is definitely worth making the effort to maintain healthy levels.

CoQ10 For Heart Health

CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is found in every cell of the body. Your body produces it naturally but as you age, your body slows down its production. CoQ10 resides in the mitochondria which is the part of the cell that is responsible for energy production. One of CoQ10’s primary functions is to convert food into energy and protect cells against oxidative stress. It is ranked as one of the best selling supplements on the market, raking in nearly 900 million dollars annually. The reason for its popularity is because CoQ10 has been linked to having the ability to treat Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, brain health and cancer. Although one of the main reasons for its popularity is because of its link to increased heart health. This article is going to take a closer look at the various benefits CoQ10 has for heart health and how to derive from its maximum benefits.

Different Types of CoQ10

There are two types of CoQ10, ubiquinone, and ubiquinol. The antioxidant form of CoQ10 is ubiquinol that is made in the body from ubiquinone. Ubiquinone is the less potent type but is more cost-effective so most over the counter supplements contain ubiquinone as opposed to ubiquinol. Research has linked low blood levels of CoQ10 with lowered levels of good cholesterol that protects the heart from and can subsequently increase the risk for heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have found that supplementing CoQ10 can increase levels of HDL-C and ApoA1 levels which can even be beneficial for people taking statins to protect against cardiovascular disease. HDL-C is a type of good cholesterol which removes bad cholesterol from places it can cause damage. ApoA1 is a component of HDL. It attaches itself to cell membrane and promotes the movement of cholesterol to the outer surfaces of the cell. CoQ10 can also lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers that have been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to tissue damage to the heart during a heart attack.

Muscle Symptoms related to Statin

Statins are a type of medication that is taken for heart health but studies have verified that taking high doses of statins can cause diabetes. Statins work by preventing the process of producing cholesterol molecules which in turn block the precursor of CoQ10. Supplementing with CoQ10 can help people on statins to maintain healthy levels of CoQ10 which can prevent developing diabetes.

After a Heart Attack

Studies have found that taking CoQ10 within 72 hours from experiencing a heart attack and continuing supplementation for a year after can significantly decrease the chances of suffering a subsequent heart attack.

If you are at risk of developing heart disease, maintaining heart health with a CoQ10 is an important option to discuss with your doctor. While you can get CoQ10 through your diet with foods like organ meats and lentils, it may be best to ensure that you are getting the effective amounts through a supplement.