| Wachters' Weekly Special: 2/8/10 - 2/11/10 Heart Health #20
Co Enzyme Q-10
Heart Disease and Coenzyme Q10:
- Coenzyme
Q-10 protects the heart during periods of lack of oxygen (ischemia), when
narrowing or blocking of the coronary arteries occurs. Other medical procedures
where Coenzyme Q10 can help are open heart surgery, coronary bypass and angioplasty
where ischemia is prevalent. Angina, heart failure and sudden death could
also be assisted with Coenzyme Q10.
- pre-treatment
with Coenzyme Q10 also minimizes myocardial injury caused by heart bypass
surgery and the Coenzyme Q10 actually improves heart function.
- Regular
doses of Coenzyme Q10 is known to reduce the frequency of anginal attacks
and Coenzyme Q10 can improve physical activity in angina patients.
- Patients
with Coronary Disease should not decrease a Coenzyme Q10 regimen suddenly
as severe heart problems could develop.
- Coenzyme
Q10 improves the heart's ability to survive in limited oxygen situations (Hypoxia)
e.g. high altitudes, clogged arteries, angina.
More
support for CoQ10's benefits for heart health
By Stephen Daniells
9/12/2006
- Researchers from Italy have reported that daily oral supplements of coenzyme
Q10 (CoQ10) improved the cardiovascular health of people with heart failure,
a result that has been welcomed by the company behind the supplements used.
“This study adds significantly to a growing body of evidence that CoQ10
supplementation may be an efficacious complementary method for improving cardiac
function in heart failure patients,” said Kevin Connolly, director
of scientific affairs and product development.
The
majority of research looking at the benefits of CoQ10 for health has focused
on the cardiovascular diseases. The heart tissue contains the highest concentration
of CoQ10 in the human body (about 132 nanomoles per gram), and there is evidence,
said the researchers of the new study, that plasma CoQ10 levels decrease in
patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF).
According
to the Study on Heart failure Awareness and Perception in Europe (SHAPE), about
14m people in Europe suffer from chronic heart failure (CHF) with the number
forecast to rise to 30 m by 2020. About 5m people suffer from the condition
in the US.
To
test if supplementation of the coenzyme could improve cardiocirculatory efficiency
and endothelial function in patients with CHF,
Romualdo Belardinelli from the Lancisi Heart Institute, Italy and her colleagues
recruited 23 patients (20 men, average age 59) with stable CHF for a double-blind,
placebo-controlled cross-over study.
Participants
were randomly assigned to one of four four-week intervention groups: oral supplements
of CoQ10 CoQ10 plus supervised exercise training (ET) five times a week; placebo;
or placebo plus ET.
The
results, published on-line ahead of print in the European Heart Journal
(doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehl158), show that the heart's functional capacity improved
significantly by nine per cent, as measured by the peak volume of oxygen consumed
(VO2), for the CoQ10 compared to placebo. Similar results were observed for
the CoQ10 plus exercise groups.
Blood
flow also increased, as measured by endothelium-dependent dilation of the brachial
artery (EDDBA) by 38 per cent after CoQ10 supplementation.
Supplementation
with CoQ10 tripled plasma CoQ10 levels, and CoQ10 plus exercise further increased
levels.
This
result is important, said Connolly, because the formulation of CoQ10 is reported
to play a key role in its bioavailability. Since the coenzyme is lipophilic
(fat-loving) its absorption is enhanced in the presence of fats.
The
coenzyme is concentrated in the mitochondria - the 'power plants' of the cell
- and plays a vital role in the production of chemical energy by participating
in the production of adenosince triphosphate (ATP), the body's co-called 'energy
currency'.
A
role beyond the mitochondria is also acknowledged, with CoQ10 acting as a potent
antioxidant, and it is this role that is proposed to be behind the benefits
observed in this study, by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which
results in increased levels of nitric oxide and widening of the blood vessels
(vasodilation).
“Oral
CoQ10 improves functional capacity, endothelial function, and left ventricle
contractility in CHF without any side effects,” concluded Belardinelli.
While
the majority of research has focussed on the role of CoQ10 in cardiovascular
health, the sphere of study is widening with studies emerging linking supplements
of coenzyme to benefits for diabetes, cancer (breast, lung and prostate), male
infertility, and kidney failure.
WH Heart N More:
Historical
use of herbs:
Garlic
Historical usage:
Garlic is
one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and it's been credited with fighting
heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.
Numerous
trials have looked at the role of garlic supplements in heart disease. Many
of these randomized studies showed positive benefits of garlic in heart disease:
lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the
Bad cholesterol) and triglycerides A few small randomized trials also
suggested the benefits of garlic in the prevention of platelet aggregation and
thrombosis (the formation of plaques in the blood). Another study also
showed that aged garlic extracts lowered blood pressure.
Hawthorne
Berries Historical use: Hawthorne berry today is most associated with its
widespread use as a tonic for the heart. Specifically, it protects arterial
walls, has the ability to dilate (enlarge) coronary blood vessels (the vessels
supplying the heart with vital oxygen, blood, and nutrients), and strengthen
the heart's pumping ability. Because of these powerful cardiac benefits, it
is now one of the most prescribed heart remedies in Europe.
Those
people who suffer from angina, therefore, would most likely benefit by
hawthorne berry's ability to increase blood flow through the arteries.
Additionally, for the same reason, those afflicted with hypertension (high blood
pressure) may alleviate their condition since narrowed arteries require the
heart to work more strenuously in getting blood through them.
People
who suffer from tachycardia (rapid heart beating) and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular
heart beating) may also find relief. It also has antioxidant properities
which may help offset arterial damage from plaque formation and accumulation.
In
short, hawthorne berry is seen by some as an all-purpose heart medicine.
Astragalus
Historical usage:
Astragalus
is a native plant to areas of Northern China and Mongolia and has over 2,000
varieties. Traditional Chinese medicine has used this herb because it possesses
the ability to enhance the immune system and stimulate forces of chi (life forces),
which might include energy and peace.
Claimed
Health Benefits
- Boosts
immune system
- Protects
against cancer
- Reduces
stress
- Boosts
energy
Cayenne
Historical usage: Capsicum Cayenne Pepper
is the single most beneficial herb in the entire herbal kingdom. Many herbalists
have said that if they could have only one herb to work with, they would choose
Capsicum. We do marvelous things with it that we are not able to do with any
other known herb. Please understand that the key to success in healing the body
is stimulation, and Capsicum is the great stimulant.
Capsicum (red pepper) is the most pronounced, natural and ideal stimulant known
in the entire materia medica. It cannot be equaled by any known agent
when a powerful and prolonged stimulant is needed for congestive chills, heart
failure, bleeding and other conditions calling for quick action.
The entire circulation is affected by this agent and there is no reaction. In
this it stands alone as the ideal...Capsicum increases the power of all other
agents, helps the digestion when taken with meals, and arouses all the secreting
organs. Whenever a stimulant is indicated, Capsicum may be given with the utmost
safety...It is the only natural stimulant worth considering for diarrhea, dysentery
with bloody mucus, stools, and offensive breath.
Cayenne is a medicinal and nutritional herb. It is the purest and most certain
stimulant...The herb is a great food for the circulatory system in that it feeds
the necessary elements into the cell structure of the arteries, veins, and capillaries
so that these regain the elasticity of youth again, and the blood pressure adjusts
itself to normal. It rebuilds the tissue in the stomach and heals stomach and
intestinal ulcers, in equalizing the blood circulation, cayenne produces natural
warmth, and in stimulating the peristaltic motion of the intestines it aids
in assimilation and elimination....When the venous structure becomes loaded
with sticky mucus, the blood has a harder time circulating, therefore, higher
pressure forces the liquid through.
"Cayenne regulates the flow of blood from the head to the feet so that
it is equalized, it influences the heart immediately then gradually extends
its effects to the arteries, capillaries, and nerves - the frequency of the
pulse is not increased, but is given more power," Dr. John R. Christopher.
The cardiovascular benefits of Cayenne include:
Capsicum reduces Blood Pressure - Dilates blood vessels allowing increased blood
circulation.
Capsicum Fights Fatigue - Increased circulation results in immediate lowering
of the blood pressure and results in increased distribution of oxygen and nutrients
to the cells of the body.
Capsicum Reduces Risk of Blood Clot - Thins the blood by decreasing blood levels
of fibrin, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Capsicum Lowers Cholesterol - By binding cholesterol and bile acids in the intestinal
tract, the body is able to excrete more cholesterol.
Wachters’
Professional Formula D
Dr.
Wachter’s Professional Formula D is designed to support your entire cardiovascular
system, including the heart, arteries and veins. It contains a unique complex
of synergistic nutrients, including special vitamins, minerals, amino acids,
enzymes, peptides, specific phytonutrients, and herbal extracts, which provide
unparalleled support for the heart and circulatory system.
Healthy
circulation is important to every cell in the body. In order to nourish, oxygenate,
and remove waste from our cells, we need a healthy heart, and flexible veins
and arteries. Dr. Wachters’ Professional Formula D is a leading-edge product
designed to assist your circulatory system in supporting all of the cells and
organs in your body.
Hawthorn
Berries
Crateagus oxyacantha
Hawthorn berries are widely used to strengthen and balance the heart and circulatory
system. Researchers believe that hawthorn helps the heart in several ways. It
dilates coronary arteries to improve blood supply. It may increase the heart's
pumping force, eliminate heart rhythm irregularities and remove cholesterol
from arterial walls. It has been used to reduce angina attacks (with long term
use) and prevent cardiac complications in elderly patients with pneumonia and
influenza.
Kudzu
Chinese Kudzu has been used in China since at least 200 BC to reduce the abuse
of alcohol. In 1993, scientists at Harvard discovered that daidzin, an active
ingredient, helped golden Syrian hamsters reduce their preference for alcohol
over water. Chinese Kudzu contains daidzein, which blocks alcohol metabolism
in the liver.
Grapeseed
Extract
Grapeseed extract is one of nature's most potent antioxidants. It has been used
to treat deteriorating diseases and conditions with great success. Grape Seed
extract helps Vitamin C enter the body's cells, thus strengthening the cell
membranes, and protecting the cells from oxidative damage.
L-Arginine
is needed by the body to synthesize nitric acid. Nitric acid oxide helps arterial
walls relax, which allows blood to flow more readily throughout the body. This,
in turn, can lead to such benefits as stroke prevention, increased athletic
performance, mitigating hypertension, improving erections, lowering blood pressure,
and decreasing risk of heart attacks.
L-Arginine
is also a powerful HGH
(human growth hormone) releaser, burning fat, enhancing the immune system,
and helping to build muscle. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain is
responsible for producing human growth hormone, but precursors such as L-Arginine
can help stimulate this gland to produce more of it. In addition, a substance
called Somatostatin can inhibit the production and release of HGH by the pituitary
gland; L-Arginine appears to block these undesirable effects.
Another
promising benefit of L-Arginine is evidence that it can significantly enhance
anti-cancer defenses. It has also been shown to accelerate the healing of
acid induced gastric ulcers, and has had positive effects on patients with chronic
persistent hepatitis.
L-Cystine
L-Cystine
is the stable, oxidized form of L-Cysteine. Cystine is known as a disulfide
amino acid because it consists of two Cysteine segments with their respective
sulfur atoms bonded firmly together. The body can convert L-Cysteine to L-Cystine
and vice versa, however L-Cysteine is the more bio-active of the two. An adequate
supply of Vitamins C and B6 should always accompany any Cysteine or Cystine
supplementation. Amino acid, antioxidant, and chelating agent. Synthesized from
L-Methionine. Protects cells from radiation, free radicals, pollution and is
claimed to be a chelator for lead and other toxins. Has high sulfur content.
Cysteine is also a part of the reduced glutathione molecule, which plays an
important role in the liver’s detoxification pathways. Glutathione binds
and conjugates toxins, promoting their excretion.
It is directly depleted by cigarette smoking, the depletion of which may be
partially related to the faster aging of skin in smokers. L-Cysteine is a sulfur
containing amino acid which, together with glycine & glutamic acid, forms
the all-important antioxidant glutathione. L-Cysteine contributes to the formation
of protein in our bodies. It plays a role in energy metabolism, both by being
able to convert to glucose & be used as fuel, & by playing a part in
the synthesis of fatty acids. It acts in the liver to help detoxify carcinogens
& other dangerous chemicals. Cysteine is essential for T-cell proliferation
& activation in your immune system. Cysteine is a major component of skin,
hair, & fingernails. Studies show that cysteine supplementation can increase
hair shaft diameter and hair growth density in some cases of hair loss.
The
benefits and functions attributed to oral ingestion of L-cystine include:
•
Help with skin health.
• Stop hair loss & aid hair growth.
• Aid wound healing from injuries, burns, or surgery.
• Help protect us from the adverse effects of alcohol consumption, cigarette
smoking, & other chemicals.
• Support the liver when there are liver disorders.
• Enhance absorption of iron.
• Ameliorate chemical sensitivity reactions.
• Promote the production of red & white blood cells.
• Support cartilage
L-Methionine
Methionine
is one of the essential sulfur amino acids. As a "methyl donor", methionine
contributes to the formation of numerous important compounds in the body. This
process, methylation, is implicated in depression. Methionine functions
as a sulfur donor to aid in your body's detoxification processes. It can convert
to other sulfur amino acids, to glutathione, and is a precursor to S-adenosyl
methionine. Sunflower seeds are a good source of methionine. Diets deficient
in methionine may result in destructive breakdown and metabolism of protein.
Methionine is required for the synthesis of cysteine and carnitine.
Methionine
plays a key role in regulating the availability of folic acid. Methionine deficiency
makes folic acid unusable and may induce a build up of the unusable folic acid.
There is a tendency for allergic (high histamine) persons to be methionine deficient.
They may respond favorably to methionine, because it lowers blood histamine
levels.
It
is a good source of sulfur, it is important for the breakdown of fat in liver
and arteries. As a digestive aid it helps detoxify harmful agents, aids muscle
weakness, prevents brittle hair, is beneficial for allergic chemical sensitivities
and osteoporosis.
The
benefits and functions attributed to oral ingestion of L-methionine include:
• Depression.
• Alcoholism.
• Allergies & asthma.
• Helps lower copper with copper toxicity.
• Beneficial against the toxic effects of radiation.
• Improves healing from surgery & other wounds.
• Useful for the high histamine type of schizophrenia - is most useful
in those schizophrenics who are depressed.
• Liver disorders.
• Withdrawal symptoms and depression from heroin, barbiturate, or amphetamine
reduction.
• As an adjunct to L-dopa treatment for Parkinson's disease.
• Antioxidant therapy.
Thiamin
(vitamin B1) Prevents beri-beri,
keeps nerves healthy, stimulates appetite and good digestion and promotes growth.
Deficiency results in poor appetite, nervousness, constipation, fatigue,
weakness, retarded growth, and beri-beri in severe deficiency.
Riboflavin
(vitamin B2) Keeps eyes and skin
healthy, aids in normal functioning of nervous system and promotes growth.
Deficiency results in sores in angles of mouth and fold of nose; sore, swollen
and chapped lips; swollen, fissured and painful tongue, itching and burning
sensation in the eyes; and retarded growth.
Niacin
(vitamin B3) Promotes growth
and normal digestion and keeps nerves and skin healthy.
Lack of niacin results in red skin that becomes pigmented; sore mouth, tongue
and throat; digestive and nervous disturbances; loss of appetite and weight;
and pellagra in severe deficiency (cracked skin, nervous disorder and diarrhea)
Pyridoxine
(vitamin B6) Helps the body use
carbohydrates, fats and proteins, is essential in converting tryptophan (essential
amino acid) to niacin and linoleic acid (fatty acid) to arachidonic acid (fatty
acid in animal fat).
Lack of pyridoxine results in appetite loss, nausea and vomiting; nervous irritability
and convulsions; and dermatitis around the eyes, mouth, nose and behind the
ears.
Folic
Acid (Folate) Helps cure megaloblastic anemia; is important in DNA synthesis
that controls cell function, heredity and tissue growth; and regenerates red
blood cells.
Deficiency results in macrocytic anemia (disturbed red blood cell development),
glossitis (symptoms of riboflavin deficiency), diarrhea, and malabsorption.
Cobalamin
(vitamin B12) Helps cure
pernicious anemia (failure to absorb cobalamin); involved in metabolism of carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, nucleic and folic acid, and normal cell function; and is essential
in red blood cell maturation.
Cobalamin deficiency leads to pernicious anemia, changes in the nervous system
and retarded growth. .
.
Zinc Helps the body use protein and carbohydrates; is vital
for growth and development; synthesis of cell protein (DNA & RNA formation);
and proper functioning of immune system. Lack of zinc results in growth
failure, impaired wound healing, impaired sense of taste and smell.
Magnesium
Aids
regulation of body processes like normal heart rhythm and in normal functioning
of body enzymes. Deficiency leads to irritability, abnormal heart rhythm,
emotional tension, depression, and muscular weakness.
.
Selenium
Part of certain enzymes that act as antioxidants which help fight cell damage;
helps prevent particular type of protein-calorie malnutrition; enhances proper
immune response; and aids proper functioning of heart muscle.
Vitamin
D
Vitamin
D aids in the absorption of calcium form the intestinal tract and the breakdown
and assimilation of phosphorus, which is required for bone formation.
Vitamin
C
The
scientific literature has confirmed vitamin C's key role in:
- Immune
system function,
- Collagen
repair and formation,
- Joint
function
- Energy
production
- Antioxidant
protection and function
- Detoxification,
and more.
Calcium
- beneficial
in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
- lowers
cholesterol and helps prevent cardiovascular disease
- aids
the nervous system, especially in impulse transmission
- may prevent
colorectal cancer
- keeps
the heart beating regularly
- relieves
cramps in legs
- alleviates
insomnia
- helps
metabolize the body's iron
A, Vitamin
Vitamin A prevents night blindness and other eye problems, as well as some skin
disorders such as acne. It enhances immunity, may heal gastrointestinal ulcers,
protects against pollution and cancer formation and is needed for the maintenance
and repair of epithelial tissues.
E, Vitamin
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is important in the prevention of cancer
and cardiovascular disease. It improves circulation, is necessary for tissue
repair and is useful in treating premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease
of the breast. It promotes normal blood clotting and healing, reduces scarring
from some wounds, reduces blood pressure and aid in preventing cataracts. It
also is key in promoting healthy muscles and nerves as well as healthy skin
and hair.
Pantothenic
Acid
Pantothenic acid is used throughout the body. It is required for glandular balance
and production of hormones and enzymes. Thus, it affects energy levels, growth
and tissue repair and our ability to deal well with all types of stress. Deficiency
can cause chronic fatigue, hair loss and graying, muscular weakness, digestive
disorders, constipation, depression and many other debilitating symptoms. Deficiency
can also be a factor in allergies and asthma.
Biotin
Biotin assists in the metabolism of fat and protein. It nourishes muscles.
Garlic
Allium sativum
Garlic is one of the most important herbs; it has a broad range of well-documented
healing properties; antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi and worms, fights
blood clots, stimulates bile, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, improves blood
LDL/HDL ratio. Garlic has been found to be effective in treating a myriad of
conditions in the circulatory, urinary, respiratory and digestive systems largely
because of its aromatic sulfur-containing oils.
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