Co Q 10 for a Healthy Heart

Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Co-Q10, Vitamin Q or ubiquinone) is a compound that is made naturally in the body. It is also found in all living organisms and most foods contain traces of it as well. The highest amounts are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, with the lowest amounts found in the lungs. It is needed for the proper functioning of enzymes (thus the reason for the name "coenzyme") that are necessary for chemical reactions throughout the body. Coenzymes are a sort of energy sparking catalyst for the cells of the body.

Our bodies could not survive without energy producing Co-Q 10. It’s a necessary nutrient needed for the proper functioning of every cell. Without it we would not have enough cellular energy to fuel the physiological reactions we need to survive. As a powerful antioxidant, it also protects the body from free radical damage that can damage important parts of the cell. Several small studies have even shown a benefit for some cancers, possible because of its immune enhancing effects.

The heart requires the most Co-Q 10, calling for a constant supply of energy to pump blood throughout the body. Numerous studies have shown that Co-Q10 can support the cardiovascular system when dealing with such issues as mitral valve prolapse, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, irregular heartbeat, angina and high blood pressure.

Since Coenzyme Q 10 assists the body on a cellular level, sufficient stores of this nutrient are needed to fight off illnesses such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease. Having enough Co Q 10 ensures that you can retain proper muscle function and overall stamina.

This important nutrient is easily depleted by stress, age, illness, exercise, and some drugs. Along with blocking the liver mechanism that manufactures cholesterol, cholesterol-lowering drugs, like Lipitor, Zocor and Pravachol (also known as statins) block the production of coenzyme Q 10. Other drugs such as antidepressants and beta blockers also deplete this important nutrient.

Co Q 10 is essential for the functioning of every cell in our bodies. Again, without it we could not survive. When it drops, so does our cardiovascular health, our immunity and general health. When Co- Q10 levels are boosted, so is our immune systems response. Therefore, taking a look at Co Q 10 may assist you in reversing cardiovascular disease, symptoms of fatigue or generally in enhancing the immune system and fending off disease.

Olive Leaf ... An Immune Enhancing Herb!

Olive Leaf…has to be our favorite…herb…The Grand daddy of them all.

A natural anti microbial….which supports the immune system in controlling viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some parasites.

We first learned of the benefits of Olive leaf in relation to fighting fungus/yeast in the body…via Doug Kaufmann…the first host of the TV show “Your Health”

We have used it for several years now…as a preventative and immune modulator, to fight off flu like symptoms, sinus infections, yeast overgrow, and have mixed it with water to make skin salves.

It is important to keep our immune system functioning at optimal levels…which in turn protects us from disease…It is the active ingredient in olive leaf extract called oleuropein, that has been shown to assist the body in this immune defense.

When our body is over-burdened with some form of pathogen…be it a virus, fungi, yeast, bacteria, or parasite, our immune system will suffer because of it…and this can lead to serious illness… Olive leaf offers a powerful alternative to conventional antibiotics for many infectious diseases. This is especially beneficial in light of the ever evolving antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

The only known side effect of taking Olive Leaf is the possibility of a Herxheimer reaction. Herxheimer is a (beneficial) flu like response which signals that the Olive leaf is working and killing off germs… This response, which generally lasts only a few days, can be adjusted by lowering the dose. This allows the body time to process the die off of these germs and the toxins they produce.

So whether your wanting to combat yeast overgrowth, build the immune system or simply fight off an infection…it may be helpful to take a look at Olive Leaf Extract.

Milk Thistle...For A Healthy Liver

We live in a toxic world, no one can dispute that. But it’s our liver that takes a great majority of the burden. And the stresses to the liver are caused by more than just the chemical pollutants in the air. There are those in our food, in the pharmaceutical drugs that we take and even second hand smoke.

But the liver has more to do than just filter poisons out of our body. In order for us to remain healthy our liver also performs (but is not limited to) the following functions:

Blood detoxification and purification
Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Bile production and excretion
Enzyme activation
Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs

Care of the liver is key to TOTAL BODY HEALTH!

One way that we can assist the liver and gain health is by taking Milk Thistle…also known by it’s botanical name, Silybum marianum, or by its 3 main active compounds collectively known as silymarin.

Milk Thistle is an herb with an ability to defend and rebuild the liver. It is considered by many to be the best product for liver detoxification, protection and regeneration. Its active compounds silymarin is ten times more potent as an antioxidant, than Vitamin E. This makes this powerful antioxidant helpful in preventing free radical damage throughout the body, but especially in the liver, stomach, and intestines.

This cleansing and fortifying herb assists the liver in in part, by preventing the reduction of glutathione. In fact studies show that Milk Thistle actually increases glutathione levels significantly and it is the glutathione, an amino-acid like compound that is critical to neutralizing toxins.

There are now 137 scientific studies on pubmed, heralding the benefits of Milk Thistle. If you need more proof…check here for the studies http://www.pubmed.com/

When purchasing Milk Thistle, it is important that you choose a standardized product which contains a minimum of 70% to 80% silymarin in each dose. This would ensure that a significant amount would reach the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver, giving you the full therapeutic benefits.

So if you are feeling sluggish, or suspect your liver needs a bit of help, you might take a look at an amazing herb called Milk Thistle!