| Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that naturally occurs in our mitochondria – the places where our cells generate energy. CoQ10 helps the body form adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which gives cells energy, and also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help the body fight off free radicals, which cause damage at the cellular level, harming the DNA, distorting cell membranes and even killing cells. We get more free radicals than we should when we are exposed to cigarette smoke, radiation, pollution, and UV rays. Free radicals can accelerate the aging process.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, CoQ10 can help in the remediation and/or prevention of the following conditions: heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart damage from chemotherapy, gum disease and breast cancer.
Heart disease. Because CoQ10 helps cells create energy, keeps blood from clotting as easily, and fights free radicals, studies have shown that it can work wonders in the fight against heart disease.
Elevated cholesterol. People with elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol tend to have lower levels of CoQ10. Ironically, the medicines that lower LDL levels, called statins, actually erode CoQ10 levels even further. The good news is that you can take CoQ10 supplements to remedy that damage without negating the effects of the statins – in fact, the supplements may help with the pain that many patients report when taking statins.
High blood pressure. Researchers have found that, after four to twelve weeks, a CoQ10 regimen can lower diastolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg and systolic blood pressure by 17 mmHg, without any risks or harmful side effects. This could prove to be a lifesaver for people suffering from high blood pressure.
Diabetes. Because CoQ10 is so helpful for lowering cholesterol, moderating blood pressure and alleviating heart disease, it can be very beneficial for diabetics. The only risk is that CoQ10 may lower blood sugar more than your body is ready to handle, so be sure to talk to your physician before beginning supplements.
Heart damage from chemotherapy. Adriamycin and other medicines in the athracycline family can damage your heart over time. Studies have indicated that a CoQ10 supplement can protect your heart from the damage caused by these drugs. Don’t add supplements to your chemotherapy treatment plan, though, without talking to your oncologist to discuss interactions.
Gum disease. If your gums are swollen, red, and painful, and if they bleed when you brush or floss (or just eat something challenging like an apple), then you may have gum (periodontal) disease. One symptom of gum disease is a CoQ10 deficiency in the gum tissues. Taking supplements can help get rid of the gum disease more quickly – and there are some mouthwashes that contain CoQ10 for just this reason.
Breast cancer. Studies that have shown that adding CoQ10 supplements to a breast cancer treatment regimen including conventional methods can help to shrink tumors, bring about at least partial remission, and alleviate related pain, particularly if patients also add selenium and vitamins C and E.
Other possible benefits of a CoQ10 regimen are still under clinical study. Some of the more intriguing ones include: enhanced immune function for people who have immune system deficiencies; reduced deterioration after strokes; slowed aging processes; enhanced athletic performance; alleviated fatigue syndromes; ameliorated symptoms of tinnitus; treated symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease; increased sperm activity; and increased tolerance for exercise in muscular dystrophy patients. Once the clinical research has been completed for these claims, we’ll be able to tell more about how all of the processes work.
In the meantime, though, CoQ10 already is a promising supplement for people with a large number of different medical conditions. If you suffer from one of these and want to know more about how CoQ10 could help you, talk to your doctor or nutritionist soon.
- Supports cardiovascular health and all heart functions
- Provides high energy to your brain and other body organs
- Supports high stamina and increased immunity
- Fights free-radical damage throughout your body
- Aids in lowering “bad” cholesterol – replenishes CoQ10 that is lost due to the presenceof statins, the main cholesterol-reducing drugs
- Supports normal blood pressure levels
- Maintains normal levels of the blood lipid Lp(a)
- Supports healthy blood vessels and circulation
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