Sometimes, it may appear as if every day we turn around, and there is another nutrient or supplement that is touted as helping every ailment known to man.

For some, all this information may be a little too stressful to sift through, just to find that which pertains to us, personally.

This search for improved health can be an arduous task, often taking years for the process, but what are the alternatives?

If we take the less-interested approach, which is to sit back and ignore our health, we typically pay dearly for our ignorance in the end.

Yet, if we continue to strive for the best health we are capable of having, each time we try something new, we will come closer to achieving our goal of optimum health. If "quality of life" is important, than it is worth the effort it takes to focus on improving our health.

The obvious benefit of great health is that when we feel better, we are more productive, happier people. We then tend to share that positive energy with others. All the way around, it is a win-win situation, even with the extra effort it takes to assimilate, disseminate and eliminate information.

With that said, we have an article this month on Coenzyme Q10. When information was requested a number of weeks ago, I had no idea what extensive research had been done on this health product already. It may appear that the various test results are so scattered in topics that CoQ10 could not possibly work in all areas.

Please remember, that there are many nutrients that help ailments in a variety of ways. Yet, it is up to each one of us personally to read, learn and experiment to see which supplement, or combination of supplements, benefit us as individuals.

Our second article this month is from Dr. Mark Force. Last month in Bill's Blue-Green Algae article, there was a reference to "slowly" adding nutrients to your regimen, and to be aware there may be some "cleansing" the body will go through. This month, Dr. Force addresses that very issue of "healing crisis", and what kind of cleansing symptoms we can expect to see when we make a change in our health routine. As always, his article is very informative.

As we continue to take the time to persevere in the direction of improved health, we will stumble across a variety of nutrients and supplements, changes in dietary habits, exercise habits, or other aspects of our lifestyles. Some of these changes will take us one step closer to our health goals; some will not.

Each of us must discover what works for us uniquely. We must not give up. Eventually, we will be able to look back, and see how far we have come. It will be worth every effort!

For your good health. . . .

Back to the top of the page

Coenzyme Q10, more commonly known as CoQ10, is a nutrient that occurs naturally in our bodies, along with being found in meats and fish. It is an important antioxidant, similar to vitamins E and C.

Though antioxidants offer critical protection against cell damage, they also improve the function of organs, and in treating certain diseases.

CoQ10 contributes to the generation of cellular energy. Not only does it have properties that significantly stimulate the immune system, it also increases circulation, tissue oxygenation, and has anti-aging benefits. The most common benefits are a decrease in edema, lung congestion, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

Additional benefits from CoQ10 include lowering high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and protecting against atherosclerosis. A study conducted at the University of Texas confirmed that CoQ10 lowered the blood pressure and cholesterol level of patients tested substantially. Patients tested had received 50 mg of CoQ10 twice daily.

Most notably, Coenzyme Q10 has been remarkably beneficial for those suffering from heart disease, and for strengthening the heart muscle. In Europe, doctors frequently prescribe CoQ10 for patients with congestive heart failure, and a variety of other heart conditions.

More than thirty years ago, Dr Karl Folkers, a biomedical scientist at the University of Texas, conducted a six year study on patients with congestive heart failure. These patients used conventional therapy, but also added CoQ10 as a daily supplement.

After three years, results showed that those on the CoQ10 increased their survival rate by 75 percent. The patients using only the conventional therapy had a 25 percent survival rate. Dr. Folkers found that the coenzyme strengthened the heart muscle and energized the cardiovascular system for many patients.

Dr. C. Morisco, from the University of Degli Studi Federico in Naples, Italy, ran a test of six patients of 50 mg of CoQ10 three times a day, for four weeks. The study showed the CoQ10 greatly improved the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat.

He stated, "in patients with chronic heart failure, the addition of CoQ10 to conventional therapy reduces the hospitalization rate for worsening of heart failure and the incidence of serious cardiovascular complications."

In the area of cancer research, studies conducted in Denmark made a discovery with the effects of CoQ10 on breast cancer. Thirty-two patients were daily given a combination of antioxidants including beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, essential fatty acids, and 90 mg of CoQ10.

Out of thirty-two patients, six showed some tumor regression. Out of these six patients, one received an increased dosage of 390 mg. In one month, the tumor was not palpable.

In another month, the tumor was completely gone. Though the other nutrients caused a slight benefit, it appeared that the increased dosage of CoQ10 had produced the remarkable effect on the tumor. Although hopeful, these results need to be confirmed by other studies.

Some doctors have successfully used CoQ10 for reducing the negative effects of chemotherapy. By taking approximately 100 mg. of CoQ10 twice daily, patients have shown an increase resistance to the negative effects of chemotherapy on the heart.

Researchers also have found that Coenzyme Q10 improves cerebral metabolism, thereby supporting and protecting brain function. In one study, scientists gave the coenzyme to both young rats (one to two months) and older rats (12 to 24 months).

The young rats showed an increase of CoQ10 in the blood, but not an increase to the brain. In the older rats, supplementation doubled the Co-Q10 level in the blood, and increased the amount in the brain by 30 to 40 percent. This much of an increase returned the older rats CoQ10 levels to that of the younger rats.

These results suggest that the younger rats had CoQ10 at maximum levels, and evidently could not add to it, even with the increased CoQ10 blood levels. The conclusion was that CoQ10 levels could be increased in the brain, with appropriate amounts of supplementation, when levels are low due to age.

It is amazing that studies regarding the effects of CoQ10 are conducted on almost every disease imaginable. Following is a list of some possible benefits derived from CoQ10 supplementation.

1. Muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and diabetes 
 appear to be affected by the levels of CoQ10 in the body.  

2. For diabetic patients, CoQ10 stimulates the production 
 of insulin.  Dr Andrew Weil recommends 80 milligrams a 
 day for three months or more, in order to stabilize 
 blood sugar levels.

3. Some health care providers prescribe CoQ10 for 
 patients with certain mental conditions, such as 
 Schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. 

4. Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston 
 showed CoQ10's neuroprotective properties could have an 
 encouraging effect on neurodegenerative diseases, such 
 as Huntington, Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.

5. In 1997, at the Department of Medical Biochemistry 
 and Genetics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, tests 
 demonstrated that CoQ10 increased energy metabolism, 
 and circulation to the calf muscles, in post-polio 
 patients.

6. In other areas, research done in Japan has shown that 
 CoQ10 may help heal duodenal ulcers, along with protecting 
 the stomach lining.  

7. In addition, testing done on animals with tumors and 
 leukemia saw a decrease in the mortality rate when CoQ10 
 supplemented their diets. 

8. More studies have shown that CoQ10 may help with 
 allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems, because of 
 its ability to act as an antihistamine. 

9. There is even evidence that coenzyme Q10 increases 
 energy metabolism in the gingival tissue for those 
 with periodontal disease.

10. CoQ10 may have a protective benefit on women who 
 have problems carrying pregnancies to term.  Results 
 of tests suggest that low CoQ10 levels corresponded 
 with premature labor and miscarriages.  Further studies 
 will provide a more definite conclusion.

Since the amount of CoQ10 in the body lessens with age, supplementation is important. CoQ10 is oil soluble and more readily absorbed when taken with a source of essential fatty acids.

The greatest concentration of natural CoQ10 can be found in sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Peanuts, spinach, and beef also contain the coenzyme. This supplement is perishable, so refrigeration is important after opening.

CoQ10 has no known side effects, other than some patients have reported slight nausea on very high doses. Other individuals have reported feeling too much energy, or overstimulation, on doses higher than 60 mg.

The average person on a preventative dose may not need more than 30 - 60 mg. a day. The average dose for heart patients is 150 mg a day, though some patients may receive recommendations from their doctor to go as high as 300mg.

A safe approach is to start with 30 mg a day, and gradually increase to your health care provider's recommended dosage. It is best to split your daily dosage for greater benefits.

Some people feel too energized by the CoQ10, if taken at night. Heart medicines usually can be combined with CoQ10, but be sure and consult your health care professional, and gradually work into the recommended dose.

CoQ10 is not an inexpensive supplement. Pricing is a concern, but be aware that although pricing is important, your number one concern should be obtaining the best quality.

Michael Janson, M.D., President of The American College for the Advancement of Medicine and author of "The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care" stated:

   "Some people say that CoQ10 is too expensive.  
    However, when you consider what people spend 
    on cigarettes, coffee, candy, donuts, and alcohol, 
    CoQ10 is comparatively cheap. It's a question of 
    priority."

Resources:

Ray Sahelian, M.D.,  "Coenzyme Q10 - 
 Nature's Heart Energizer", Longevity Research 
 Center, Inc., 1997.

The Burton Goldberg Group, "Alternative Medicine", 
 Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1995.

James F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.,  
 "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", 
 Avery Publishing Group, 1997.

Back to the top of the page

Often, when people are increasing their health by using natural health care, they feel worse. This usually happens shortly after beginning a health care regimen, but it can occur at any time when using a regimen that improves your health.

Sometimes, people go through a number of healing crises before their health is restored. This is especially true for those who have health problems that are very severe or chronic.

The purpose of natural health care is to restore the innate ability of your body to regulate and heal itself - and, as natural health care restores body function, the body will want to "clean house". What follows are some of the more common symptoms that people experience with a healing crisis:

Fatigue, moodiness, headaches, nausea     
 
Joint and muscle pain, muscle weakness,
 
Acne, rashes, boils, etc. 

Abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea 

"Foggy" headedness

Fevers and/or chills, flu-like symptoms

Sinusitis, mucus congestion, changes in urination 

Deep organ aching, food cravings
 
Anxiety, dizziness 

This gives you some idea of the possible symptoms associated with a healing crisis. The list is by no means inclusive.

How can you tell that you are going through a healing crisis and not developing some other health problem?

A healing crisis will usually develop after you are starting to feel good from the health regimen that you are using. Many times you will feel wonderful before you get hit with the healing crisis and will feel even better than before - afterwards. Also, a healing crisis is usually relatively short; usually just a couple of days and rarely more than a week. Be sure and see your health care practitioner, if you are experiencing a problem and want to make sure that it is indeed a healing crisis.

Dr. Mark Force
10752 N. 89th Place, Suite 230
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

Back to the top of the page