Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
We’ve all heard the impact that high cholesterol can have on our overall health. Well over 30% of the U.S. population has high cholesterol. But did you know that plant sterols should be an essential part of your cholesterol-targeting arsenal?
Taurine is a unique amino acid that works alone in your body, unlike other amino acids. It plays an important role in the functioning of your heart, muscles, eyes, brain, and certain blood cells called platelets. On today’s episode, let’s discuss the benefits of taurine on your heart.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey. Ph
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Welcome to part 2 of ‘Why Ubiquinol May Improve Scary Blood Test Results’. If you missed part 1, click here to listen now! We’re continuing our conversation about the active form of coenzymeQ10, called ubiquinol, which lowers the level of various scary results on a blood test that are connected with heart health. When these levels are elevated, they’re scary. When they’re lower, that’s good for the heart, survival, longevity, physical activity and wellness.
Make sure to check out the first part of this episode for more background on ubiquinol and heart health, as well as the first of the 3 blood tests that predict heart health.
More Information on NT-proBNP
As discussed in the first part of this podcast, NT-proBNP is a protein released by cardiomyocytes primarily from the left side of the heart. It helps tell you the health of your heart. NT-proBNP tests are not common in typical blood work, unless there is some sign of heart damage like heart failure or heart attack. Research also indicates that NT-proBNP reflects the youthfulness and strength of your heart muscle. It is continually produced in small quantities by your heart. It is released in larger quantities when the heart senses that it needs to work harder.
A young person’s NT-proBNP level might read at 16, whereas someone who has heart damage might reach a level of 200. It also increases with age as fibrous build up in the heart. Doctors can use NT-proBNP levels to gauge the severity of damage to the heart. They also look to see if the levels increase to check if treatment methods are working.
Ubiquinol may help decrease levels of NT-proBNP. The Division of Cardiology at the University of Minnesota and the Division of Cardiology at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center performed a study published in the journal Annals of Vascular Surgery. In this study, researchers worked with heart surgery patients. The patients were randomly broken up into groups and for three days prior to their surgery, were given either a placebo or a high dosage of coQ10, the inactive form of ubiquinol. The researchers checked their NT-proBNP before the surgery and for two days afterwards to test the impact of the ubiquinol. They found that NT-proBNP levels in the blood dropped as coq10 levels increased.
The last value that can predict heart health is Troponin. This is a group of proteins that help regulate the contractions of the heart and skeletal muscles. Troponin 1 and Troponin T are two variations of the protein that are released by the heart when it is damaged.
A study done by researchers in Northern Italy and published in the journal Aging worked with 50 elderly patients who were receiving surgery for severe aortic valve stenosis. One group of the patients took placebo for a week prior to surgery and for five days post surgery, while the other took ubiquinol for the same amount of time. The researchers found that patients who had taken placebo saw a greater increase in Troponin 1 related to the heart surgery than patients on ubiquinol did. This indicates that the ubiquinol was protecting the heart during valve replacement surgery.
My Heart Health Recommendations
The studies shared in both parts of this podcast indicate that ubiquinol can help decrease levels of hs-CRP, NT-proBNP and Troponin in the body. I recommend it and take it every day. Always take ubiquinol with food and remember that the body absorbs it much better than regular coQ10.†
While ubiquinol is extremely beneficial to anyone with heart damage, it can also be helpful to others. Diabetics can strongly benefit from ubiquinol because they struggle with converting coQ10 into ubiquinol. Aging people could benefit as well, as the body slows ubiquinol creation in your 40s. I usually recommend that people start taking ubiquinol around the age of 55.†
Avoid coQ10 or ubiquinol formulas that contain titanium dioxide. This is a heavy metal that makes shaving creams and paints white. It can damage the lining of your intestines and create leaky gut syndrome.†
Questions about CoQ10? Leave a comment below to join the discussion today!
There are blood tests that you can have added to your yearly physical that may give you rather scary results about your heart health. The good news is there’s a supplement called Ubiquinol that may set them right.
Did you know that beets has recently become one of the world’s most healthiest and most important superfoods? Let’s talk about the scientific research that shows just how powerful the nutrients that are contained within beets can be.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH.
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Let’s talk about cardiovascular health today! In this episode, I will touch on topics like cardiovascular disease, which is so common and impacts so many people throughout this country. Many people have questions about whether or not it makes sense for them to take supplements in order to support a healthy heart and, if so, which are the best choices? What else should you be doing in terms of diet and exercise in order to support overall wellness? The good news is there are some basic guidelines that I can share with you that may be beneficial.
Why are cardiovascular concerns such a problem in the U.S.?
Cardiovascular disease effects upwards of 16 million Americans. But, being that many people do not visit their doctor for regular physical examinations, that number may be even higher. Many people are probably walking around with undiagnosed heart disease and do not even know it. We know that following a Standard American Diet causes us to lack in key things like fiber. The average American gets about five to ten grams of fiber per day, when we really should be getting 30 grams at minimum per day. There is also a major lack in antioxidants when your follow a Standard American Diet. This is because Americans do not have a high intake of fruit and vegetables. This is why high blood pressure becomes such a big risk factor.
One area that does not get enough attention as it should is inflammation. It is that chronic low-grade inflammation that is occurring throughout the vascular system that is the main driving force, yet it is rarely spoken about. Generally, many people think about NSAIDs – a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug – when dealing with inflammation. But one issue is that long-term, chronic use of NSAIDs can have negative effects on your liver and kidneys. When you follow a Standard American Diet that is lacking in fiber and is high in sugar, you are going to be walking around in a pro-inflammatory state. This can lead to inflammation throughout the entire body but also the cardiovascular system.
What can I do to support a healthy heart?
Supporting a healthy heart means more than making one simple change. A total change in diet would be extremely beneficial. A Mediterranean style diet is the best option, as it touts foods like seeds, nuts, fish, fruits and vegetables that give you the nutrients your body needs to perform at its best. Learn more about the Mediterranean diet by clicking here!
Exercise is extremely important! There are different ways you can start moving that will keep you active and benefit your heart. Walking for just 30 minutes a day could be extremely beneficial. You don’t have to prepare for a marathon – just prepare to move for 30 minutes a day. You could take up a dance class, or just turn up the music in your home and start moving. Changing the way you eat and how active you are everyday can make a huge difference in your overall health and wellness!
There are different supplements that could be extremely beneficial in supporting cardiovascular health. My favorite recommendations include:
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.
