Energy or fatigue? / Migraine / Diabetic neuropathy / Atherosclerosis

Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Our first guest is Kat James, the award-winning author of “The Truth about Beauty” and renowned “beauty from within” transformation expert. She will tell us what our brains and gut have to do with how we look. I’ll also follow up on our June 23 interview and review how she helps her clients quickly deal with food sensitivities. Then Howard Garrett, The Dirt Doctor, and I will discuss the pros and cons of cities spraying pesticides to control the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. (LINK) This show marks 15 years on the air! Andy Hopkins and Darlene Brents will come into the studio at some point to help me celebrate. Call the show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide.
 
CoQ10 revisited
Did you ever notice that most medications list “fatigue” as a side effect, but that most dietary supplements list “energy” as a benefit? Wonder why? The main reason is that they function differently. Nutrients support and stimulate needed processes, thereby creating better function and energy. In contrast, virtually all medications are what pharmacist Suzy Cohen calls “drug muggers”–they interfere with the absorption, transportation or utilization of nutrients. But, that isn’t the only reason drugs can cause fatigue.  To stop some process that is causing a problem downstream, most drugs poison one of the body’s chemical pathways. Side effects can occur if that same pathway is also the source of healthful processes.
 
A great example of that problem is what happens when we take statin drugs. This type of cholesterol-lowering medication inhibits the chemical system in the body that makes cholesterol. If you believe that lowering cholesterol with drugs extends life (it only does for certain groups), that might be a good thing. However, statins also interfere with the body’s metabolism of Coenzyme Q10 which happens on the same path. LINK. CoQ10 is one of the most crucial substances our bodies make and so it isn’t surprising that muscle pain and other problems develop.  Those who must take statins should supplement with CoQ10, but so should many others. Our levels of CoQ10 reduce with age and with various health challenges.
 
In the July 5 newsletter, I gave 10 reasons to love CoQ10. Below are indications of 5 more. (No, I do not own stock in a CoQ10 company or have any other financial reason for promoting it.)

Migraine LINK
Diabetic neuropathy LINK
Protecting kidney function in diabetic animal model LINK
Glycemic control LINK
Hardening of the arteries (w/ aged garlic extract, e.g. Kyolic) LINK

There are 2 common forms of Co Q10–“ubiqinone” and “ubiquinol” which is what the body makes from ubiquinone. Studies show benefits from both types. One study showed that the pricier ubiquinol is better absorbed, but that result has not been repeated. Therefore, I say buy what you can afford. But if you purchase a dry powder capsule, select a relatively high dose and, because it is fat soluble, take it with a meal contains fat.
 
The Consumer Reports September Cover Story
Last week I commented on #5 of the 10 reasons the magazine gave us for worrying about supplements. Responding to this outrageously unfair article is necessary, but a chore I thought might be better done in smaller bites. I will address one of their points per week.

#6 is “Buy with caution from botanicas.” Botanicas are Hispanic herb shops. CR said to check with your doctor before taking herbs. However, most people are not blessed with a doc who understands herbs given that our medical system rewards the prescribing of drugs and basically penalizes everything else. The identity, potency and quality of the herbs in such shops may be hard to determine. If you have clear instructions from a qualified herbalist and go to a shop with a good reputation, you may be just fine. However, CR is right that you should ask a lot of questions, especially if you are taking medications which may conflict with the herbs.
 
LAST WEEK
LINK to Archive. Even the birds and bees do it…We talked about Dr. Laurie Steelsmith’s new book, Great Sex Naturally.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.
My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2012 Martie Whittekin, CCN