While interning in Shanghai as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician, I learned that an energetic heart allows the expression of joy. The literary word for lightening the mood of something is “leaven”; as in “readers tell me that these weekly articles leaven or enliven their mood”. The Modern Greek word “leaven” is “enzumos” that yields the word enzyme. Enzymes are proteins produced by the cells that control or “turn on” thousands of body reactions.
One enzyme family is digestive enzymes, which help the body naturally, digest food, a good thing. Plant digestives, like Bromelain from pineapple AND Beta Pepsin or Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) are good supplement choices for overeating or eating the wrong foods. But even good things need help, like Phyllis, without whose organization skills, I would accomplish very little. Similarly, an important partner that helps enzymes work are coenzymes. The prefix “co” means together or jointly, like co- worker.
One coenzyme that is getting a lot of attention is Coenzyme10 or CoQ10. This supplement is widely used in Japan to treat angina, severe chest pains because of a lack of blood to the heart. Pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the ankles, legs or abdomen, and increased urination, are all symptoms that may signal that the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to keep pace with the energy demands of the body, congestive heart failure. If you suspect any of the above, it may be a good idea to have a check-up.
CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body. CoQ10 assists enzymes in bringing oxygen into the cells and producing energy needed for cell growth and maintenance. It is also used by the body as an antioxidant. An antioxidant is a substance that protects cells from unhealthy chemicals called free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that can damage parts of cells, including DNA. DNA is a molecule inside cells that carries genetic information and passes it from one generation to the next. This damage may play a role in the development of cancer. Low blood levels of CoQ10 have been found in patients with bone, lymph gland, breast, lung, prostate, pancreas, colon, kidney, and other cancers.
Think of CoQ10 as an accelerator pedal in your car that sends more fuel to your heart. If the fuel is not available, symptoms of congestive heart failure develop. The fuel for your body is ATP whose structure includes a sugar called ribose. Combining the dietary supplement D-ribose together with CoQ10 is an energizing combination.
As a Clinical Nutritionist I always recommend CoQ10 be taken together with complementary or “co-worker” supplements; because absorption of CoQ10 into your body is poor. In fact, probably over 60 percent of most oral doses of CoQ10 are excreted by the body without being used. Absorption of CoQ10 is greater when taken together with food that has a good quality fat content, like olive oil, wild caught salmon and butter (notice I did not say margarine). Because of this, I always recommend taking CoQ10 together with a fat or oil, like Omega 3 or Alpha-lipoic acid. Quality dietary supplement manufactures are now producing CoQ10 with enhanced absorption or bioavailability by surrounding each CoQ10 molecule with tiny fat cells of good fats like alpha-lipoic acid
Most modern diets are deficient in Omega 3’s and adding Flax seed oil or Fish oils, to a daily supplement program, which includes vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc and Lecithin is what I feel is a great basic dietary plan. Of course, not everybody utilizes or absorbs the same. If you have any health concerns, visit a clinical nutritionist to be sure you are getting the right combination of co-workers for your needs
Another super oil or fat is alpha lipoic acid which is known as the “universal antioxidant”. It has the ability to conserve and prolong the life of vitamins C & E in the body, increasing their effectiveness. Alpha lipoic acid is also an excellent metal detoxifier, particularly for mercury and cadmium.
In Germany, alpha-lipoic acid is an approved medical treatment for nerve damage and pain, a common complication of diabetes. It speeds the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces insulin resistance, the foundation of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity. The richest food source of alpha-lipoic acid is red meat.
Alpha lipoic acid binds easily with CoQ10 making it better absorbed by your body. Because of insufficient dietary intake of healthy oils, taking alpha-lipoic acid together with CoQ10 is a good way to increase absorption of both These two supplements in combination are extremely effective for prolonging cellular vitality and reducing the body’s production of unhealthy free radicals. ALA and CoQ10 also enhance production of ATP which is the body’s form of energy.
D-Ribose alone can help your body refuel and stay energized a must for athletes, older individuals, exhausted parents or anyone with busy lives. Together, ALA with CoQ10 and D- ribose help produce much more energy for all body functions, including exercise and relaxing and recovery of the body’s muscles. This is a joyous thing, especially for the heart.
Get The Point! Dietary supplements are important tools that can be used to maintain or return health; but, like carpentry tools, knowledge on how to use them is instrumental. An appointment with a clinical nutritionist can identify your personal needs and introduce the correct co-workers to do the best job. My biocompatible protocol also includes heavy metal and other detoxification and acupuncture, a treatment that rebalances the body’s energy, relaxes tight muscles and increases the effectiveness of dietary supplements. Want to allow more joy into your heart? Check out this and more in my book or call to make an appointment.
CARLOS VIANA, Ph. D. is an Oriental Medical Doctor (O.M.D.) having studied in China; a US Board Cert. Clinical Nutritionist (C.C.N.), an Addiction Professional (C.Ad.), Chairperson of the Latin American Committee of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), a Rejuvenating Cell Therapist specializing in Age Management, has a weekly radio program, writes and lectures extensively. For information: VIANA HEALING CENTER, Kibaima 7, St Cruz TEL: 585-1270 Web Site: www.vianaheal.com
“Prescriptions from Paradise” – Dr. Viana’s Award Winning BOOK: Prescriptions from Paradise, Introduction to Biocompatible Medicine – Available at local Bookstores, Hotel Gift shops and Boticas. Signed copies at Viana Healing Center, EBooks: Amazon kindle, Nook, Itunes check for Events at: facebook.com/vianahealingcenter. Join the discussion: www.facebook.com/prescriptionsformparadise
