Despite the fact that we try to eat right, exercise and watch our weight, heart disease is still the number-one killer in America.
HOW THE HEART HELPERS WORK
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), the energy generator of all cells, enhances the heart’s pumping ability. Caution: CoQ10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin.
Folic acid, a B vitamin, helps prevent the formation of homocysteine, an amino acid that damages artery linings. Caution: Avoid folic acid supplementation if you have a history of cancer.
Hawthorn, an herb, may strengthen heart contractions and reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Caution: Don’t use hawthorn if you have low blood pressure or take a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker medication.
L-carnitine, an amino acid, increases the heart’s pumping action... and may facilitate weight loss by increasing metabolism. Caution: Don’t use L-carnitine if you have kidney disease.
L-taurine, another amino acid, dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow and helps reduce blood pressure. Caution: L-taurine may not be appropriate if you take diuretic medication or have stomach ulcers.
Magnesium regulates blood pressure and heart rate. Caution: Don’t take magnesium if your blood pressure is already low.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, increase HDL (good) cholesterol... decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides... slow plaque buildup in arteries... reduce the risk for arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat)... and reduce blood pressure.
Vitamin B-12 inhibits harmful homocysteine formation.
Vitamin D-3 helps prevent inflammation... reduces heart attack and stroke risk in people with high blood pressure... and may protect against heart failure.
Next step: To make use of the information above, you need to know which specific nutrients are most beneficial for you -- and that depends on your personal health status.
TO PREVENT HEART PROBLEMS...
Below is Dr. Fratellone’s heart-protecting supplement protocol (to be taken daily, continuing indefinitely) for the typical perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman who has not been diagnosed with any condition that increases cardiovascular risk. Ask your doctor if you should take any or all of these five supplements. If you take a multivitamin, check which of the nutrients below your multi already provides.
Preventive protocol...
CoQ10 -- 100 mg daily.
Magnesium -- 350 mg daily.
Omega-3s (in the form of fish oil) -- 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg daily of combined EPA and DHA, the most beneficial components.
Vitamin B-12 -- 1,000 micrograms (mcg) daily.
Vitamin D-3 -- 1,000 international units (IU) daily.
L-carnitine -- 1,000 mg three times daily.
L-taurine -- 500 mg three time daily.
Until tomorrow…