CoQ10

(Coenzyme Q10)

As some of you know just from getting to know me at the shop, my husband has had some difficulties with his heart. Yesterday, his cardiologist did a heart catheter on him, which allows him to actually SEE the condition of his arteries around the heart muscle. The reason for this procedure yesterday was due largely to the symptoms my husband had been experiencing for a week or more, namely blood pressure bouncing up and down, energy levels down, chest pains, weakness,... So like a good patient, he went in for the procedure and the doctor found that his heart and surrounding arteries were in very good condition right now. So why was he feeling so bad for a week or so? The doctor and I talked about it some, and I reflected back to what was going on at the time of the check-up that might have had something to do with it. At that time, he had been taking CoQ10 and had run out. Instead of running to the shop and getting another bottle, he just let it go and figured we'd get some in a few days (which we have). I told the doctor how he had seemed to *perk up* when he started the CoQ10 and his *feel bad state* started the day or 2 after he ran out. The doctor said "THEN TELL HIM GET BACK ON THOSE THINGS!" and of course,.... I did!

The reason I had him start taking it in the first place is because he had a heart attack last year. since that time, he has been taking a beta-blocker and a statin drug ...both of which can adversely affect the CoQ10 levels of the body. So now I've seen a difference in him, and want to share with others just how beneficial this enzyme is for your body.

(The following information is taken in excerpts from The Hart Book, a guide to NSP products.)

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring nutrient found in nearly every cell in the human body and is a part of energy production at a cellular level (ATP synthesis). As a result, CoQ10 affects the functions of all cells in the body and thus, is essential for the health of virtually all human tissues and organs, particularly the heart, immune system, gastric mucosa (stomach lining) and gingiva (gums).

Insufficient serum blood levels and tissue deficiencies of CoQ10 have been demonstrated in a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases, including angina pectoris (chest pain), aortic valvular disease (a heart condition involving a defect in one or more heart valves), cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), mitral valve prolapse (a common heart valve abnormality), ......and more. Research has consistently confirmed a strong correlation between the severity of heart failure and low blood and tissue levels of CoQ10. This should come as no surprise, since the heart requires the highest amount of ATP activity in order to support its constant aerobic function (pulsation). Thus, sufficient levels of CoQ1- are essential for a healthy heart and critical for a failing heart.

Many placebo-controlled trials have been performed to test theories on the importance of CoQ10, and in these studies, cardiac improvements are demonstrated. Cardiovascular health is not the sole reason for considering the use of CoQ10, though. It's role in enhancing immune system function has been well established also and has given cause to scientific study and investigation as a possible anti-cancer agent.

Side effects of CoQ10 supplementation are very limited to rare, occurring in less than 1/2 of 1%, according to a study of long-term CoQ10 use in 5,000 patients. When mild reactions were experienced, they included appetite loss, diarrhea, slight nausea and stomach discomfort. Typically, such reactions will disappear if CoQ10 is taken after meals or if the dose is reduced.

So your body is in need of energy in all cells, and those cells build your body systems, and those body systems run your life. Providing your cells with the tools it needs to create that energy does more than give you "get up and go"...it literally gives you strength to protect against serious illnesses and system failures. Of course, there are many many reasons why things can go wrong and no single supplement can provide for ALL those reasons. There really is no *miracle pill*, but there certainly IS *food for your heart*.

I encourage you to use Google and look into more information on the benefits of CoQ10 and it what it can do for you!

Elderberry

(Sambucus Nigra)

Did you see our sign out by the highway? The one that said "Is your immune system ready for school?" If you did, were you wondering what that meant? I hope you stopped in the store and asked, but if you were hesitant and didn't want to feel silly by asking, let me just explain here.

Schools are THE ONE PLACE children congregate in large groups every single week day. The majority are fine, no health risks posed to other children. There is always one or two that are the exception to that, though. Sometimes it takes a few days for symptoms to display, so we can't always know we've been exposed to a bug. Wouldn't it be nice if we could walk around in a protective bubble that would bounce those "bugs" right off and not let them stick to us? That's not so unrealistic--- And that's what I meant with the sign.

If you spent a couple weeks preparing your child's immune system like you did his/her wardrobe and backpack full of supplies, then your child DOES have a "bubble" of protection for now. For those of you who didn't think of that, its not too late! What do you need to do?

There are many options that boost immune function.... Vitamin C, Echinacea, fresh fruits and vegetables, .... but one in particular is exceptional: Elderberry.

Elderberry has many beneficial talents to observe, but one of the best is its ability to fight off colds, flu, coughs, bacterial and viral infections. It is actually a berry (grows wild at the end of my driveway! I'm sure you've seen them even if you didn't know what it was!) and some people will make jams and jellies from it. I've heard of elderberry wine and syrup and extracts too. The dark colored berries are rich in antioxidants, which helps speed healing.

Nature's Sunshine Products makes a chewable elderberry tablet that is perfect for children that are too young to swallow a capsule: Elderberry Plus. It's easy to send your young ones out the door to begin their day of school with a chewable tablet or two that will guard their health all day long. If your child decides they don't like the chewable tablets, then try the syrup. It has a bold flavor, but its a good flavor and most children enjoy it. I admit it,...I like it too! For those who don't want to taste anything and are capable of swallowing capsules, try the Elderberry Defense. In a gelatin capsule, you'll never taste the contents but will still benefit tremendously from the immune enhancing formula.

For those of you who like to make your own "concoctions", this plant is certainly one you can work with, but a little precaution is called for. Whenever using elderberries, you want to remove the tiny seeds from inside. This will require juicing and straining for a lot of recipes. The reason for this is to remove the tiny amount of toxin contained in the seeds that can cause gastrointestinal upset. The leaves, bark and roots also contain a toxin. If you wish to use elderberry, be sure of what you are doing and which parts of the plant you use for optimal safety. In general, the flowers and the berries (with seeds removed) are the part of choice for this plant.

Don't let that caution scare you out of using elderberry. Elderberry is amazing and gives the body strength to fight and defend against a whole host of health invaders. Use trusted sources and research well before attempting to use the fresh plants. That's an easy thing! Heeding that little advice will prove most valuable the next time you or your child is exposed to a "bug."

A Word of Caution

FDA News Release:

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm167065.htm

For those of you who suffer with sinus difficulties (allergies, colds & more), please take a moment to read this article posted on the FDA website. Take this information into consideration, especially if you have or expect to be standing at the drugstore looking over the products available for relief. Sometimes the side effects are far worse than the original distress that sent you to the store!

Remember too,... "There's an herb for that!"