If you've ever been to a health food store or vitamin shop, you've probably seen or have heard of a nutrient called CoQ10. This nutrient is revered for its rejuvenating properties and is even featured in fancy facial products as a skin toner & revitalizer. Many people feel a new sense of energy after taking CoQ10 internally.
This is because CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone because it is ubiquitous in the cells of the body, is an enzyme that makes energy out of the fats and sugars that you eat. The importance of this enzyme is further evidenced by the fact that some of the highest concentrations of CoQ10 occur in heart muscle tissue- tissue that needs lots of energy because it never stops working!!!!
Interestingly enough, the cholesterol-blocking drugs known as statins, also block the action of CoQ10. This why one of the major side effects of taking statins is muscle weakness and/or muscle cramping. Muscles need energy both to contract AND relax. If CoQ10 is blocked and therefore, no energy is being created, muscles may be unable to contract (weakness) or relax (cramping). Mostly, this side effect is seen in the smallest muscles, like those in the hand or foot. But it can effect ALL muscles. And your heart is one big muscle.
For this reason, if your doctor prescribes you a statin drug to help control cholesterol, it is really important to talk to him or her about CoQ10 supplementation. Otherwise, what is the point of taking a statin to prevent cardiac events while at the same time starving the heart muscle of energy that may possibly lead to a cardiac event??
0 comments:
Post a Comment