migraine Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Hormone Exposure in the Womb Potentially Linked to Migraine Risk in Later Life

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:00:28 +0000

Frontiers via Newswise – Hormone levels in the womb before birth have been potentially linked to the risk of developing migraine in adulthood, reveals a new study of genetic and environmental information from the world’s largest database of twins. The research is also the first to show that genetic factors related to migraine risk may be different for men and women. The researchers hope these findings will enable more effective and targeted treatment options for this debilitating disease. The risk of experiencing migraine in adulthood has been linked to factors in the womb, finds a new study published in Frontiers in Pain Research. It also found evidence to suggest that different genes influence migraine risk in men and women. “We are the first to show that females with a male co-twin have a higher risk of migraine compared to females with a female co-twin, suggesting that prenatal factors, possibly relating to in utero hormone levels, may contribute to migraine risk,” said Morgan Fitzgerald, lead author of the study, from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. “We are also the first to present evidence that genetic factors related to migraine risk may be different between females and males.” Debilitating Disease Migraine is a severe, debilitating neurological disease that affects more than 12% of the world’s population. Females are more likely to suffer from migraine by a factor of nearly seven to one, and it is a leading cause of disability in young women. “Despite its prevalence, the factors that contribute to migraine are poorly understood,” said Dr Matthew Panizzon, principal investigator of the study, also based at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. “With the data from the Swedish Twin Registry, the largest twin registry in the world, there was a unique opportunity to probe factors contributing to female-male differences in migraine.” The researchers examined data from 51,872 individuals who had participated in prior Swedish Twin Registry studies. They identified those who experienced migraine without aura based on criteria set by the International Headache Society Classification of Headache Disorders. “Since the data were collected from twins, we were able to use analytic methods that allowed us to test whether migraine risk was driven by different genes in females and males, and whether the presence of an opposite-sex twin in utero, which is believed to impact prenatal hormone levels, had an influence,” explained Fitzgerald. “We found that the prenatal environment may contribute to migraine risk, and that some of the genetic factors that contribute to migraine risk may be different between females and males.” Improved Treatment Options “The findings of our study are important because the more we understand the factors that contribute to migraine, and especially the differences between males and females, the more opportunity there is to improve clinical care, diagnostic abilities, and therapeutic interventions for both men and women,” added Panizzon. Further questions remain, such as what factors dictate the presence or absence of aura with migraine, and at what age and in what stage of life does migraine begin. “Unfortunately, age at onset was not available in the Swedish Twin Registry data. In fact, most studies do not ask individuals when their migraine attacks first start,” explained Fitzgerald. “In the future, we hope to examine how age at migraine onset coincides with the timing of critical hormonal events like puberty.” To read the original article click here.

The post Hormone Exposure in the Womb Potentially Linked to Migraine Risk in Later Life appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

May Be Worth Adopting Plant Based Diet to Ease Chronic Migraine Severity, Say Doctors

AHA Publisher — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 08:00:07 +0000

BMJ via Newsise – It may be worth adopting a plant based diet, rich in dark green leafy vegetables, to ease the symptoms of chronic migraine, suggest doctors in the online journal BMJ Case Reports. The recommendation comes after they treated a man who had endured severe migraine headaches without aura for more than 12 years. He had tried prescribed meds (Zolmitriptan and Topiramate); cutting out potential ‘trigger’ foods, including chocolate, cheese, nuts, caffeine, and dried fruit; and yoga and meditation in a bid to blunt the severity and frequency of his headaches. Nothing had worked. Over 1 billion people worldwide have migraines, characterised as one-sided, pulsating headaches lasting 4–72 hours, and often accompanied by sensitivity to noise and light and sometimes prodromal auras. Migraines are either episodic (fewer than 15 days a month) or chronic (15 or more migraine days a month plus migraine features on at least 8 days of the month). Successful migraine treatment is defined as a halving in the frequency and length of attacks, or as an improvement in symptoms. While drugs can help prevent and treat the condition, a growing body of evidence suggests that diet may also offer an effective alternative without any of the side effects associated with some meds, say the report authors. Six months before his clinic referral, the man’s migraines had become chronic, occurring on 18–24 days of every month. He described the pain as starting suddenly and intensely in the forehead and temple on the left side of his head. The pain was throbbing in nature, and usually lasted 72 hours. His headaches were accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea and vomiting. On a scale of 0–10, he scored the pain severity as 10–12 out of 10. Blood tests revealed that he didn’t have high levels of systemic inflammation and that he had a normal level of beta-carotene (53 µg/dl). This was likely derived from his daily consumption of sweet potatoes, which, although high in beta-carotene, are relatively low in the nutrients responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of carotenoids, point out the report authors. These are instead found in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and watercress. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in migraine. The report authors advised the man to adopt the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet, a nutrient dense, whole food, plant-based diet. The LIFE diet includes eating at least five ounces by weight of raw or cooked dark green leafy vegetables every day, drinking one 32-ounce daily green LIFE smoothie, and limiting intake of whole grains, starchy vegetables, oils, and animal protein, particularly dairy and red meat. After 2 months on the LIFE diet, the man said that the frequency of his migraine attacks had fallen to just 1 day a month; the length and severity of the attacks had also lessened. Blood tests showed a substantial rise in beta-carotene levels, from 53 µg/dl to 92 µg/dl. He stopped taking all his migraine meds. Even when he tried certain ‘challenge’ foods, such as egg whites, salmon, or iced tea, which triggered headache attacks, these were much less painful and much shorter in duration than before. After 3 months his migraines stopped completely, and they haven’t returned in 7.5 years. The man was allergic, and previously published research suggests that better control of allergies may lead to fewer migraine headaches. In this case, the man’s allergy symptoms improved to the point that he no longer needed to use seasonal medication. He was also HIV positive, and HIV has been linked to a heightened risk of migraines, so it is certainly possible that the man’s HIV status and antiretroviral drugs had contributed to his symptoms, say the report authors. But it wasn’t possible to study this further without stopping the antiretroviral treatment, which is a limitation of the study, they acknowledge. But they conclude: “This report suggests that a whole food plant-based diet may offer a safe, effective and permanent treatment for reversing chronic migraine. “While this report describes one very adherent patient who had a remarkable response, the LIFE diet has reduced migraine frequency within 3 months in several additional patients (personal communication).” To read the original article click here.

The post May Be Worth Adopting Plant Based Diet to Ease Chronic Migraine Severity, Say Doctors appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Fewer Migraines From More Fish Oil and Less Vegetable Oil, Study Reveals

AHA Publisher — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 07:00:02 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from migraine headaches, you know that the pain can be relentless – persisting for hours and even days. Unfortunately, these disabling headaches are far from rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research from 2018 showed that over 15 percent of all American adults reported having a migraine within the past three months. While Western medicine attempts to address migraines with pharmaceutical drugs – including addictive opioids and toxic NSAID medications – new research published in the medical journal The BMJ shows a simple dietary intervention may reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. To discover how “tweaking” your diet may help tame migraine headaches, read on. Ladies, Beware: Women Suffer Migraine Headaches Twice as Often as Men Do Migraine headaches are usually characterized by throbbing, pulsing pain, limited to only one side of the head. In addition, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound can occur, along with visual disturbances such as flashes of light and blind spots. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and can strike at unpredictable intervals. Some patients report rare, isolated attacks, while others suffer multiple headaches a month. Studies show that women are almost twice as likely to experience migraines than men, disproportionately affecting younger women. In fact, one of the benefits of senior citizenship is that the frequency of migraines seems to take a nosedive as we age. According to the CDC, one-fourth of women between 18 and 44 reported a severe headache within three months – a rate that plummets to only 7.6 percent of women aged 75 and over. Older men also fared better than younger, with 12.3 percent of men 18 to 44 reporting headaches, compared to a mere 4 percent in men 75 and older. Still, despite the measure of relief some patients gain in their “golden years,” migraine headaches remain a painful ordeal for many. “Double-Edged Sword” – Balance of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Affects Pain and Inflammation The research investigated the effects of two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids – omega-3s, found in cold-water fish in the form of EPA and DHA – and omega-6s, found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Omega-3s are believed to be strongly anti-inflammatory, while omega-6s can be pro-inflammatory. Does this mean that omega-6 fatty acids are “bad?” Not necessarily. After all, a certain amount of inflammation is needed by the body to fight injury and infection. But, dietary intake of the two fats must be balanced, with most natural health experts advising an “omega-3 to omega-6 ratio” of 1:4. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (aptly abbreviated as SAD!) tends to be top-heavy with omega-6 oils (thanks to soybean oil in many commercial foods) while potentially low in omega-3s. The effect of this unhealthy way of eating? Systemic chronic inflammation – which not only can trigger migraines but lies at the root of many degenerative diseases. The new study showcases the benefits of properly balancing this pair of essential fatty acids. BIG NEWS: Research Highlights Hope for Migraine Sufferers The study – conducted by researchers from the National Institute on Aging, the National Institutes of Health, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – involved 182 frequent migraine sufferers experiencing 5 to 20 headaches a month. One group of participants received a diet with increased omega-3s (EPA and DHA in the amount of 1.5 grams a day), while a second group received a diet with increased omega-3s along with decreased amounts of linoleic acid (a common omega-6). By comparison, the control group was given a diet that featured a higher ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s. The results helped to confirm what natural health experts have long maintained about the power of proper nutrition to mitigate inflammation. An impressive finding is that the diet higher in omega-3s reduced total daily “headache hours” by up to 40 percent. And, when the diet was higher in omega-3s and lower in omega-6s, the number of “migraine days” in a month were decreased by four – also a significant improvement. In addition, the greatest decrease in severity and frequency occurred with the combination diet. Study leader Christopher Ramsden, MD, noted that this was the first moderate-sized controlled trial showing that targeted changes in the diet can decrease physical pain. The key to the dietary intervention’s success seems to revolve around oxylipins, natural fatty acid-derived compounds that influence pain and inflammation. While omega-3s help produce oxylipins that reduce inflammation and pain, omega-6s appear to create oxylipins that worsen pain and provoke migraines. Experts Concur on the Importance of Anti-Inflammatory Omega-3s Other noted headache experts are “on board” with the study’s findings and acting on them. For example, Rebecca Burch, MD, a physician with the Graham Headache Center at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA., declares, “(The study) results support recommending a high-omega-3 diet to patients in clinical practice.” For a better balance of polyunsaturated fats in your diet, seek to avoid processed seed and vegetable oils that are high in omega-6s (as well as the processed foods that contain them). Instead, olive, palm, and coconut oils – along with grass-fed butter – are a wiser choice. To boost beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, experts advise eating two servings of cold-water fatty fish – such as wild-caught salmon or sardines – a week. Pastured-raised eggs can also help provide omega-3s. Ramping up omega-3s while decreasing omega-6s is an intriguing natural intervention that shows promise in helping to manage painful headaches and bring much-needed relief to migraine sufferers. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com Medscape.com CDC.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Fewer Migraines From More Fish Oil and Less Vegetable Oil, Study Reveals appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover 6 NATURAL Ways to Prevent Migraine Headaches

AHA Publisher — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 07:00:02 +0000

Robert Simon via NaturalHealth365 – Migraine headaches can be severely debilitating, and those of us who frequently suffer from them can end up with a terribly diminished quality of life. In this article, we’re going to take a look at six effective steps you can take to prevent migraines or at least catch them when they strike to minimize the pain and discomfort often associated with this condition. Prevention Is Always the Best Medicine Here are some preventative measures you can incorporate to reduce the likelihood of migraines and severe headaches: #1: Check your diet: Is it free of headache triggers? Around one-tenth of people who suffer from migraines do so as a result of their food choices. Try logging your food intake for a few days and highlight potential offenders such as dairy, wheat, and refined sugars. Although this seems rather ‘basic’ – you’ll be surprised what you discover – once you start keeping track of what you’re eating. #2: Improve your sleep situation Often, all it takes is a concerted effort to improve your sleeping habits to reduce the incidence of a migraine. Getting in a routine of sleeping and waking at roughly the same time each day – even at weekends – can help regulate your hormonal levels, leading to a great reduction of headaches. Experiment with removing all electronic devices from your bedroom, such as TVs and mobile devices. Keep the bedroom as dark as possible and look into “grounding” sheets for your bed to get you ‘connected’ to the earth. #3: Improve your circulation Paying extra attention to your circulatory health can help reduce migraine attacks and help relieve symptoms when one strikes. For example, using ginger (in fresh vegetable juices) and cayenne pepper in your food (or drink) can positively affect your circulation. And, of course, don’t underestimate the health benefits of exercise. Although a 20-minute walk (at low intensity) promotes good blood flow and the ‘relaxation response’ within the body, more intense exercise seems to confer even more benefits. A review article published in 2020 concluded that an adequately rigorous aerobic exercise regimen alone is enough to produce a statistically significant drop in migraine frequency. Finally, try contrasting the temperature of your shower water. Alternate 1-2 minutes of hot water with 30-60 seconds of cold, and be sure to pay attention to your extremities. When I get a migraine – what can I do? Sometimes all the prevention in the world won’t be enough to stop the onset of a migraine or headache, so here are a few tips for making the experience less painful and hopefully stop your headache dead in its tracks. #4: Natural pain relievers can be as simple as herbal remedies such as chamomile and peppermint tea – which can work wonders when it comes to helping you relax and relieving some of the tension of a headache. You might also like to consider using curcumin – in supplement or powder form. Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric which has become increasingly popular due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, being available in pill format makes it very convenient to take in place of a harsher chemical pain killer such as aspirin – which can be damaging to the liver. #5. Cool off using an ice pack or cold compress on the affected region can be a highly effective way of helping to relieve pain – temporarily. You can also place your hands in ice-cold water for a few minutes while repeatedly clenching and opening your fists for a similar effect. Obviously, once the pain subsides – it would be a good idea to get some much-needed rest. (back to #2) #6: Relax! Sometimes the most effective remedy is to simply take a step back from your daily ‘grind’ and let go. Don’t allow the daily pressures of work and family life to get the best of you. Yes, this comes down to mindset, and many times, that can make all the difference in the world. If you feel a migraine (or headache) rearing its ugly head – put yourself into a hot bath; lay down in a dark, quiet room for a while, or practice some simple breathing techniques. Settling down and relaxing your mind will, in turn, relax your body, resulting in the release of natural mood-enhancing and pain-relieving hormones such as serotonin and endorphins – and ultimately natural migraine relief. Of course, it can’t hurt to try some self-massage or, if possible, have someone else do it. This can do wonders for relaxing the body and mind. Your Diet and Lifestyle May Hold the Key to Preventing Migraines and Relieving Headaches In conclusion, a change in your lifestyle is perhaps the most significant factor to consider when it comes to headache relief. Try to change your diet by removing sugary drinks, fast food, and possible allergens while also participating in regular exercise. Over time, you will be able to identify your own personal dos and don’ts in terms of what reduces your symptoms and what causes them to flare up. Consistency and thoroughness are crucial, and by gradually applying these preventative measures and migraine-relieving techniques, you should vastly improve your quality of life, free from pain and discomfort. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov WikiHow.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Discover 6 NATURAL Ways to Prevent Migraine Headaches appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Migraine Device Wins 2021 MedTech Breakthrough Award

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 May 2021 07:00:18 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – The Nerivio therapeutic wearable for treating migraine pain won the “Best New Technology Solution for Pain Management” award in the fifth annual MedTech Breakthrough Awards program that attracted more than 3,850 nominations from 17 countries. Nerivio is made by Netanya-based Theranica, a prescribed digital therapeutics company developing advanced electroceuticals for migraine and other pain conditions. The FDA-approved device uses remote electrical neuromodulation to activate the body’s native conditioned pain modulation mechanism to treat headache and other symptoms associated with migraine. The treatment is personalized through the Nerivio app (iPhone and Android), which also includes an interactive migraine diary to track treatment sessions and symptoms. “Migraine is the third most prevalent disorder in the world and affects approximately 1 billion people,” said James Johnson, managing director, MedTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global health and medical technology market. “Nerivio addresses this challenging condition by encompassing the best elements of MedTech solutions, including a true digital health non-invasive treatment approach that deploys an innovative mechanism of action and an accompanying app that controls the device while enabling patients to track and manage their migraines,” he said. Since being launched, Nerivio has treated more than 100,000 migraines in over 14,000 patients, by prescription. “A true advancement in digital health, Nerivio is changing the traditional migraine treatment paradigm and will continue to positively impact patients, by providing pain relief and enabling people get back to life,” said Alon Ironi, CEO and cofounder of Theranica. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

The post Migraine Device Wins 2021 MedTech Breakthrough Award appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

This Ancient Practice Offers Natural Migraine Relief, NEW Study Reveals

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 08:00:45 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For those who suffer from migraine headaches, the throbbing, pulsing pain – sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light – can seem unbearable. And the fact that attacks can last for hours and even days adds another layer of misery. Western medicine attempts to treat migraines with drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, barbiturates, and opioids. But, the adverse effects of these medications can run the gamut from drowsiness and confusion to addiction, stomach ulcers, and liver damage. Sadly, only about half of migraine sufferers report relief from taking prescribed medications. But, there is some good news: a new study published in the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology reveals that yoga benefits migraines – and allows patients to take fewer drugs. Reduce the Severity and Frequency of Migraine Headaches by Adding This Practice to Your Treatment Plan The 2020 study published in Neurology involved 114 adult volunteers who experienced between four and 14 migraine headaches a month. Participants were randomly divided into two groups – one taking their regular migraine medications and one in which yoga was added to the regimen. The yoga consisted of an hour-long routine of breathing, relaxation techniques, and yoga postures. For the first month, the volunteers in the yoga group were supervised by an instructor three days a week. Over the next two months, they performed the yoga at home five days a week. Both groups received identical counseling regarding common-sense lifestyle techniques to manage migraines, including getting sufficient sleep, eating properly, and exercising regularly. After three months, the results were definitive: adding yoga offers natural migraine relief. Adding a yoga routine to a regimen of prescribed medications significantly reduced the severity and frequency of headaches. Impressive Study Results: Do This Regularly to Reduce Your Medication in Only Three Months The team reported that while patients in both groups experienced improvements in headache frequency, duration, and impact on daily life, the yoga group’s benefits were more pronounced. In fact, the yoga group ended up with an average of 4.7 migraine headaches a month – down from 9.1 – while the medication-only group cut their headaches by only 12 percent (a much more modest decrease). In addition, the yoga group was able to take less medication, with their average usage dropping by a hefty 47 percent by the end of the three-month study. Once again, the meds-only group didn’t fare as well. In fact, this group’s decrease in the number of pills taken was only 12 percent (again!) The lead author of the study – Rohit Bhatia, M.D., D.M., D.N.B. – pointed out a financial benefit of yoga as well. The yoga group did not need to purchase as much medication, thereby reducing the treatment costs – what Dr. Bhatia called a “game-changer” for those struggling to afford expensive prescription drugs. Yoga Offers Remarkable Benefits to People With Multiple Other Health Conditions Previous research has shown that yoga can help ease harmful psychological and physical conditions, such as chronic back pain, systemic inflammation, insomnia, and depressive rumination (unhelpful obsessing over real or imagined problems). A relatively recent study has highlighted the ability of yoga to reduce the symptoms of chronic concussion. Chronic concussion symptoms – which include headaches, fatigue, and depression – are sometimes described as the “invisible injury” in brain trauma incidents – and are notoriously difficult to treat. In the first-ever meta-analysis of research on the effects of yoga and mindfulness techniques on chronic concussion symptoms, the authors reported that these natural interventions could significantly cut fatigue and depression while improving cognitive performance and quality of life. The researchers, who called the results “remarkable,” reported that mind-body interventions for mild traumatic brain injury “consistently improved symptoms” in nearly every measured outcome – with no reported adverse effects. The team added that the approach – while not a miracle cure – is a valuable tool that can provide benefits over time. To conduct the review, which was published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, the investigators looked at 22 different studies involving a total of 539 participants. Ward Off Migraines With Natural Techniques and Powerful Nutrients Early interventions may help stop a migraine headache before it takes hold. At the first sign of a migraine – which can involve such diverse symptoms as sudden mood changes, food cravings, frequent yawning, and visual disturbances – experts advise seeking out a quiet, darkened place. Hot compresses applied to the head and neck can sometimes help deter an attack – as can heating pads and warm baths. (Alternately, some migraine sufferers report successfully warding off a migraine with ice-cold compresses). Avoid skipping meals, and steer clear of nicotine, alcohol, and processed foods laden with preservatives and sodium. It’s a good idea to keep a journal to discover what provokes migraines for you – remember: chocolate, aged cheeses, and wine are common culprits. And, getting sufficient exercise can help release serotonin and endorphins, neurochemicals that play a vital role in regulating pain perception. Other natural treatments for migraines include ginger root, valerian, and peppermint. Inhaling the scent of lavender through aromatherapy has also been shown to relieve migraines. Maybe it’s a good time for you and your integrative doctor to discuss the possibility of supplementing your migraine treatments with yoga. After all, it’s simple, accessible, non-invasive, and drug-free. And, in the words of Dr. Bhatia, “All you need is a mat.” Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com Wiley.com MayoClinic.org MayoClinic.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post This Ancient Practice Offers Natural Migraine Relief, NEW Study Reveals appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How CoQ10 Can Improve Mental, Brain, and Physical Health

AHA Publisher — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 07:00:24 +0000

Dr. Will Cole via Dr. Caroline Leaf – The supplement world is vast. The amount of beneficial nutrients is ever expanding due to our growing knowledge surrounding our health. But knowing where to start is another thing. By educating ourselves on the importance of various nutrients, we can better prioritize what makes the most sense to incorporate into our wellness routines since each person’s individual requirements are going to be different. One of the supplements I often find myself recommending to my patients in my functional medicine telehealth clinic is CoQ10 for its ability to naturally help elevate certain areas of health that are important to have optimal health. What is CoQ10? CoQ10 stands for coenzyme Q10 and is a type of coenzyme that helps your enzymes work more efficiently and is found in every cell in the body – specifically in the mitochondria of the cell. In order for your body to utilize CoQ10, it needs to convert the inactive form ubiquinone, into ubiquinol which is the active form of this nutrient. It acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals to help protect your cells and DNA from damage. Too many free radicals in the body can contribute to chronic inflammation and lead to a variety of inflammatory health conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. CoQ10 Health Benefits 1. Lowered inflammation In multiple studies, CoQ10 was shown to reduce levels of the inflammatory compounds CRP and TNF-a as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. This is most likely due to its ability to inhibit production of the inflammatory protein NF-kB. 2. Migraine relief Those who struggle with frequent migraines are also more likely to have lower levels of CoQ10. But research has shown that regular supplementation can help alleviate migraine severity and frequency. 3. Fibromyalgia This autoimmune disease affects millions of Americans and is characterized by chronic inflammation and pain throughout the body. In cases of fibromyalgia, CoQ10 is unevenly distributed throughout the body which contributes to higher oxidative stress – which is important since increased oxidative stress is a contributor to inflammation and chronic pain. This makes regular supplementation important for those struggling with this condition. 4. Stabilized blood sugar By improving insulin resistance, supplementation of CoQ10 can help reduce blood sugar levels for those with higher than normal levels. 5. Enhanced cardiovascular health Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America with 1 person dying every 37 seconds. But studies have been looking into the effects of CoQ10 supplementation and its ability to significantly improve these statistics. 6. Improved Brain Health One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that in 18 people with depression found that 400 to 800 mg/day CoQ10 for a month decreased the severity of depression symptoms and significantly improved symptoms of fatigue, sadness, and difficulty concentrating or brain fog. CoQ10 Sources While your body produces half of the CoQ10 we need, we need to get the rest from outside sources. Some of the best food sources of CoQ10 include grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, and wild-caught seafood such as sardines, shrimp, and scallops as well as dairy and eggs. Our CoQ10 levels also decrease as we age so it’s important to be even more mindful as we get older. Additionally, those taking statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) and those with disorders of the mitochondria should be mindful of their levels as these can also contribute to low CoQ10. But since CoQ10 has poor absorption rates, supplementation may be necessary in cases of deficiency when food isn’t enough. CoQ10 is considered fat-soluble meaning it is best taken alongside a high-fat meal to increase absorption. However, bioavailability of this nutrient is still low regardless of how it is taken in, so long-term supplementation may be necessary for certain individuals. Up to 1,200 mg per day has been proven safe for long-term use. CoQ10 Side Effects While CoQ10 is generally safe for most people, if you are taking blood thinners it may decrease their effectiveness. It’s important to talk with your doctor before adding in supplements to avoid any possible interactions. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

The post How CoQ10 Can Improve Mental, Brain, and Physical Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.