nitric oxide Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Discover 10 Incredible Health Benefits of CoQ10

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 03:00:35 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a nutrient found in many foods and occurs in the body naturally. It is a powerful antioxidant that works to prevent cell damage, but it also has several cardiovascular advantages. It is also a major component of metabolism. Several studies show how CoQ10 helps cardiovascular function and its multitude of benefits throughout the body. While most healthy people do get enough of the nutrient naturally through their diet, some do choose to take supplements to address specific health conditions such as heart or inflammation. There’s more, though. This incredible nutrient is so beneficial to the body. Here are 10 health benefits of CoQ10. Improves cardiovascular function and blood flow. This is what CoQ10 is best known for, and for a good reason. It increases levels of nitric oxide in the body, which helps with the dilation of the arteries. This in turn, increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart function. Lowers cholesterol. At higher doses, CoQ10 can reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation in the body. Many people who take this nutrient on a regular basis experience a decrease in cholesterol. Protects against cellular damage and increases cellular function. In at least one study, CoQ10 was a major component in preventing age-related oxidative stress. It also boosts the production of new mitochondria, which is vital for cellular energy. It also aided in ridding the body of mitochondria that were damaged or old. Decreases inflammation. Studies have found that CoQ10 is integral in promoting the growth and increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines while causing pro-inflammatory cytokines to decrease. This helps to lower harmful inflammation in the body. Improves the effects of metabolic syndrome. Several trials tested the effects of CoQ10 on people who had metabolic syndrome. An analysis of these trials found that the group that took the supplement experienced significantly lower inflammation and improved cell function than a placebo. Boosts exercise and athletic performance. Both mice and humans who were given CoQ10 experienced improved physical performance and experienced decreased fatigue. The glycogen content in the muscles and liver also increased, which in turn increased energy. Protects the heart muscle from age-related lowered function. CoQ10 plays an important role in heart health – especially the aging heart muscle. One review showed that the supplement could be beneficial to individuals with heart failure because it guards against myocardial ATP function reduction due to age. Improves skin for a more youthful appearance. Supplementing with CoQ10 caused mitochondrial activity to increase significantly. This increases ATP production, which increases oxygen production, resulting in more youthful and luminous skin. Protects the liver against acetaminophen injury. It is well known that acetaminophen products like Tylenol can cause liver damage in some people. At least one study suggests that taking CoQ10 regularly could help protect the liver against this type of injury. It also aids in the removal of mitochondria that have been damaged. Reduces the risk of dementia. CoQ10 has been found to protect and boost brain health. One study found that people who took the supplement experienced a 77% reduction in the risk of getting dementia. C0Q10 has multiple benefits that can be beneficial to the entire body, not just the heart. Incorporating the supplement into your daily diet may help you live a healthier, happier life. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Discover 10 Incredible Health Benefits of CoQ10 appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Drinking This Nitrate-Rich Juice Offers POWERFUL Benefits to People With Heart Failure

AHA Publisher — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Heart disease, a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, currently affects 5.7 million people in the United States, with roughly 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, heart failure – often triggered by coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease – features a high mortality rate. The ability to undertake medically supervised, appropriate physical activity is key to the survival of heart failure patients, especially in the early stages. But shortness of breath and fatigue – classic symptoms of the condition – can make exercise difficult. And this is where a particular nitrate-rich juice comes in. A study from researchers at Indiana University suggested that dietary nitrates from beet juice could improve the ability of heart failure patients to exercise. CATCH 22 – While Heart Failure Symptoms Make Exercise Difficult, Inactivity Worsens Survival Rate Not only is inactivity a major risk factor for heart failure, but it has been shown in studies to worsen the survival rate once the condition has developed. In one study, only 25 percent of heart failure patients with a sedentary lifestyle were still alive two and a half years after being admitted to the hospital – compared with 75 percent of physically active patients. Scientists report that medically supervised regular activity that provokes mild-to-moderate shortness of breath can improve quality of life, increase functional capacity, promote endothelial function and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in heart patients. Most important of all, it reduces both hospitalizations and deaths. Nitrate-Rich Juice Enhances Exercise Capability of Heart Failure Patients and Elite Athletes Alike Noting that heart failure patients exhibit lower exercise efficiency, shortness of breath, and diminished peak oxygen uptake (VO peak) during exercise, researchers wanted to see if dietary nitrates from beet juice could help. Nitrates, found in great supply in beetroot and beet juice, are converted during exercise into beneficial nitric oxide. Earlier studies had shown that nitrates improve muscle contractile function and physical performance. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Journal of Cardiac Failure, the team found that beet juice supplementation caused significant increases in exercise duration, peak power, and peak oxygen uptake in heart failure patients. As a result, the participants could exercise longer without becoming fatigued. The scientists concluded that dietary nitrates could be a valuable means of enhancing exercise capability in patients with heart failure. But Wait, There Is More! Heart Failure Patients Can Also Expect Increased Muscle Power From Beet Juice, According to Study In research conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO., and published in Circulation: Heart Failure, scientists built upon earlier research showing that dietary nitrates improve muscle performance for elite athletes. To conduct the study, researchers gave heart failure patients either beet juice or a placebo version – identical, except that the nitrates had been removed. Those who had received the “live” beet juice showed a 13 percent increase in muscle power over those who received the nitrate-depleted juice. Particularly, power increased in the muscles that extend the knee, which obviously has great relevance to walking and running. The researchers compared the “magnitude of improvement” in the heart failure patients to that of patients who had performed two to three months of resistance training – a remarkable result. Lead study author Dr. Linda R. Peterson, associate professor of medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine, commented that many everyday activities in life – even those as simple as climbing stairs or getting in and out of a bathtub – are “power-based.” The goal, she said, is to make people more powerful. In addition to benefiting the quality of life, power is an important indication of how well patients will do when battling health conditions such as heart failure or cancer. Beet Juice May Help Prevent Life-Threatening Chronic Diseases Increased exercise capacity is not the only gift of beet juice to the heart. The increased production of nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels and combats high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. One study showed that drinking 250 ml (about eight ounces) of nitrate-rich beet juice a day significantly lowered blood pressure, leading the researchers to advise eating high-nitrate vegetables as a low-cost way to help treat hypertension. (Of course, never reduce or eliminate prescribed medication unless advised to do so by your doctor). Beets may also help fight type 2 diabetes with their content of alpha-lipoic acid. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. In addition, beets contain natural plant pigments known as betalains, which can disrupt potentially cancer-causing mutations of cell DNA. While more study is needed, researchers are intrigued by betalains’ potential for acting against cancer. If you choose to get your beets in the form of the cooked root vegetable rather than the juice, you will be benefiting from a hefty 3.81 grams of fiber per cup. Dietary fiber has been shown in numerous studies to help prevent colon cancer. Clearly, it is not just heart failure patients that may be helped by beet juice. Older individuals without heart failure could benefit – along with the rest of the general population, many of whom don’t take in enough nutrient-rich, antioxidant-laden healthy fare. By the way, other promising natural interventions for heart failure include hawthorn, CoQ10, and fish oil. Naturally, check with your doctor before supplementing. Whether you are a heart disease patient, an athlete in training, or just someone looking to improve their health, it looks like lifting a glass (of nitrate-rich beet juice) is a wise move. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com MedicalNewsToday.com LifeExtension.com MedicalNewsToday.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Drinking This Nitrate-Rich Juice Offers POWERFUL Benefits to People With Heart Failure appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Promote Your Heart Health by Eating More of THESE Vegetables

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 May 2021 07:00:08 +0000

Damon Hines via NaturalHealth365 – When it comes to vegetables, springtime is best described as a rhapsody in green. Asparagus, pea pods, freshly foraged ramps, sorrel, toddler carrots, yardsticks of rhubarb … Farmers’ markets and market stalls overflow with mineral crunch, reminding customers long full of winter’s starch and iron that it’s time to gorge on the green. “Eat your vegetables” is common advice parents give their children, but it appears that while all vegetables are created edible, not all are created equal when it comes to nitrate-richness and promoting heart health. According to research conducted at New Edith Cowan University (ECU), just one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables each day can lower blood pressure and significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. The study, which took place in Denmark, analyzed the dietary habits and health of more than 50,000 people over a 23-year period. Make Space on Your Plate for THESE Veggies to Improve Your Heart Health So what vegetables are rich in nitrates? Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, arugula, and Chinese cabbage are high in nitrates, and non-leafy vegetables like radishes, celery, beet, carrots, and fennel also have a strong nitrate content. While a cup of “raw” vegetables is recommended to encourage heart health, researchers estimate that cooking vegetables reduces the nitrate content by 50%, which is still enough to promote a wide range of cardiovascular benefits. According to lead researcher, Dr. Catherine Bondonno, “the greatest reduction in risk was for peripheral artery disease (26 percent), a type of heart disease characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels of the legs. However, we also found people had a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.” Don’t Be Fooled: The Difference Between All-Natural Nitrates and Added Nitrates Is Night and Day Nitrate is a confusing word. Chances are you’ve been warned to steer clear of nitrates in food, but that’s a blanket statement that needs deconstruction. Yes, synthetic nitrates such as potassium nitrate may cause health problems. These are the chemicals added as preservatives to processed foods like deli meat, cured meat, bacon, sausage, and hot dogs. According to the Environmental Working Group, when you consume synthetic nitrates or nitrites, your body breaks them down into a compound called nitrosamines, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Vegetables and fruit, on the other hand, acquire nitrates and nitrites from the soil they grow in. Nitrates are part of natural mineral deposits, while nitrites are formed by soil microorganisms that break down animal matter. Vegetables and fruits are protein-rich and contain protective components like vitamin C, polyphenols, and fiber, which have all been shown to reduce nitrosamine formation. Load Up on Nitrate-Rich Vegetables to Protect Your Heart Globally, a staggering 17.9 million people die of heart disease each year. In the U.S., where heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and most racial and ethnic groups, 655,000 people die per year. The numbers tell us one thing: It’s time to embrace the greens. If you want to promote heart health, eat a widely varied diet with plenty of nitrate-rich vegetables and avoid excessive amounts of processed meat. Sources for this article include: Medicalnewstoday.com BBC.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Promote Your Heart Health by Eating More of THESE Vegetables appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

9 Supplements for Optimal Blood Pressure Management

AHA Publisher — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 07:00:32 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Half of all Americans over 60 suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. In fact, research shows that even small increases in blood pressure increase the danger, with every 20/10 mmHg rise over optimal levels (115/75 mmHg) causing heart disease risk to double! And, while conventionally-trained physicians tend to prescribe drugs to reduce blood pressure, these medications can produce toxic side effects. Fortunately, a variety of vitamins and nutrients can significantly reduce blood pressure. To discover the top 9 natural supplements for blood pressure control, keep reading. Vitamin D: The “Sunshine Vitamin” Shines in its Ability to Help You to Stay Healthy Vitamin D supplementation has been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Experts say that this important fat-soluble nutrient helps to suppress a blood pressure hormone known as renin. Unsurprisingly, vitamin D deficiency (blood levels under 20 ng/mL of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3) raises the risk of high blood pressure. To avoid deficiency, natural health experts recommend getting at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight two or three times a week. You can also boost dietary levels with cold water (wild caught) salmon, organic mushrooms or pasture-raised eggs. However, to achieve “optimal levels,” your integrative healthcare provider may recommend supplementation. Although individual needs can vary depending on gender, body mass, age, state of health and climate, some natural health experts maintain that most people need about 5,000 – 8,000 IU per day, to correct deficiencies in vitamin D. The “Mighty Mineral” Magnesium: A Great Way to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health Magnesium, an essential mineral, is vital for regulating heart rhythm and blood pressure – and is particularly beneficial for people with cardiovascular disease. In one study involving patients with advanced heart disease, magnesium supplementation caused a 9 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure. The systolic, or top measurement, records the pressure during heartbeats, while the diastolic reveals blood pressure between beats. For people who are low in magnesium in the first place, supplementation can have even more dramatic effects on blood pressure. In one study of low-magnesium patients, supplementation with 450 mg of elemental magnesium a day dropped systolic levels a whopping 20.4 mmHg. Can Fish Oil Help to Relax the Arteries? Extensive studies have shown that fish oil – which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA – promotes the relaxation of arteries while reducing arterial inflammation. The result? This natural supplement can cause modest (but still meaningful) reductions in blood pressure. To lower blood pressure, natural healers typically advise between 1,000 and 2,000 mg of fish oil a day. Just be sure to use a quality source of fish oil to avoid toxicity concerns. CoQ10 Is Widely Known as a “Winner” When it Comes to Maintaining a Healthy Cardiovascular System A vitamin-like nutrient that is essential for heart health, coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant that can promote healthy blood pressure. Extensive research has shown that doses between 30 mg and 360 mg a day of CoQ10 can drop the systolic reading by as much as 16.6 mmHg. And, not only can CoQ10 lower blood pressure, but it can help reverse resultant damage by decreasing abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. By the way, if you take a statin drug to lower cholesterol, natural health experts strongly advise supplementing with C0Q10. Typical dosages range from 200 to 300 mg a day. Beat High Blood Pressure with Beet Juice At first glance, this brilliantly colored scarlet liquid might resemble the sort of sugary, artificial, chemical-laden drink that those with high blood pressure should avoid. But there is nothing artificial about beet juice, especially as it relates to its ability to decrease blood pressure. Beets are rich in inorganic nitrate, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds called betalains. Both may help you get high blood pressure under control. In an important 2015 study, researchers found that a cup of beet juice a day for four weeks lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension, causing improvement within hours of consumption. Get Extra Helps from Anthocyanins Anthocyanins, flavonoids found in intensely colored fruits such as blueberries and blackberries, inhibit production of blood pressure-raising ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) while increasing production of beneficial nitric oxide. One study found that two servings of anthocyanin-rich berries a day caused significant drops in systolic blood pressure – along with a rise in beneficial HDL cholesterol. As a side note: if fresh berries are inconvenient or pricey, no worries. Powdered berry extracts can give you similar health benefits. Mellow Out With Melatonin: A Natural Sleep Aid Promotes Better Blood Pressure Control at Night Melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” is often taken to promote restful, natural slumber. It can also do double duty by lowering harmful blood pressure “spikes” that can occur during sleep. In a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, the team found that nocturnal hypertension has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. In fact, several studies have shown that 2 mg of melatonin, taken before bedtime, can significantly lower blood pressure during sleep. Don’t Forget the Value of Cinnamon To access this blood pressure-lowering natural nutrient, you need look no farther than your spice rack. Cinnamon is high in cinnamaldehyde, an antioxidant compound that is being researched for its ability to decrease both blood pressure and blood sugar. In a 2013 systematic review published in Nutrition, the authors referenced the “notable” blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon on diabetic and prediabetic patients. By the way, the amounts used in studies have ranged from a fraction of a teaspoon to two teaspoons a day. Cinnamon is generally regarded as safe when taken in amounts typically added to food, so go ahead and sprinkle this tasty spice over organic oatmeal or use it to add a little “zip” to your favorite smoothie. Discover the Healing Power of Eating Garlic Garlic contains an active constituent called allicin, which increases the body’s production of beneficial nitric oxide -in turn enhancing dilation of blood vessels. When it comes to lowering blood pressure, garlic is truly a heavy hitter. In a meta-review published in 2016 in Journal of Nutrition, the authors examined 50 years of controlled trials involving almost a thousand participants and concluded that garlic lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.7 and 6.1 mmHg respectively. As an added “bonus:” garlic can help to reduce total and LDL cholesterol. Just remember: If you would like to try managing your blood pressure with any of the above supplements, check with your integrative doctor first. Manage Blood Pressure with Simple Lifestyle Changes Of course, one can’t overlook the potential of proper nutrition and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Natural health experts suggest doing away with highly-processed foods, refined sugars and sugary drinks from your diet, and replacing unhealthy trans and hydrogenated fats with beneficial (non-toxic) fats, like avocados. Managing blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. These natural supplements can be powerful allies. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, MedicalNewsToday.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post 9 Supplements for Optimal Blood Pressure Management appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Nitric Oxide Treatment Can Be Pivotal in the Fight Against COVID-19

AHA Publisher — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:00:52 +0000

George Washington University via News-Medical Net – Nitric oxide treatment can be pivotal in the world’s fight against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to a review from the George Washington University (GW). The article is published in the journal Nitric Oxide. Nitric oxide is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory molecule with key roles in pulmonary vascular function in the context of viral infections and other pulmonary diseases. In SARS-CoV-1 infection, which led to the outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003, nitric oxide inhibited viral replication by cytotoxic reactions through intermediates such as peroxynitrite. It is one of several potential COVID-19 treatments included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency expanded access program. “Nitric oxide plays key roles in maintaining normal vascular function and regulating inflammatory cascades that contribute to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Interventions that are protective against ALI and ARDS can play a critical role for patients and health systems during the pandemic.” (Adam Friedman, MD, interim chair and professor in the Department of Dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and co-senior author of the review) Coronaviruses are RNA viruses that primarily infect birds or livestock, but can mutate to be highly infectious and lethal in humans. There is currently no registered treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. The absence of a specific treatment and the high mortality rate of the virus dictate an urgent need for therapeutics that may control the replication and rapid spread of the virus. The team, led by first author Nagasai Adusumilli, MBA, a fourth-year medical student at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, reviewed data from between 1993 and 2020 on the pathogenesis of coronaviruses and the use of nitric oxide as a treatment for respiratory illness. The authors highlight the potential for inhaled nitric oxide contributing to better clinical outcomes and alleviating the rapidly rising strain on health care capacity due to COVID-19. As groups continue to publish more results with their respective nitric oxide platforms, the team recommends that dosing and protocol variations should be examined in evaluating the studies. “With the emergence of COVID-19 as a pandemic with the ability to overwhelm the body and our health care infrastructure, patients have a pressing need for effective agents that can slow the disease in their bodies and in their communities,” Friedman said. The authors suggest that if nitric oxide’s efficacy is illustrated for COVID-19, its use as a treatment can be pivotal in the fight against the pandemic. Friedman has been collaborating with co-senior author Joel Friedman, MD, PhD, professor of physiology and biophysics and of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, on research related to the use of nitric oxide in a broad range of medical indications for close to two decades, and together are developing nitric oxide-based therapeutics for COVID-19. To read the original article click here.

The post Nitric Oxide Treatment Can Be Pivotal in the Fight Against COVID-19 appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Treating Patients with Severe COVID-19 Using Nitric Oxide

AHA Publisher — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 07:00:28 +0000

University of Alabama at Birmingham via Newswise – The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been selected to begin enrolling patients in an international study assessing the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to improve outcomes for COVID-19 patients with severely damaged lungs. Newswise — BIRMINGHAM, Ala —Currently, there are no approved treatment options available against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, although many medications are currently being tested to see if they may be effective. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, a severe form of lung failure, is the leading cause of death in COVID-19. iNO has been used for the treatment of failing lungs, but it was also found to have antiviral properties against coronaviruses. The antiviral effect of iNO was tested and demonstrated during the 2002-2003 SARS pandemic, which was caused by a similar coronavirus called the SARS-CoV virus. When lungs are failing, some parts of the lungs receive air while some do not. iNO is a gas that improves the blood flow to those areas of the lung that are receiving air, boosting the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood stream. It also reduces the work of the right side of the heart, which is under extreme stress during conditions of lung failure, such as severe COVID-19 infection. With the start of this trial, any COVID-19 patient who is admitted to UAB’s ICU and is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator may potentially qualify for the study. Learn more about coronavirus here. “This trial will allow the sickest COVID-19 patients at UAB access to a rescue therapy that may have antiviral benefits in addition to improving the status of lungs,” said Vibhu Parcha, M.D., a research fellow with UAB’s Division of Cardiovascular Disease. Pankaj Arora, M.D., assistant professor in the division, is spearheading UAB’s efforts in providing this treatment option to eligible COVID-19 patients. The mechanism of benefit of iNO could be the direct antiviral effect as shown in the SARS 2003 pandemic, modulation of oxidative stress, or improvement of the ventilation perfusion matching in the lungs, Arora says. His group plans to study the cardiovascular effects of high-dose inhaled NO in an ancillary effort to the primary clinical trial. “In humans, nitric oxide is generated within the blood vessels and regulates blood pressure, and prevents the formation of clots and also destroys potential toxins,” Arora said. The UAB team says this pandemic has led to an extraordinary unifying response by the medical community, including ICU physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, clinical trial specialists, reviewers and medical administrators, allowing for faster than normal approvals for potentially life-saving research studies. “The fact that we are able to get this trial started quickly was due to collaborations across specialties and fields of expertise at UAB with the common goal of providing the highest quality of scientifically proven care for our COVID-19 patients,” Arora said. “We are all trying to fight this together, and I hope, with our resilience, we shall overcome these difficult times.” As the coronavirus pandemic grows each day, the medical community has been working tirelessly to help people infected with COVID-19. For up-to-date information about UAB and how to protect yourself, visit uab.edu/coronavirus. To read this original article click here.

The post Treating Patients with Severe COVID-19 Using Nitric Oxide appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.