Spirulina: The Super Food?
Have you heard of spirulina? I’ve heard of this food being referred to as a super food, but I’ve not looked into it much until today. Let me share what I’ve learned.
What is spirulina?
Spirulina would be comparable to a sea vegetable such as kelp or wakame. Spirulina is both a human and animal food or supplement. It’s a member of the “blue-green” family, but it’s not considered algae. It’s actually a type of bacteria – cyanobacteria. Its primary source includes two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Japan is currently the largest producer and consumer of spirulina.
Spirulina can be purchased as a tablet, flake, or powder.
What nutrients are provided by spirulina?
Omega Q Plus – Heart Healthy Supplement
Are you looking for a supplement to promote heart health? If so I recommend you consider Dr. Sinatra’s supplement Omega Q Plus. This supplement has recently been revised to provide higher levels of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA via calamarine.
Omega Q Plus supports:
Do you need to supplement L-carnitine?
If you remember back to the information I shared on Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q10 directly affects energy production in the mitochondria. When Coenzyme Q10 levels are low, cells are unable to produce energy, meaning the heart lacks the fuel it needs to pump blood.
About 85% of individuals with heart disease respond positively to coenzyme Q10 supplementation and significant improvements to their heart health. However, ~10-15% do not see any improvements from the addition of coenzyme Q10. Researchers have learned the “missing link” for these individuals is L-carnitine. The combination of L-carnitine with Coenzyme Q10 is needed for some individuals to experience the additional energy boost and improved heart function.
Do you need D-Ribose?
Every cell in the human body slowly produces d-ribose. Liver, fat tissue, and adrenal glands produce the highest levels to meet the production needs of hormones and fatty acids. Heart, brain, nerve, and skeletal muscle only make enough d-ribose to manage day-to-day needs during a normal state of health.
The body is not able to produce high levels of d-ribose quickly when under levels of stress, such as oxygen and blood deficiency connected to heart disease. Any time oxygen or blood flow is compromised the body tissues are not able to produce adequate levels of d-ribose, which leads to a depletion of cellular energy.
D-Ribose Deficiency
Characteristics of individuals at increased risk for a d-ribose deficiency include men and women over the age of 45 showing early signs of cardiac dysfunction, statin drug users, women with mitral valve prolapse, and individuals with high blood pressure and/or heart disease.
D-Ribose Benefits
Heart Disease – Are you deficient of the nutrient L-carnitine?
A few days ago, I shared a little information on the nutrient L-carnitine. I want to give you a few more details related to this nutrient.
Let’s review the function of L-carnitine. In order for the heart to pump blood it needs fuel. This fuel is produced in the mitochondria of your cells. The hearts preferred energy source is fatty acids. Coenzyme Q10 is needed for the production of ATP (fuel) within the mitochondria. L-carnitine is needed for the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria. Most people with heart disease are deficient of coenzyme Q10 and benefit from supplementation. Some individuals with heart disease are also deficient in L-carnitine and will only see improvements if Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine are supplemented together.
Even though your body can produce L-carnitine deficiencies do occur. A deficiency can be caused by aging, vegetarian diets, diet deficient in iron, diets low in the vitamins B6, niacin, and vitamin C, liver disease, kidney disease, and certain medications (such as anti-convulsant drugs). As I mentioned above, a damaged heart also promotes an L-carnitine deficiency.
Combined supplementation of L-Carnitine and coenzyme Q10 have improved many cardiovascular situations:
1. Angina
2. Congestive Heart Failure
3. Renal insufficiency
4. Arrhythmia
5. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides)
6. Leg Cramps
Some sources of L-carnitine include mutton, lamb, beef (red meat), and pork.
There are two forms of L-carnitine available at health food stores – fumarate and tartrate. So far, L-carnitine tartrate has been found to be more efficient for individuals with heart disease. New forms of L-carnitine are being researched and may become available, also.
While there are no known side effects from supplementing L-carnitine, always consult your physician regarding any and all supplements you currently take and/or would like to supplement.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight
Heart Health – Do you need to supplement L-Carnitine?
This is probably a supplement you’ve never heard of, but when supplemented along with coenzyme Q10 substantial benefits have been seen in individuals with heart disease.
L-carnitine is a compound produced by the liver and kidneys from the biosynthesis of the amino acids lysine and methionine. To form L-carnitine you also need adequate levels of vitamin C, B6, niacin, and iron.
Let me explain how L-carnitine works. The powerhouse of your cells is the mitochondria and produces the energy your heart needs to function. L-carnitine is responsible for transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production. The heart typically gets 60% of its energy from fat sources. If this process is slowed due to a lack of L-carnitine heart function is affected, especially compounding problems for individuals with heart disease. Those with moderate to severe atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to inflammation and cholesterol deposits) and congestive heart failure are most affected by a deficiency of L-carnitine. Too make matters worse, damaged heart tissue has a hard time “holding on” to L-carnitine resulting in a deficiency.
If you remember back to the information I shared on Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q10 directly affects energy production in the mitochondria. When Coenzyme Q10 levels are low, cells are unable to produce energy, meaning the heart lacks the fuel it needs to pump blood.
About 85% of individuals with heart disease respond positively to coenzyme Q10 supplementation and significant improvements to their heart health. However, ~10-15% do not see any improvements from the addition of coenzyme Q10. Researchers have learned the “missing link” for these individuals is L-carnitine. The combination of L-carnitine with Coenzyme Q10 is needed for some individuals to experience the additional energy boost and improved heart function.
Signs of improvements many individuals see from a combination of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 include better color, easier breathing, and less difficulty with exertion activities.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Healthy Tips
