Tag Archives: Ubiquinol-QH 200 mg by Pure Encapsulations

Heart Disease Risk Not Just for Seniors

WebJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Those who typically believe that heart conditions are diseases of the aging population, may be surprised to learn that younger people aged 35-64 are putting themselves at risk of developing heart disease earlier in life. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating, contribute to the development of obesity and diabetes, as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, all known risks for heart disease and stroke. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of all Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for heart disease—high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a smoking habit. As the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Heart disease is a broad term used for a wide variety of symptoms and diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. These can include coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease; heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias; congenital heart defects; cardiomyopathy or weakened heart muscle; silent ischemia caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle; angina resulting in pain and discomfort caused by arterial spasms, insufficient flow of oxygen and nutrients or narrowing of the arteries; and atherosclerosis, the buildup of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances within artery walls, which can block or restrict blood flow.

High blood pressure: Currently, millions of Americans of all ages, including individuals in midlife have high blood pressure. Over time uncontrolled hypertension causes the coronary arteries to narrow and harden due to plaque buildup. This can increase the risk of clots that can block the flow of oxygen and nutrients and cause damage or death to the heart muscle, resulting in heart attack. Lifestyle changes that can help to lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels include weight loss when needed, regular exercise, stress reduction and improved diet that limits sodium, restricts processed foods and increases whole food consumption, especially foods that contain potassium.

High cholesterol: Per the CDC, more than 100 million adults aged 20 and over have high cholesterol. Young adults with a family history of high cholesterol are mostly likely to develop this condition during their 20’s and 30’s. Startling statistics from 2014 show that more than seven percent, or one in five, U.S. children and teens have unhealthy cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels in children and teens, linked to heredity, diet, obesity and sedentary behavior, generally follows into adulthood, increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The initial approach to reducing high cholesterol in children involves lifestyle changes, including weight loss, improved diet and increased exercise.

Smoking: While most children and adolescents have yet to try smoking, the overwhelming majority of adult smokers in the U.S. began smoking before age 18. Per the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking causes detrimental harm and significant health problems among young people. Statistics show that most new smokers are children and teens. Each day approximately 2,500 children under 18 try their first cigarette and more than 400 will become regular daily smokers. Sadly, about half will ultimately die prematurely from a smoking-related disease. Smoking causes an instant and long-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate, reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart, damages blood vessels and doubles the risk of stroke. As smoking is the single most preventable cause of early death, stopping smoking is key to the management of dangerous risks to heart heath. Quitting smoking will reduce the threat of heart disease and the risk for repeat heart attacks and cuts the risk of death by heart disease by half. Stopping is never easy. However, a balanced healthy diet, regular exercise to relieve stress , proper amounts of sleep, encouragement from friends and family, and participation in a support group can all help one break the habit and enjoy a healthier lifestyle at every stage of life.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of a healthy lifestyle:

Berberine BlendBerberine Blend by Professional Supplement Center®: Berberine Blend is formulated to provide support for overall cardiovascular wellness. Specific ingredients support healthy homocysteine levels, normal blood lipid regulation, free radical neutralization and the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels already within the normal range. Non-GMO formulation.

Homocysteine FactorsHomocysteine Factors by Pure Encapsulations®: Homocysteine Factors is formulated with active B vitamins in support of the maintenance of healthy homocysteine metabolism. High homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular problems, is associated with low levels of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Gluten free, Non-GMO hypoallergenic formulation.

Smokers CleanseSmokers Cleanse by Renew Life®: This targeted, 3-part cleansing program is specifically  formulated with select herbs and natural ingredients to support lung and respiratory health. It may also help reduce the desire to smoke, soothe bronchial passages, and support a healthy stress response to improve overall wellbeing. Gluten and soy free formulation.

Ubiquinol-QH 200 mgUbiquinol QH 200 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This active form of CoQ10 provides strong antioxidant protection and supports cellular energy metabolism and cardiovascular health. Ubiquinol supports healthy ejection fraction and mitral valve function, supporting overall physical activity and quality of life. Gluten free, Non-GMO hypoallergenic formulation.

Hawthorne Max-VHawthorne Max-V by Douglas Laboratories®: Used traditionally for centuries, hawthorne extract is now recognized for its cardioprotective benefits, which include support for healthy heart and circulatory function. Free of gluten, yeast, soy, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegan formulation.

ProOmega LDLPro Omega LDL by Nordic Naturals®: This product is formulated with bioavailable CoQ10, EPA, DHA and red yeast rice in support of nutritional maintenance for total cardiovascular health. Third party tested to be free of heavy metals and environmental toxins. Gluten, dairy and artificial color and flavor free. Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Heart Disease: It Can Happen at Any Age. https://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/index.html
How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to a Heart Attack. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-lead-to-a-heart-attack
10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
High Cholesterol in Children? It’s All Too Common. https://www.everydayhealth.com/high-cholesterol/symptoms/high-cholesterol-in-young-people/
Tobacco Use among Children and Teens. https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/tobacco-use-among-children.html
Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/smoking-and-cardiovascular-disease

This is Your Brain on Exercise

BrainExerciseJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

When it comes to maintaining physical strength, balance and flexibility during the senior years, the phrase, “use it, or lose it,” may come to mind. Now it appears the same holds true for the maintenance of brain health and cognitive function. A new study suggests that exercise has  positive effects that may slow normal age-related cognitive decline. Physical activity stimulates the growth of muscle cells and supports the brain on multiple levels. Aerobic exercise, in particular, may improve and protect information processing and memory functions, especially in later life.

Maintaining brain health and plasticity throughout life is particularly crucial from middle age onward, a time of challenges that can include the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown that physical activity is associated with lowered risks of cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps most significantly, data supports the role of exercise in increased neuronal survival, the promotion of brain vascularization, and the stimulation of neurogenesis, as well as enhanced learning and the maintenance of cognitive function during aging.

It appears that regular aerobic exercise provides a simple way to maintain brain function and promote brain plasticity. Physical activity directly benefits the brain through its ability to reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, known contributors to cognitive decline. Exercise stimulates the release of growth factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps to repair and protect brain cells. Growth factors, or brain chemicals, affect not only the quantity and survival of new brain cells, but also the growth of new blood vessels and neuronal connectors. Indirectly, exercise can improve mood, support restful sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety. Depression, poor sleep, anxiety and chronic stress are often viewed as contributors to cognitive impairment.

A recent study that looked at the connection between exercise and brain health, measured physical fitness by testing the participants’ maximum oxygen consumption during aerobic exercise. Known as the VO2 max test, this method is recognized by the American Heart Association as an objective way to measure cardiovascular fitness. The study was able to link greater physical fitness with healthier brain white matter. The integrity of white matter, where billions of neurons are bundled together, provides an indication of how well brain areas communicate. Healthier white matter correlates with better memory and learning abilities, as well as higher executive functions. Participants with lower levels of aerobic fitness, and consequently weaker white matter, performed worse on memory and reasoning tests.

Similar to its role in cardiac and overall health, exercise benefits the brain by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation and raising oxygen levels. While the role of exercise in forestalling dementia continues to be studied, scientific data supports staying active throughout life. Per the lead study author Dr. Kan Ding, a neurologist from the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, “This research supports the hypothesis that improving people’s fitness may improve their brain health and slow down the aging process.” The amount of exercise needed to receive these health benefits is relatively small. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking most days of the week or one hour of aerobic activity three days a week may help determine neurocognitive performance in the golden years.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements for overall wellness:

Ubiquinol-QH 200 mgUbiquinol-QH 200 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This product provides Kaneka QH™, a readily absorbable, active antioxidant form of CoQ10, in support of cellular energy production, cardiovascular health and free radical protection. Gluten free, hypoallergenic, Non-GMO formulation.

Brain VitaleBrain Vitale™ by Designs for Health®: This unique formulation is designed to optimize brain function and support healthy cognition, mood and memory. Specific ingredients assist with various aspects of brain health, such as cell energy production, mitochondrial support and antioxidant protection. Gluten free.

ProDHA MemoryProDHA™ Memory by Nordic Naturals®: This potent DHA-rich formulation provides concentrated omega-3 fish oil blended with optimized curcumin, phosphatidylcholine and huperzine-A. These ingredients support neuronal communication, reduced oxidative stress, and brain cell structure and function. Gluten, dairy and artificial ingredient free.

PS 150...PS 150 Phosphatidylserine by Designs for Health®: An essential component of all neuronal membranes, phosphatidylserine supports a wide range of brain activities, including mental focus, memory recall and task performance. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

Acetyl L-Carnitine...Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg by Douglas Laboratories®: This naturally occurring metabolite plays a key role in supporting cognitive function during aging, while also helping to reduce fatigue. Acetyl-L-Carnitine protects against oxidative stress, influences nerve growth factor activity, and helps maintain cellular membrane stability. Free of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, corn,   sodium, sugar, starch,  preservatives and artificial  coloring. Non-GMO formulation.

References:
The Influence of Exercise on Cognitive Abilities. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951958/
Study Finds Link Between Physical Fitness and Brain Health. https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2018/02/20/study-finds-link-between-physical-fitness-and-brain-health/#7bae9e6c72c9
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and White Matter Neuronal Fiber Integrity in Mild Cognitive Impairment. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad170415
Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity. https://www.cell.com/trends/neurosciences/fulltext/S0166-2236(02)02143-4?code=cell-site
The Simple Reason Exercise Enhances Your Brain. http://time.com/4752846/exercise-brain-health/
Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110
Physical Exercise for Brain Health. https://www.brainhq.com/brain-resources/everyday-brain-fitness/physical-exercise
Here’s How Much Exercise You Need to Keep Your Brain Healthy. http://time.com/5294493/exercise-healthy-brain-aging/