Our metabolism, is a well-oiled machine, needing not only food for fuel but additional essential vitamins and minerals to function properly and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The demands of the modern world take a heavy toll on our body.
Lack of sleep, stress as well as a diet filled with processed foods wreak havoc on our internal machinery. Our body may suffer from lack of vitamins and minerals, but also coenzymes which are metabolic buddies needed to produce energy, promote bodily functions and cell growth and prevent aches and pains from which we often suffer.
A good example is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Our body normally produces a small amount of CoQ10 but our lifestyle and certain medications may decrease our natural supply. CoQ10 can naturally be found in organ meats, which we may not normally include in our diet. It is also found in beef, mackerel, and sardines.
When Coq10 is lacking, we may feel a lack of energy as well as muscle aches and pains.
And if we are on statins for cholesterol, beta blockers for blood pressure, diuretics such as furosemide, antibiotics or hormones, these deficiencies are often more pronounced and supplementation is essential.
Vitamin CoQ10 or its biologically active form, Ubiquinol, can easily be found in the vitamin section of the pharmacy or supermarket. Other nutrients such as magnesium zinc or biotin as well as fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are all important topics of discussion with your physician.
We are individuals.
Though vitamins and minerals are sold over the counter, the amount we need to optimize our health and function properly is a medical decision and should be based on a physical exam, labs and family history.
Together we can balance all our individual health needs and wants and create a comprehensive strategy to a perfect “Vitamin You.”
