What is CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an energy producing substance that the human body makes for itself – if you are healthy and eating the right foods. It is in some foods like oily fish, beef liver and whole grains. It is also available as a nutritional supplement for those who may need more due to a disease or condition such as neuropathy.
CoQ10 is a compound made by your body and stored in the mitochondria of your cells. The mitochondria are in charge of producing energy. They also protect cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses
CoQ10 has two major jobs in your body: energy and protection. It gives energy to your nerve cells which need more nutrition than most other cells. And as a powerful antioxidant it protects your body from pollution and toxins in the environment and within your body.
All cells need CoQ10 for their energy needs. Of all the different kinds of cells in your body, your brain, heart and nerve cells need the most energy of all. Nerve cells are sick or damaged in neuropathy. For them to heal they need adequate levels of CoQ10.
So, you really can’t function well without adequate amounts of CoQ10
Reducing Inflammation
CoQ10 decreases inflammation in your body. Chronic inflammation contributes to the onset and development of metabolic diseases. Clinical evidence has suggested that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has some effects on inflammatory markers.
CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals. In this way, CoQ10 helps protect cells from the harmful effects of DNA damage. Physiologically, reductions in inflammation, increases in antioxidant levels, mitochondrial biogenesis and AMPK gene expression were found.
Dealing with Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain, which interferes with daily life activities and still remains as one of the most difficult conditions to control or treat.
Neuropathies are characterized by progressive loss of function of nerve fibers. The accepted definition of peripheral diabetic neuropathy is the presence of chronic symmetrical symptoms and/ or signs of sensory motor dysfunction developing on a background of longstanding hyperglycemia.
If you have neuropathy then unless there is a contraindication with one of your medications, CoQ10 may help give your nerves the energy they need to repair themselves.
Tackling Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain syndrome accompanied by a myriad of variable physical and psychopathological symptoms such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, sleep disorders, morning tiredness, cognitive complaints, as well as depression and anxiety
A fair amount of research suggests that people with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have low levels of CoQ10. This antioxidant, used to convert food into energy, has shown some promise in treating fibromyalgia symptoms. One small study of people who took 300 mg daily of coenzyme Q10—also called CoQ10—for 40 days showed a marked easing of fatigue, morning tiredness, and pain. The role of coenzymes is to help convert molecules from your food into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which studies show is also sometimes deficient in FMS and ME/CFS.
Low CoQ10 levels also have been linked to several neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, CoQ10 has become a common supplement for FMS and ME/CFS and has received a fair amount of attention from researchers.
Some researchers say it even plays a role in how the condition develops (pathogenesis). Research on most FMS treatments has positive results using CoQ10 and these studies continue to be promising.
Migraines & Headaches
Abnormal mitochondrial function can lead to an increased calcium uptake by the cells, the excessive production of free radicals and decreased antioxidant protection. This can result in low energy in the brain cells and even migraines.
Since CoQ10 lives mainly in the mitochondria of the cells, it has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and help decrease the inflammation that may occur during migraines.
In fact, a study showed that supplementing with CoQ10 was three times more likely than a placebo to reduce the number of migraines in 42 people.
Additionally, CoQ10 deficiency has been observed in people suffering from migraines. One larger study showed that 1,550 people with low CoQ10 levels experienced fewer and less severe headaches after treatment with CoQ10.
What’s more, it seems that CoQ10 not only helps treat migraines but may also prevent them. One study specifically showed promise with using CoQ10 for prevention of these headaches.
The secret to a good level of CoQ10 is to supplement with high-quality all-natural brands. Also remember that as you grow older, the more CoQ10 you actually need from external sources. Learn more about excellent quality CoQ10 and its benefits here.