Right, so in the health world, there has been a lot of talks recently around CoQ10 and statins
If you’re like most, then these two words seem extremely foreign. What even are these and why should we care about them?
In short, both are important to understand as they have a direct impact on how your body operates and functions. Without a properly functioning body, it is extremely difficult to live a healthy life.
And in the year of a prolonged pandemic, our health is paramount to living a great life. That’s why we are going to share with you everything we know about CoQ10 and statins.
What is CoQ10?
It sounds like some chemistry component. And in a sense, it is. The full scientific name is coenzyme Q10, which something that our body makes naturally to help us feel energized. But more so than just that, CoQ10 helps our body fight off any infections through functioning as an antioxidant—helping to prevent any damage to our body’s vital cells.
But, while our body produces this substance naturally, it is something that is produced less and less as our body ages. A lack of CoQ10 in the body has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes, heart complications, and even Parkinson’s!
The good news though is that CoQ10 is not solely reliant on the body being able to produce it on its own. In fact, this same substance can be found in fish oil or certain types of meats. Additionally, many supplement companies make CoQ10 supplements that can be purchased at most local pharmacies.
So what are statins?
Right, so unlike CoQ10, which is produced naturally, statins are described as a group of drugs made with the intent of helping people lower their cholesterol levels.
While some people do benefit from taking a statin drug to lower their cholesterol level, it does not come without its fair share of side effects. This includes dealing with things like having pain in muscles, feeling ill, and potentially even causing type 2 diabetes.
What is important to note about statins is that it also lowers your body’s ability to produce CoQ10 on its own—so while trying to tackle one health problem, can subsequently cause a whole range of other issues by eliminating CoQ10 from the body.
The art of the compromise
That’s where CoQ10 supplements really come into play. If you are in a situation where you need to be taking statins to fix your cholesterol problem, there needs to be an alternative way to equally ensure your body is getting enough CoQ10.
Taking CoQ10 supplements is one of the most promising solutions for also counterbalancing the side effects of taking statin drugs. Here’s how.
· It can help reduce muscle pain
While there are still some conflicting results, research is indicating that CoQ10 supplements can help reduce muscle pain that is caused by statin. Much more research is needed to confirm this, but is a promising start!
· It can help with your heart
If you are taking a statin for high cholesterol, chances are your heart needs extra protection. Studies are indicating that CoQ10 supplements are able to improve heart strength and that people taking statin drugs and the supplements combined are on a whole experiencing fewer complications with their heart.
In life, it is all about balance. And the same applies to balancing out the consumption of statin drugs with CoQ10 supplements. By doing so, you ensure that your body does not get depleted on any vital substances that would ensure your health and wellness. As always, have a chat with your doctor to see if the combination of statin drugs and CoQ10 supplements is right for you!