Better Nutrition February 2019

heart health and overall wellbeing. Can
supplements replace the need for drugs?
Along with diet and lifestyle changes,
perhaps—in some cases.
“Certainly there are large numbers
of the population with mild to moderate
hypertension, for example, or borderline
type 2 diabetes, who can certainly come off
pharmaceutical drugs with lifestyle changes
such as weight loss, eating a better diet, and
taking targeted nutritional supplements,”
says Sinatra. But, he adds, “Pharmaceutical
drugs are life-saving in many situations,
especially in heart failure or arrhythmias.”
If you’re taking medications, Sinatra
emphasizes that it’s vital to tell your
doctor about your supplements. If it’s
possible that you could reduce or
eliminate medications, it’s a process
that must always involve your doctor.
BLOOD THINNER WARNINGS
Blood thinners help prevent harmful
clots that can trigger a stroke or heart
attack. The oldest blood thinner, warfarin
(brand names are Coumadin and Jantoven)
works by blocking vitamin K, which is
needed to form clots and stop bleeding.
Taking vitamin K supplements or eating
too many vitamin K-rich foods reduces
the drug’s effectiveness.
In addition, warfarin should not be
combined with supplements that thin
blood, says Sinatra, especially nattokinase,
The Most Studied Heart-Healthy Herb
More than 750 studies and scientific articles have
documented the benefits of Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) for
heart health. Some highlights:
AGE slowed the accumulation of arterial plaque by 80 percent and reduced levels
of existing plaque, effectively slowing down and even reversing atherosclerosis.
When taken for at least 2 months, AGE reduced harmful LDL cholesterol by up to
10 percent.
AGE lowered blood pressure by an average of 5.1 mm Hg in systolic
pressure (the top number) and 2.5 mm Hg in diastolic pressure.
ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and vitamin
E in doses of more than 400 IU daily.
Sinatra says that these heart-healthy
supplements should not be problematic
for those on blood thinners: fish oil in
doses of 1,000 mg daily of an EPA/DHA
combination, magnesium, a low-dose
multivitamin (without vitamin K), and
CoQ10. However, there have been some
case reports of excessive bleeding or
reduced drug effectiveness when CoQ10
was combined with warfarin, so its use
with the drug should be monitored by a
doctor. Taking warfarin requires blood
tests, usually performed every few weeks.
Newer blood thinners such as Xarelto,
and Eliquis don’t affect vitamin K, but the
warfarin cautions mentioned above also
apply to the newer drugs.
EDITOR'S PICKS: HEART-SMART SUPPLEMENTS
In studies that produced these types of benefits, daily doses have ranged from 1,000–2,400
mg per day. An average recommended dose for heart health is 1,200 mg daily.
SUPPLEMENTS, STATINS & BLOOD
PRESSURE DRUGS
Other than St. John’s wort, licorice with
blood-pressure drugs, and extended-release
niacin with statins, supplements should
not be a problem with statins and blood
pressure medications, says Sinatra. Rather,
it’s vital to avoid these nutrient depletions:
COQ10: Statins are known to deplete
CoQ10, contributing to muscle weakness
and pain. Taking CoQ10 can alleviate
these symptoms. Drugs to lower blood
pressure and blood sugar can also deplete
the nutrient. CoQ10 is essential for the
heart to produce energy. It reduces
fatigue and risk for heart attacks and
heart failure. Exposure to pollutants also
diminishes it, and levels naturally drop
as you age. Use the Ubiquinol form of
CoQ10 for optimal absorption.
VITAMIN K 2
: Depleted by statins, vitamin
K 2
is essential to prevent calcium deposits
from blocking arteries and to enhance
calcium absorption in bones. For anyone
over age 50 who is not taking warfarin,
Sinatra recommends taking vitamin K 2
in the form of MK-7 (menaquinone-7).
Bluebonnet
Ubiquinol
100 mg
Nordic Naturals
Ultimate Omega
2X Mini
Redd Remedies
Circulation Veins
& Arteries with
MenaQ7
Solgar
Full
Spectrum
Curcumin
Kyolic
Aged
Garlic Extract
Formula 100
In addition to keeping your doctor
apprised of your supplement regimen,
it’s prudent to have your medications
reviewed to make sure there are no
potential drug-drug interactions.
Vera Tweed has been researching and writing about supplements, holistic nutrition, fitness, and other aspects of healthy living since 1997. She is the author of several books, including Hormone Harmony: How to
Balance Insulin, Cortisol, Thyroid, Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone to Live Your Best Life.
32 • FEBRUARY 2019