Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound naturally produced by the body and found in every cell. It plays a crucial role in energy production within the mitochondria, often called the "powerhouses" of the cell. CoQ10 also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

While the body produces CoQ10, its levels can decrease with age and in certain medical conditions or with the use of some medications (like statins). This has led to interest in CoQ10 supplements for various potential health benefits.

Here are some of the key areas where CoQ10 supplementation shows promise:

Heart Health:

Heart Failure: CoQ10 is well-researched for its potential benefits in people with heart failure. It may help improve symptoms, reduce hospitalizations, and potentially lower the risk of mortality in some cases, likely due to its role in energy production and antioxidant activity in heart muscle cells.

Blood Pressure: Some research suggests CoQ10 may help lower blood pressure, though findings can be mixed and more research is needed to confirm this definitively.

Recovery from Heart Surgery: When taken with other nutrients, CoQ10 might aid recovery in people undergoing bypass and heart valve surgeries.

Statin-Induced Myopathy: Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, can sometimes cause muscle pain and weakness (myopathy). Some research suggests CoQ10 supplementation may help ease these symptoms, though evidence is not conclusive for everyone.

Energy Production and Fatigue: CoQ10 is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. While healthy individuals typically have sufficient CoQ10, some studies suggest that supplementation may help reduce fatigue and improve physical performance, especially in those with lower levels or certain conditions.

Antioxidant Protection: CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to aging and various diseases. This protective effect extends to cell membranes, proteins, and DNA.

Migraine Prevention:

Several studies indicate that CoQ10 supplementation may help reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches. It's thought to work by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress in the brain.

People often need to take the supplement for at least three months to see potential benefits.

Other Potential Benefits (requiring more research):

Diabetes: Some research suggests CoQ10 may help lower cholesterol in people with diabetes, potentially reducing their heart disease risk.

Parkinson's Disease: While early studies showed promise, high doses of CoQ10 haven't consistently demonstrated benefits for Parkinson's symptoms.

Liver Health: A small study suggested CoQ10 may reduce fat in the livers of people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Peyronie's Disease: Some research has explored its potential to decrease penile plaque size and improve erectile function.

Important Considerations:

Bioavailability: CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so it's best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fats or oils. Various formulations are being developed to improve its absorption.

Safety and Side Effects: CoQ10 is generally considered safe with few side effects, which are usually mild (e.g., digestive upset).

Interactions: CoQ10 can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (like warfarin, potentially making them less effective) and some chemotherapy drugs. It may also affect blood sugar levels, which is important for individuals with diabetes.

Consult Your Doctor: Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other medications. They can advise on appropriate dosage and potential interactions.

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About Shaklee CoQ10 CoQHeart® with Q-Trol®

Labels: CoQ10 Supplement, heart health

BY DONOVAN BALDWIN

Sunrise over Benbrook Lake, Texas

It's become a part of my life.

Not the trees and the lake.

I just passed them today,

And I have seen others like them.

Today was different,

Walking by the lake.

As I looked at the morning mist,

Hanging over the lake,

Hiding the trees on the other side,

I wished that she was there.

Not too long ago that

Would not have happened.

Now, everything I see or do,

I want to share with her.

The big squirrel,

The leaf covered trail,

The sunlight on the water,

The fog that replaced it.

All is not complete until

She can see it,

Hear it,

Taste it,

Feel it,

Sense it,

With me.

That went through my mind,

Because,

Today was different,

Walking by the lake.

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CoQ10 FOR HEART HEALTH

Labels: benbrook lake, donovan baldwin, love poem, poem, poetry, texas, walking

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit that comes from the Malabar tamarind tree, native to India and Southeast Asia. It's also known by other names like brindleberry and gamboge.

Historically, the fruit and its rind have been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices. In Southeast Asia, it's a common ingredient in curries and serves as a food preservative due to its sharp, sour taste.

In recent years, Garcinia cambogia has gained popularity as a dietary supplement, primarily marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The key active ingredient in the fruit's rind is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Proponents suggest that HCA may:

• Reduce appetite: By potentially increasing levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that can make you feel less hungry.
• Block fat production: By inhibiting an enzyme called citrate lyase, which the body uses to make fat.
• Lower cholesterol and blood fat levels: Some research suggests it might help reduce triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (LDL) while raising "good" cholesterol (HDL), though more robust studies are needed.
• Improve blood sugar: Animal studies have shown this, but human research is lacking.
• Reduce inflammation: Some animal studies indicate anti-inflammatory properties.
• Improve athletic performance: A few small studies suggest HCA might increase time until exhaustion and improve breathing during exercise.

However, it's important to note that scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Garcinia cambogia for weight loss in humans is mixed and often inconclusive. Some studies show a modest effect, while others show no significant difference compared to a placebo. Any reported weight loss might also be attributed to other factors, like diet and exercise changes in the study participants.

Safety Concerns and Side Effects:

While often marketed as natural, Garcinia cambogia is not without risks. Potential side effects can include:

Nausea

Headaches

Abdominal pain

Stomach and intestinal symptoms

Abnormal liver blood tests, and in rare but severe cases, liver injury, hepatitis, or even liver failure.

Potential for serotonin syndrome, especially in individuals taking medications that affect serotonin levels (like SSRIs).

Possible interference with medications, including those for diabetes (as it may lower blood sugar), blood thinners, and certain antiviral, anti-tumor, and analgesic drugs.

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with pre-existing liver problems.

Due to the conflicting research and potential side effects, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking Garcinia cambogia or any other dietary supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

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RELATED ARTICLE: IS GARCINIA CAMBOGIA SAFE?

Labels: appetite suppressant, brindleberry, gamboge, Garcinia Cambogia, weight loss

BY DONOVAN BALDWIN

Earlier, I was reading one of my favorite books, The Art of Thinking (1928) by Abbé Ernest Dimnet. Picture, by the way, is my copy I have had since 1963.

Labels: Abbé Ernest Dimnet, donovan baldwin, essay, poet, poetry, reading classics, the art of thinking

Time blindness, also known as time agnosia, is a term used to describe a consistent difficulty in perceiving and managing time. It's not a formal diagnosis but is a common symptom particularly associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and can also affect individuals with other conditions that impair executive functions, such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, alcohol use disorders, and traumatic brain injury.

Here's what time blindness often looks like:

Difficulty estimating time: People with time blindness often struggle to accurately judge how long a task will take, how much time has passed, or how much time is left before an upcoming event. They might underestimate or overestimate durations.

Chronic lateness: Despite their best intentions, individuals with time blindness may frequently be late for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings.

Missing deadlines: They might struggle to meet deadlines for work, school, or other commitments.

Trouble with planning and scheduling: Creating and sticking to routines or schedules can be challenging.

Hyperfocus: While deeply engaged in an interesting task, they can lose track of time entirely, sometimes for hours, leading to forgotten meals, missed appointments, or neglecting other responsibilities.

Procrastination: They might put off tasks until the last minute because they have difficulty gauging the time needed or the urgency of the task.

Difficulty with transitions: Switching from one activity to another can be a struggle.

In Summary:

It's important to understand that time blindness is not a sign of laziness, disrespect, or lack of motivation. It's a neurological difference in how the brain processes time, often linked to differences in brain regions involved in time perception and executive functions like memory, planning, attention, and decision-making.

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Whay Makes Shaklee Products Different

Labels: ADHD, hyperfocus, procrastination, time agnosia, time blindness

BY DONOVAN BALDWIN

Rain beats rhythms on your skin

A symphony of secret sin.

I trace them as they strike and flow

Lips and tongue behind them go.

Breathless, I chase the silver sting,

A thirst for wildness, on the wing.

Your skin, a canvas, etched with rain,

My lips, medicine for your pain.

Eager, I pursue each drop

Hoping storms will never stop.

Your body only clothed by rain

So tempting to my fevered brain.

You my feast neath weeping sky,

Dance seductively as I

Touch and taste and drink my fill

Fingers drifting where they will.

So let the rain caress your skin,

Awash with past and future sin,

A promise in those beating drops,

Arousing love that never stops.

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REVITOL SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Labels: donovan baldwin, love poem, poem, poem about rain, poetry

Weight lifting is a highly effective way to stimulate muscle growth, a process known as hypertrophy. Here's a breakdown of the key principles and how to approach it:   

The Science of Muscle Growth

When you lift weights that challenge your muscles, it causes microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. Your body then repairs this damage, and in the process, it builds new, stronger muscle fibers, leading to an increase in muscle size over time. This process is influenced by several factors:   

Mechanical Tension: Lifting heavy weights and controlling the movement creates tension in the muscles, which is a primary trigger for growth.   

Metabolic Stress: When you perform a moderate to high number of repetitions, your muscles experience metabolic stress due to the buildup of byproducts like lactate. This also signals the body to adapt and grow.  

Muscle Damage: The micro-tears that occur during lifting stimulate a repair response, leading to muscle growth. 

Key Principles for Muscle Growth

To maximize muscle growth through weight lifting, focus on these principles:

Progressive Overload: 

This is the most crucial principle. To continuously stimulate muscle growth, you need to gradually increase the demands on your muscles over time. This can be done by:

• Lifting heavier weights.
• Performing more repetitions.
• Increasing the number of sets.
• Reducing rest times between sets.
• Improving exercise technique.

Volume: 

The total amount of work you do (sets x reps x weight) is a significant factor in muscle growth. Aim for a moderate to high volume of training per muscle group per week.

Intensity: 

Lifting weights that are challenging enough to fatigue your muscles within a specific rep range is essential. For hypertrophy, a common recommendation is 6-12 repetitions per set with a weight that is 65-85% of your one-repetition maximum (the heaviest weight you can lift for one repetition).   

Time Under Tension (TUT): 

The duration your muscles are under strain during a set can influence muscle growth. Aim for a TUT of around 40-70 seconds per set. This often translates to controlled movements with a focus on both the lifting (concentric) and lowering (eccentric) phases of the exercise.  

Rest and Recovery: 

Muscles don't grow during your workouts; they grow during rest. Ensure you get adequate sleep (7-9 hours) and allow sufficient recovery time between training sessions for the same muscle groups (typically 24-72 hours, depending on intensity and volume).

Proper Form: 

Using correct technique is crucial for targeting the intended muscles and preventing injuries. Focus on controlled movements through a full range of motion.   

Mind-Muscle Connection: 

Focusing on the muscles you are working during each exercise can help to activate more muscle fibers and enhance growth.   

Frequency: 

training each major muscle group at least two times per week is generally recommended for optimal muscle growth.   

Sample Weight Lifting Strategies for Muscle Growth

Full Body: 

Train all major muscle groups in each session, 2-3 times per week.

Upper/Lower Split: 

Alternate between upper body and lower body workouts on different days.

Push/Pull/Legs: 

Divide workouts based on movement patterns (pushing exercises like chest press and shoulder press, pulling exercises like rows and pull-ups, and leg exercises). 

 Muscle Group Focus: Dedicate specific days to training individual muscle groups (e.g., chest day, back day, leg day). 

Important Considerations

Nutrition:

Adequate protein intake (around 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day) is essential for muscle repair and growth. A sufficient calorie intake, with a slight surplus if your goal is primarily muscle gain, is also important. 

Consistency: 

Muscle growth is a gradual process that requires consistent effort over time. Stick with your training program and be patient.   

Listen to Your Body: 

Pay attention to signs of overtraining, such as excessive soreness, fatigue, and decreased performance. Adjust your training as needed.  

Warm-up and Cool-down: 

Always include a warm-up before your workouts to prepare your muscles and a cool-down afterward to aid in recovery and flexibility.

In Conclusion

By understanding and applying these principles, you can design an effective weight lifting program to achieve your muscle growth goals. Consider consulting with a certified personal trainer for personalized guidance and program design.

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RELATED ARTICLE: Can You Use Weightlifting to Increase Muscle Size?

Labels: hypertrophy, mind muscle connection, muscle growth, nutrition, science of muscle growth, time under tension, weight lifting, weight training