CoQ10 Has Many Health Benefits
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2006/2/cover_coq10/page-01CoQ10 is a naturally occurring substance found in all of your body's cells. It's like a vitamin and its main function is to help produce energy. It also functions as an antioxidant, protecting your cells, tissues and muscles from damage that can lead to premature aging and disease.
As we age, levels of CoQ10 production decrease, so supplementation of the co-enzyme may help restore normal function in many different areas. Patients with heart disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes and muscular dystrophy generally have low CoQ10 levels.
CoQ10 also has benefit in treating impotence. It works in this area in several ways. The first is that it increases blood flow by dilating blood vessels. The lack of blood flow to the penis is a main cause of erectile dysfunction. Secondly, CoQ10 helps lower blood pressure, which is often a root cause for impotence.
Finally, CoQ10 protects your nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide is very important to achieving and maintaining an erection. In fact, most impotence drugs like Viagra work, in part, by increasing the body's sensitivity to the rising nitric oxide levels that naturally come with arousal.
By increasing nitric oxide levels with CoQ10, men may find it easier to have and maintain an erection, especially when these higher nitric oxide levels are accompanied by increased blood flow.
One study in the European Heart Journal, conducted in 2007, found CoQ10 to be especially beneficial in treating impotent men with coronary artery disease. Because coronary artery disease is one of the known causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), the study concentrated on these men, whose ED cause was well known.
The study showed significant improvement in impotence symptoms with the use of CoQ10, along with an overall increase in blood flow. Similar results have been shown in studies on men whose ED is a side effect of other chronic illnesses, like diabetes.
How should I take CoQ10 for impotence?
Regardless of the reasons for your impotence, it is important to work with your doctor for treatment. In particular, when ED is a side effect of a serious chronic illness, like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, treating the root cause is critical.
CoQ10 is available at all health food and vitamin stores. Choose the ubiquinol form, which is the most potent, and take the supplement with a meal containing some fat, for proper absorption.
A dosage of 90 to 120 mg is typically recommended. The supplement is relatively free of side effects, and can usually be taken along with your regular medications. However, it is wise to check with your doctor before beginning to take this supplement.
Browse: CoQ10 benefits
CoQ10 is one of the most valuable supplements available. It has many potential benefits in reducing the symptoms of serious diseases that plague us as we get older. In addition, it may be just the boost your body needs to keep your sex life in tip top shape, too.
