Unfortunately, a deficiency of this all-important nutrient can stem from many different causes such as stress, pollution and the so-called cholesterol alternatives. Plus, your natural CoQ10 levels automatically start to drop as you advance in age.

This lack of healthy CoQ10 levels can open the door to less-than-optimal immune function, occasional fatigue and imbalanced blood pressure. But appropriate amounts not only provide much-needed energy for your body, but also help stimulate your immune system, support balanced blood pressure, maintain proper blood sugar levels and boost your vision.

And most importantly, CoQ10 helps if you…

• Promote heart pumping strength and healthy cardiovascular function. Your heart is the most responsive of all organs to CoQ10, and it contains and requires more CoQ10 than any other organ in your body.
• Supply antioxidant protection for your brain’s cells to help defend against free radicals. The nutrient may also support optimal brain function even during the course of normal healthy aging and the [slowdown] of mitochondrial function, according to Lester Packer, Ph.D., in The Antioxidant Miracle.

To protect your overall health, you must ensure that your body has adequate levels of CoQ10. Finding a high-quality, crystal-free nutritional supplement that includes healthy fats for maximum absorption is the best way to fulfill your body’s requirements for this essential nutrient.

However, a recent article published by the Huffington Post highlighted several natural ways that individuals can consider using to help promote good digestive health.

The news provider explained that the same chemicals and hormones that affect the brain also have an impact on the gut. Therefore, using methods of stress reductions such as yoga or meditation may help promote a balance of these compounds that could potentially relieve digestive symptoms.

Peppermint oil may have a soothing effect on a person’s digestive system. The news source cited a study that appeared in the journal Nutrition in Clinical Practice, which found that peppermint oil capsules were more effective for promoting good digestive health than some other conventional choices.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, as many as 70 million Americans are affected by digestive health problems.

While other regions in Japan grew rice, the hilly terrain of this village proved better suited for harvesting healthier carbohydrates like satsumaimo (a type of sweet potato), satoimo (a sticky white potato), imoji (a potato root), and konyaku (a gelatinous root vegetable). And the common ingredient in these foods is a joint-supportive nutrient called hyaluronic acid (HA).

HA is a water-gelling molecule contained in the synovial fluid surrounding your joints, cartilage and skin tissues. Synovial fluid functions as a lubricant, nutrient carrier and shock absorber for your bones and joints.

To perform its duties, the synovial fluid must contain ample amounts of HA. However, as you get older your natural production of HA starts to decrease. This can lead to…

• Intermittently stiff joints
• Creaking knees
• Less flexible finger joints
• Knotted shoulders
• Sore elbows

But eating foods with HA can help maintain joint flexibility. You can further benefit your joints by adding quality supplements to your diet that contain not only HA, but also collagen and chondroitin sulfate—two more nutrients that help maintain your joints and your synovial fluid. By taking these precautions to support your body’s production of the fluid, you are taking all-important steps to promote the health of your body’s joints.

Blood pressure measurements below 120/80 have previously been the standard for optimal blood pressure rankings.

However, the researchers found that data from more than 13,000 survey respondents showed no increased risk of death among young adults who had diastolic readings (DBP) 20 points higher than what was considered to be normal, and older adults whose systolic pressures (SBP) were elevated by 20 additional increments.

Significantly higher rates of premature death were only found in participants who were over the age of 50 and had SBPs more than 140 and younger subjects who had DBPs greater than 100.

"We believe considering this kind of approach represents a critical step in ensuring that diagnoses are given only to those with a meaningful elevation in risk, and targeted towards individuals most likely to benefit," lead study author Brent Taylor said.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the cause of more than 56,000 deaths in the United States per year.

However, when your immune system is in proper balance, it naturally protects your body and suppresses an overly vigilant immune response. And an overly vigilant immune system might mistake an innocuous particle like pollen for an unwelcome irritant and can result in annoying seasonal and environmental sensitivities. Or an unbalanced immune system may trigger an unnecessary reaction like inflammation which could lead to downstream effects on your heart, blood sugar, joints and weight.

But you can promote healthy immune function through natural nutrients such as…

• Immunel—Derived from colostrum, the “first milk” most babies receive from their mothers, this nutrient is rich in antibodies and promotes phagocyte activity, which monitor and protect your system in order to keep you healthy.
• SCF brewer’s yeast—A fermented, all-natural yeast that can help regulate immune balance to reduce the effects of seasonal and environmental sensitivities, support respiratory health and shorten the duration of unpleasant symptoms.
• Immune Assist Micron—An organic compound derived from six “super” mushrooms, this nutrient can boost and balance your immune system with much greater potency than any immune-boosting mushroom on earth.

So if you’re tired of sneezing your way through every spring and feeling the need for an immune health pick-me-up in the winter, remember that both boosting and balancing your immune system, and helping your immune system to be “at rest” and ready to respond quickly to health problems are all keys to supporting good health and a more active and effective lifestyle.

A recent study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis indicates that saving fish livers for the dinner table, as opposed to disposing of them before the fish are sold, may be a win-win solution for individuals’ health and the environment.

The researchers explained that some fish livers, especially those found in anchovies, contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have previously been used to help support overall health.
"The livers of edible fish are a good source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially those in the omega-3 family, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid," said the study’s lead author José Luis Guil-Guerrero.

The scientists found that LCPUFA may account for more than half of the total fatty acid liver content in some species of fish, including anchovies and great weevers. They also noted that saving these livers for human consumption may help address the problem of ocean pollution due to fish innards being thrown overboard by seamen.

A simple way to boost your eye health is by eating nourishing foods rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Make it a habit to load your diet with foods packed with omega-3 fatty acids. And eat plenty of fruits and veggies that contain zeaxanthin and lutein, as well as whole foods containing zinc and vitamins A, C and E.

Some of the best eye-protecting foods include dark, leafy greens, apples, broccoli, brown rice, butterbeans, cabbage, carrots, cashews, chickpeas, coconut, grapefruit, grapes, green beans, lentils, mushrooms, onions, oranges, peaches, peanuts, pears, pinto beans, rolled oats, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, walnuts, wheat pasta, whole grains and yams.

But you can also help preserve your eyesight by developing good lifestyle choices such as putting down the cigarettes—or never picking them up at all… minimizing your stress levels… exercising regularly… alleviating excessive eyestrain… and taking steps to promote healthy blood circulation.

Nutrients that may boost your vision include taurine, copper, bilberry, black currant, n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), green tea, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), selenium and eyebright, as well as zeaxanthin, zinc and vitamins A, B6, C and E. With this combination of nutritious whole foods, healthy lifestyle choices and eye-supporting nutrients, you should see a difference in your visual health no matter what your age may be.

According to a report from Chiropractic Economics, most adults begin to lose bone mass around the age of 30, which can result in decreased bone and joint strength. However, eating certain foods may offset these effects.

Foods that are rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphate can support optimal bone strength. Nutrients such as flavonoids may help with bone formation. The news source also suggests that alkaline foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help support normal blood pH levels, so that the body doesn’t extract minerals from the bones.

New studies seem to indicate that there may be a new solution in the form of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which can help stimulate the regeneration of bones and the development of new cartilage and tendon strength.

The news provider claims that BMP supplements may enhance the function of joints and muscles when complemented by exercise.

According to Emile Bliznakov, M.D., “Energy is life, and CoQ10 is a crucial component of the energy cycle and therefore of life itself.” Therefore, the more CoQ10 you have in your body, the more life-giving energy you have to…

• Rejuvenate cells and feed healthy ones
• Rejuvenate your aging heart, brain, liver, lungs and other organs
• Protect you from free radical damage that can prematurely age your skin, hair, eyes, muscles and organs
• Power up the energy level to every cell in your body—especially your heart, brain and eyes

Naturally produced in your liver, CoQ10 not only sparks life to all 100 trillion of your body’s cells, but it’s also an antioxidant nutrient that helps support a healthy memory… promote healthy cellular growth… support a healthy heart and brain…  promote healthy muscle function… and promote healthy teeth and gums.

When you’re young, your body produces the necessary levels of CoQ10, but your body’s production declines as you age. To ensure you have adequate amounts of the essential nutrient, you can boost your diet with foods that contain higher levels of CoQ10 such as organ meats (pork heart, pork liver, beef heart or beef liver), oils (soybean, rapeseed or sesame oil), sardines, mackerel and meats such as pork and beef.

Since it’s virtually impossible to effectively boost your CoQ10 levels through diet alone, you should add a high-quality supplement to your daily regimen that contains no crystals but does include healthy fats for maximum absorption. And CoQ10 supplements are non-toxic, safe and easy to take.

A recent article published by the North Shore Sun cited a report from the World Cancer Research Fund. According to this report, there is "convincing evidence" that consuming fiber-rich foods and limiting the intake of red and processed meats can help preserve the health of a person’s colon.

 Fiber consumption can facilitate the healthy function of cells lining the colon, promote the elimination of toxins from food and the environment and support a healthy bacteria balance in the intestines. Excessive red meat consumption, on the other hand, may lead to adverse changes in cellular health and potentially increase inflammation. Foods that contain high amounts of fiber include whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits, the news source explained.

The organization recommended that people aim to consume less than 18 ounces (oz) of red meat per week.