The Awesome Foursome SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEART HEALTH
As physicians, we spend most of our time treating medical conditions after they’ve occurred, often by writing prescriptions. I think all of us can agree we need to do more to prevent illnesses. To that end, we should examine alternative integrative treatments when they can supplement standard pharmaceutical remedies. With that in mind, I want to share some lessons from a book called “The Sinatra Solution: Metabolic Cardiology” by board-certified cardiologist Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra. Sinatra explains that the primary function of mitochondria in our cells is to generate energy, specifically adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is critical to nearly all bodily functions, including our heart, which needs a great deal of energy to pump blood throughout our bodies. Through extensive trials and research, scientists have shown certain supplements boost our production of ATP, particularly when taken together. They’re what Sinatra calls “The Awesome Foursome:” coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), L-carnitine, D-ribose, and magnesium. Our cells and mitochondria need each of them to generate adequate ATP. Specifically, D-ribose helps your body create the building blocks of ATP, while CoQ10 and L-carnitine convert it into “fuel,” and magnesium ignites the required metabolic reactions. In simpler terms, these four supplements give our bodies more energy and protect our heart health. A shortage of ATP strains our hearts as these cardiac cells struggle to do the necessary work to keep us alive. Around age 40, our natural production of CoQ10 and L-carnitine begins to decrease, which is one
of the reasons we associate aging with lower energy levels. Worse yet, beta blockers and statins, which are heavily prescribed, can further slow CoQ10 production.
The Awesome Foursome can help many people with heart disease, hypertension,
congestive heart failure, and even fibromyalgia. Many studies show people with these conditions, who have not done well on traditional pharmaceutical solutions alone, can respond better with adding these four supplements. But
you need not have existing medical problems to benefit. Over the past five years, I have noticed improved daily energy while taking the recommended doses of each of these supplements. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before beginning any new supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medication. The risks of interaction with the Awesome Foursome are very low, but they do exist. Further, you should never stop taking prescription medications without your physician’s guidance. Consider talking to your doctor about how these supplements might help. For more information about Dr Stephen T. Sinatra, visit HeartMDInstitute.com .
Cod and Asparagus Bake Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • Oil for baking pan • 4 4-oz cod fillets
• 1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
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DIRECTIONS
“You and I are siblings. Always remember that if you fall, I will pick you up — as soon as I finish laughing.” –Anonymous
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a 15x10x1-inch baking pan brushed with oil, place cod, asparagus, and tomatoes. 2. Brush cod with lemon juice, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle cod and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 12 minutes. 3. Remove pan from oven; preheat broiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4 inches from the heat source until vegetables are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
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