California Center of Longevity Medicine
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Los Angeles Longevity & Functional Medicine Doctor

Dr. Allan Kurtz

Board Certified Internal Medicine
Fellowship in Functional Medicine

Heart Attack and Stroke
Prevention Center of Southern California





Health Tips Blog


Which Supplements Help Support Cardiovascular Health?

By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 13, 2015


Studies have shown that specific nutrient supplements are particularly helpful when it comes to promoting cardiovascular health. From CoQ10 to Fish Oil and D-Ribose to L-Carnitine, here's an overview of why these supplements are especially helpful in keeping your heart healthy.

CoQ10
Also known as ubiquinone and ubiquinol, your body naturally produces CoQ10, as it is vital for normal functioning of cells. Adding additional CoQ10 to your daily vitamin, diet and mineral intake may help to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the primary risk factors for developing cardiovascular disorders including heart disease, so keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level is a goal all Southern Californians ought to strive towards.


Fish Oil
Fish oils which have Omega-3 Fatty Acids are incredibly helpful in lowering triglycerides, which can cause clots in the arteries. Fish oil has shown to reduce high triglyceride levels by as much as 50%. Like CoQ10, fish oil is also known for lowering blood pressure, which will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.


D-Ribose
Studies have shown that D-Ribose has had positive health benefits for patients suffering from coronary artery disease. This disease prevents those who have it from getting adequate levels of blood and oxygen to the heart during exercise, resulting in chest pains. It is vital that all people be able to engage in some form of physical activity, so D-Ribose can be helpful in allowing Southern Californians suffering from angina to exercise more comfortably. This then helps to promote a healthier heart and cardiovascular system.


L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine has been shown to help those who experience chest pain (angina) when exercising. By reducing discomfort, those who have chest pain are able to increase their activity level, which brings about wonderful health benefits, from lowing blood pressure, to promoting a healthy blood flow to vital organs. L-Carnitine also has been shown to reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism including a rapid heartbeat. In addition, some studies have shown that L-Carnitine reduces the risk of inflammation of the heart, and subsequently death from myocarditis.


Time Release Niacin
Niacin, which is a B vitamin has been used to increase "good" cholesterol for years. HDL, or "good" cholesterol may be increased by more than 30% when Niacin is added as a nutritional supplement. This increase in "good" cholesterol helps to absorb "bad" or LDL cholesterol and transport it to your liver to be filtered/disposed.

It's important that all Southern Californians looking to add nutritional supplements to their diet and exercise routine, first consult a Board Certified physician. Dr. Allan Kurtz is a Board Certified Internist, specializing in integrative wellness and creating optimal health and longevity for his patients. Dr. Kurtz has been in private practice since 1984. He is fellowship trained in Functional Medicine, and Integrative Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and The Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Kurtz founded the California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine, and welcomes new patients.

Schedule a consultation by calling 818-346-1440.