But if CoQ10 is biosynthesized in our bodies why do we often suffer from deficiency? There are at least three causes. The first is an insufficient diet. Dietary intake of CoQ10 is an important factor in total blood and tissue levels of compound. If we do not consume enough of foods that contain CoQ10 then body must make up difference. Further, biosynthesis of Coenzyme Q10 is a complex 17-step process involving a whole string of B vitamins, vitamin C and pantothenic acid. Diets deficient in these compounds make CoQ10 synthesis impossible. This is not place to discuss condition of average diet and vitamin deficient nature of many of our food sources. Suffice it to say that most of us do not get nearly enough CoQ10 or other vitamins necessary for optimal synthesis.

The second cause of deficiency is linked to first, and that is impairment of CoQ10 biosynthesis. In addition to inadequate intakes of compounds necessary to make CoQ10 there are other biological reasons for inadequate production of it. These might include physiological conditions and chronic diseases that cause failure in production. The treatments of diseases can also be a factor. For instance use of statins to control cholesterol levels has been implicated in depletion of CoQ10 levels. The catch-22 is, in treating heart disease we use drugs that deplete natural compounds that in turn are necessary to fight heart disease.

The third cause of CoQ10 deficiency is excessive use of compound by body. This again can be related to medications, aging or other causes such as excessive exertion, hypermetabolism, and acute shock states.

The real cause of CoQ10 deficiency is usually a combination of these three influences. It is likely that average CoQ10 levels which have been observed in humans are suboptimal. In other words, normal levels of CoQ10 that have become standard for comparisons are very likely less than optimal. That would mean that extremely low levels observed in connection with chronic diseases are just worse case scenarios and that other less serious maladies are connected with lesser levels of deficiency.

If this sounds too much like laboratory theory, it isn’t. Patients who suffer from chronic diseases and also demonstrate extreme low levels of CoQ10 are not laboratory specimens. They are people who, in many cases, have been greatly helped by CoQ10 supplementation. If chronic disease is only tip of iceberg when it comes to CoQ10 deficiency one is forced to wonder what better diets and CoQ10 supplementing could do for eradication of diseases and other chronic conditions.

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/coq10.html

•Appreciate aroma and appearance of your food. Notice colors, textures, and smells of food and imagine what it will taste like.

•Decide which food looks most appetizing and start eating that food first. If you save best until last, you may want to eat it even if you are full.

•Savor aromas and tastes of your food as you eat it. Put your fork down between bites and be conscious of all different sensations you are experiencing.

•If you notice that you are not enjoying what you chose, choose something else if possible. Eating food you do not enjoy will leave you feeling dissatisfied.

•Pause in middle of eating for at least two full minutes. Estimate how much more food it will take to fill you to comfortable satiety.

•Push your plate forward or get up from table as soon as you feel satisfied. The desire to keep eating will pass quickly. Keep in mind that you’ll eat again when you are hungry.

•When you finish eating notice how you feel. If you overate, don’t punish yourself. Instead, be aware of physical and/or emotional discomfort that often accompanies being overly full and create a plan to decrease likelihood that you will overeat next time.

By choosing to eat mindfully and experience most pleasure from your eating, managing your weight will become easier and more enjoyable. Once you have experienced increased pleasure from eating mindfully, you may be motivated to become more mindful during other activities too. Living “in moment” and becoming more aware can increase your enjoyment and effectiveness in everything you do!

Michelle May, M.D. is a practicing Board Certified Family Physician with expertise in the cognitive-behavioral aspects of weight management. She is the author of Am I Hungry? What To Do When Diets Don’t Work in collaboration with a Registered Dietitian and Psychologist. Visit her website www.AmIHungry.com for free health information, or sign up for fun and interactive workshops to help you achieve your health and weight loss goals.