Vitamin D (10,000IU): There is growing evidence that Vitamin D may be the newest "must have" supplement for heart disease sufferers (especially if you live in a region without a lot of sun). You want vitamin D3 (not D2) and the oil-based preparations are purportedly more bio-available. I know Dr. Davis of Track Your Plaque swears he is seeing more and more clinical evidence of plaque reduction in his practice among Vitamin D takers. I am a little more skeptical but his success is hard to argue with. I take 10,000IU per day to reach Doc Davis' recommended blood level of 60ng/dL - many others need much less. 'Nuff said!"
Vitamin K2 (100mcg MK7): Deficiency of K2 in both mice and humans is associated with coronary calcification; low vitamin K2 levels are associated with increased activity of Gla matrix protein, an enzyme that causes calcium deposition in artery walls (there was similar association for K1). People who take warfarin (Coumadin®), a potent blocker of vitamin K2, experience more arterial and heart valve calcification. This plus other evidence led me to adding K2 to my regimen.
Armour Thyroid (1 grain): I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis a form of hypothyroidism and a potent cause of heart disease. Many endocrinologists dislike Armour Thyroid, a natural product derived from porcine thyroids (that's right - pigs) and will only prescribe synthetic levothyroxine. I won't spend any a lot of space telling you why they are misdirected snobs. That is for another post! Suffice to say Armour Thyroid provide both T4 and T3 (the two main thyroid hormones) while levothyroxine only provides T4 which is expected to degrade into T3.
Kelp (125mg): Kelp, that's right again - seaweed. I take it for the iodine content to help what is left of my thyroid to function better.
Selenium (100mcg): Selenium is great anti-oxidant with a number of purported health benefits. I take it because it is also used as a thyroid support supplement.
So there is my laundry list. Any challengers?
Looking out for your heart health,
HeartHawk
