Naturopath recommends vitamin K2 for heart and bone health

 

High doses of calcium and vitamin D could be potentially harmful if not supplemented with vitamin K₂, says Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, ND, author of Vitamin K₂ and the Calcium Paradox: How a Little-Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life.

Vitamin K2, a little-known super-nutrient that humans once thrived on could be the key to reversing heart disease and preventing osteoporosis.

Millions of people take calcium and vitamin D supplements for bone health, but findings released as recently as April 2011 show that this can actually increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, as the added calcium builds up in arteries.  Vitamin K2, a nutrient that disappeared from our diet decades ago, works to help our bones absorb the calcium and keep our arteries clear.

"Vitamin K2 used to be a part of our regular diet," says Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, BSc., ND.  "We got it mainly through eating grass-fed animals and animal products."  When the food industry became industrialized and animals were taken from the pasture to feedlots, "we inadvertently removed vitamin K2 from our diet," explains Rhéaume-Bleue.

Preventing heart disease isn't the only benefit of increased vitamin K2 levels.  The nutrient has been found to improve prenatal health and the rate of fertility, contribute to strong bones and cavity-free teeth in children, and help with the absorption of insulin for those with diabetes.  It also serves as the ultimate anti-aging nutrient, preventing wrinkles, varicose veins and osteoporosis.

"Even a slight K2 deficiency can have a long-term cost," says Rhéaume-Bleue. "It's the triage theory of aging: your body is taking care of more immediate concerns, while degenerative diseases associated with aging, such as osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, quietly develop."

So how to reverse the deficiency and improve our health?

"Vitamin K2 is available as a supplement in every major health food store," says Rhéaume-Bleue, "but one of the best ways to get it is to simply eat locally - grass-fed eggs in particular are exceptionally high in vitamin K2.  Butter, certain types of cheese, and goose liver are also rich in vitamin K2."

Naturopathic Doctor Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, BSc., ND, is a graduate and former faculty member of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and the author of Vitamin K₂ and the Calcium Paradox: How a Little-Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life (Wiley, 2012). As a Canadian expert in natural medicine, Dr. Kate lectures across the country on topics related to health and wellness. As an engaging and sought-after speaker, she is a frequent guest on television and radio, a contributor to several health-related publications and a leading authority on vitamin K₂.

Natural Health Tips for Expecting Mommies

 

As an expectant mother, you will undoubtedly be bombarded with do’s and don’ts: “Eat this,”

“Don’t eat that,” “Do this,” “Don’t do that.” After all, with pregnancy comes the vital task of making sure that your health — and consequently, your baby’s — are of priority throughout the pregnancy and lactation.

But don’t let all of the advice overwhelm you. The following suggestions are simple tips that from the very first symptoms of pregnancy can improve the prospects of good health and normal development for you and your child:

Regular Prenatal Care

Establish care with an obstetrician or midwife early in your pregnancy, and follow their recommendations on how to improve your general viability. Take prenatal vitamins to help ensure a healthy pregnancy, but do not take any other medications or supplements without consulting your provider first. 

Dietary Considerations

Load your plate with fresh produce, whole grains and other healthy and natural choices so that you get all the vital nutrients needed for an expectant mother. A good rule of thumb is to consume five to seven colors in your diet each day. Many women find that eating several smaller meals per day is easier on the digestive system than three normal meals.

Daily Exercise 

This does not mean intense Olympic-level training during your pregnancy! However, engaging in mild to moderate prenatal exercise promotes the circulation of blood throughout the body and helps maintain strong bones and tissue in an expectant mother. Although sit-ups, crunches or other abdominal exercises are not recommended, some good exercises for pregnant women include:

• Yoga
• Swimming
• Brisk walking
• Stationary bicycling 

In addition, every expectant mother should take regular baths, as the glands of the skin become more active than usual. 

Abundant Rest

Exhaustion is a common complaint of expecting mothers. The body goes through a large amount of demanding work to generate a new human life, just when you need to be building up your energy reserve for after baby comes. Therefore rest! Try to take a nap each day if you can.

Comfortable Clothing

Your clothes should be simple and comfortable. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, which could interfere with your blood flow. Wear low-heeled shoes or flats to avoid ankle sprains/strains. A sturdy bra that provides adequate support is recommended as breasts swell during pregnancy.

The “Don’ts” List:

For your health and your baby’s health, there are a few things that you are going to want to avoid:

• Tobacco, alcohol or drugs of any form – Any use of these substances is capable of resulting in a birth defect or a baby that is less than healthy. Check with your doctor or midwife regarding any prescription medications.
• Extensive physical activity – Listen to your body all the time and do what your body is telling you to. No heavy lifting – just ask someone to help you.
• Mercury-containing fish – This list includes shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish, which they may contain enough mercury to interfere with development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.

— Abigail Aiyepola, ND, LM, naturopathic physician, licensed midwife and resident at

Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the teaching clinic of Bastyr University.