NUTRITION NEWS:
New Form of CoQ10, which is up to 8 times more bioavailable, has apparently been developed by a Japanese company. This new form of ubiquinol CoQ10 raises blood levels in human studies more than 8 times what the ubiquinone used was able to accomplish. More coming on this as it is available. I recommend this supplement for heart health and to offset the muscle damage caused by statin drugs for lowering cholesterol (Lipitor, etc.).

Pomegranate may reverse atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), while protecting against cancer. A UCLA study shows it improves blood flow and slows PSA elevation in prostate cancer patients. Juices are expensive and full of sugar. There are several sources available allowing the benefits without the sugars (capsules or extracts). Let me know if interested and I can direct you to sources.

Vitamin K: studies suggest vitamin K (K2 version appears to be absorbed better and more bioactive) which is found in dairy products and fermented soy natto, may help impede atherosclerosis, protect arteries from calcification and reduce arterial disease while helping to prevent osteporosis.

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP:
I frequently get questions on the best type of bed to buy. A lot of patients get tired of waking up hurting. They try another bed while on vacation and don't hurt and suddenly realize it may be the mattress they are using. Personally, I find memory foam mattresses or a good orthopedic support mattress with a memory foam topper to work the best. Pillow tops in my opinion are worthless. They feel good for a month or two and then begin to "hammock" as the cotton fibers compress and lose their air spaces. I don't know of any good method to restore a pillow top. Memory foam, on the other hand, is viscoelastic. That means it restores to its normal shape.

Salvaging an existing mattress could be as simple as putting a piece of plywood under your existing non-pillow top mattress (if you should be so lucky) and adding a memory foam topper. These are available at several places. Tempur Pedics are great mattresses but can be expensive.