Heart Health Requires Vitamin K

For decades heart health has only Involved diet and exercise. Unfortunately, most people have a really poor diet, void of essential nutrition and get minimal to zero exercise and wonder why they have high blood pressure and cardiac challenges. Remember that health is earned, not granted. We have taken a Vitamin K2 supplement for a couple years after learning of its essential benefits. In addition to an organic non-processed diet (most of the time), daily exercise and weekly Chiropractic... everything you can possibly due to achieve heart health and avoid Rx and surgeries for a lifetime. We also have eaten fermented foods, daily, for the past decade... another key element to your health! 

Vitamin K exists in two main forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Vitamin K2 is further divided into several subtypes, with MK4 and MK7 being the most studied in relation to heart health. 

- Vitamin K1 is primarily found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. It plays a key role in blood clotting, helping the body prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur. 

- Vitamin K2 Is found in fermented foods and animal products, particularly in organ meats, cheeses, and eggs. The most significant subtypes of K2 are MK4 and MK7:

 - MK4 is found in animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy. It is also present in small amounts in some fermented foods.

 - MK7 is abundant in fermented foods, especially natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. It is also present in some cheeses and other fermented products.

The Role of MK4 and MK7 in Cardiovascular Health 

MK4 and MK7 have distinct roles In the body, particularly in relation to heart health: 

- MK4 is involved in the activation of proteins that regulate calcium in the body. It helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth, where it belongs, and away from the arteries, where it can cause harmful calcification. Some studies suggest that MK4 may help reduce arterial stiffness, a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 

- MK7 has a longer half-life in the body compared to MK4, meaning it stays active longer. This prolonged activity is thought to make MK7 particularly effective at preventing calcium buildup in the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Research indicates that MK7 supplementation can improve arterial flexibility and reduce the progression of arterial calcification, which are critical factors in maintaining cardiovascular health. 

A study published In Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that MK7 supplementation for three years significantly decreased arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. Another study showed that high intake of MK7 was associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. 

ChiroPatrick * bennettchiro.net * 818-766-0118