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 by Dr. Rita Louise
Arteriosclerosis is a term which describes a series of diseases in which the walls of the arteries become thickened and loose their ability to stretch. This process is commonly referred to as "hardening of the arteries". Arteriosclerosis affects the large arteries and has been found to be the underlying condition in most cases of coronary heart disease, aortic aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke.
Hardening of the arterial walls is due to deposits of plaque, composed of lipids, cholesterol crystals and calcium salts, which build up, thereby narrowing and reducing the space available for our blood to flow. This narrowing and hardening of the arteries has a dramatic impact on blood pressure, meaning that the heart has to work harder to pump blood through our bodies.
At younger ages, men are at a higher risk of this disease than woman. Women, however, who have experienced menopause are at the same risk of developing this disease as men. Risk factors can be used to help indicate the potential for developing arteriosclerosis. These include: a history of high blood pressure, increased low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels with a corresponding decrease in high density lipoproteins (HDL), cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity, a family history of arteriosclerosis, physical inactivity, and increased age.
Currently there aren't any definitive tests or screening methods to easily detect arteriosclerosis, so many people do not know if they are affected with this disorder. There are, however, indicators of arteriosclerosis which can include decreased blood flow, angina (tightening pain in the chest), and pain in the legs while walking that ceases upon rest. If you experience any of these indicators, you might want to contact your primary health care provider. In addition, below are a number of alternative and natural things you can do to help restore your health.
Recommendations for Wellness
- Consume a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight for your height. Obesity causes unfavorable changes in the serum lipoprotein levels.
- Begin a moderate exercise program. Walking daily is a great way to start.
- Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke.
- Antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and selenium), such as those found in Defense Maintenance or Super Antioxidant, aid in destroying free radicals.
- Coenzyme Q10 can improve tissue oxygenation.
- Calcium/Magnesium is required to maintain proper muscle tone, including the muscles that support the arteries and veins. Select a chelated form that includes vitamin D for increased uptake.
- Capsicum (cayenne pepper), ginkgo biloba and hawthorn berries are all helpful in improving circulation.
- Garlic and vitamin E has been shown to prevent excessive platelet adhesion in humans and also has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
- The herb butchers broom has a long history of use for diseases of the veins. It is also traditionally known as a circulatory stimulant.
- Mega Chel can be used to clean and nourish the circulatory system, including the arteries. It can be used therapeutically for chelation therapy.
- To maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supplement with Gugul Lipids. Gugul Lipids also have a history of thinning the blood as well.
This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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