The Health Diva

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease of the arteries characterised by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material. This eventually hardens and partially blocks the artery, causing the formation of a blood clot behind it. Generally this condition worsens with age, and is most dangerous when the arteries supplying blood to the heart and brain are affected.

People with elevated cholesterol levels are much more likely to have atherosclerosis than are people with low cholesterol levels. Many important nutritional approaches to protecting against atherosclerosis are aimed at lowering serum cholesterol levels. People with diabetes are also at very high risk for atherosclerosis; those with elevated triglycerides may have an increased risk as well.

Atherosclerosis is typically a silent disease until one of the many late-stage vascular manifestations intervenes. Some people with atherosclerosis may experience angina (chest pain) or intermittent claudication leg cramps and pain) on exertion. Symptoms develop gradually as the disease progresses.

Natural Remedies for Atherosclerosis

Omega 3 Essential fats, found in fish oils, nuts, and seeds have been found in many studies to significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Recent studies in Denmark found that fish oil could reduce the chances of sudden death in heart attack patients by as much as 50%. It also offers increased protection against developing heart disease in the first place. It is the essential Omega 3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) present in fish oil that are responsible for these anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic and anti-coagulant effects. EPA in particular helps the body to produce anti-inflammatory substances. If we produce too many pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, then we increase our chances of developing arteriosclerosis, blood clots, and ultimately, heart disease. IF you don’t like eating fish is Flax (Linseed) Oil is a rich vegetarian source of omega 3 oils. Supplement levels typically 1000-3000mg either fish or Flax oil per day.

Antioxidant nutrients such as beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamin C all help to keep your heart healthy by fighting off free radical damage. Vitamin E supplements taken daily have been shown to help protect your heart. Supplement levels of Vitamin E typically 400- 1000 iu’s per day.

Vitamin C’s role in the fight against heart disease was Championed by Noble laureate Linus Pauling, Ph.D. The results of most studies indicated that low or deficient intakes of vitamin C were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases was 42% lower in men and 25% lower in women who consumed more than 50 mg/day of dietary vitamin C and who regularly took vitamin C supplements, corresponding to a total vitamin C intake of about 300 mg/day. Supplement levels typically 500-3000mg per day.

Coenzyme Q10’s antioxidant action helps protect cholesterol from oxidation, a primary cause of arterial damage. Use of statin drugs has been shown to deplete Co Q10 levels. Supplement levels typically 30- 400 mg depending upon the condition.

Magnesium is essential for a healthy heart. It helps to co-ordinate your heartbeat and protects the nerves and arteries surrounding it. Supplement levels typically 200-400mg per day.

Garlic is a highly regarded herbal remedy; randomized trials suggest the benefits of garlic in the prevention of platelet aggregation and thrombosis (the formation of plaques in the blood), the cause of arteriosclerosis. Supplement levels typically 600-900mg per day.

Hawthorne berries are widely employed for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats, palpitations), high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries; this gentle heart support herb is classed as a cardiac tonic. Supplement levels typically 500-1000 mg per day.