BzW-ani.gif (19954 bytes)BzWoman.com  

Home - AskJenna - Books - Career /Business - Financial MattersHealth/FitnessHerbal Medicine - Horoscope - Marriage/Family - Motivational - Solutions - Wisdom - email

  Herbal Medicine @BzWoman.com

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a very common disease of the major blood vessels. It is characterized by fatty streaks along the vessel walls and deposits of cholesterol and calcium.  Arteriosclerosis of arteries supplying the heart is called coronary artery disease. It can restrict the flow of blood  to the heart, which often triggers heart attacks. Arteriosclerosis of the arteries supplying the legs causes a condition called intermittent claudication.

People with high cholesterol level are much more likely to have arteriosclerosis than people with low cholesterol level. People with diabetes are also at very high risk for arteriosclerosis.

Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, losing excess weight, reduce stress, and watch your diet closely.

Dietary changes: Avoid meat & dairy products, increasing fiber, and avoid food that contains Trans fatty acids. A pure vegetarian diet-meaning no meat, poultry, dairy, or eggs-combined with exercise and stress reduction has been proven by medical research.

Helpful Nutrients: Garlic acts as a blood thinner, take garlic capsules (900mg per day). Vitamin E (400-800 IU per day), is an antioxidant that protects LDL from oxidative damage. Vitamin C (1 gram per day) also protects LDL. Selenium (100-200 mcg per day) has shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Quercetin (35mg per day) also protects LDL cholesterol from damage. Many doctors recommend vitamin B6 (50 mg), B12 (100-300 mcg), and folic acid ( 800mcg) lowers the homocysteine levels. Chondroitin sulfate is another nutrient that may prove to be important for healthy blood vessels. Resveratrol, found primarily in red wine, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that decreases the "stickiness" of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible.

Helpful Herbs: Asian ginseng, Bilberry, Butcher's broom, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo biloba, Guggul, Hawthorn, Psyllium, and turmeric.

  Herbal Medicine

Home - AskJenna - Books - Career /Business - Financial mattersHealth/FitnessHerbal Medicine - Horoscope - Marriage/Family - Motivational - Solutions - Wisdom - email