-IBIS-1.7.6-
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cardiovascular system
Atherosclerosis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Atherosclerosis is the most common form of heart disease. It mainly affects the arteries of the brain and heart, although other arteries may be involved. It is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of the arteries. This buildup causes the artery walls to become hardened and clogged. The blood flow becomes restricted, clots form, and the arteries deteriorate.
The symptoms of atherosclerosis include high blood pressure, chest pains that spread to the left arm and shoulder, feelings of tightness in the chest, leg cramps, mental confusion, weakness, and dizziness. Some people develop a characteristic diagonal crease on the earlobe caused by the collapse of blood vessels. This can be one of the earliest signs that a person is developing heart disease. However, atherosclerosis may develop over a period of several years without showing any outward symptoms.
Atherosclerosis is most likely to develop in individuals with poor eating and lifestyle habits such
as smoking or alcohol abuse. The most effective treatment for atherosclerosis is prevention and changes in diet and lifestyle.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Psyllium seed, guar gum, or pectin 1 tablespoon mixed in 1 cup of water at night before bedtime. This fiber will bind cholesterol in the intestines so it can be excreted.
2. Flaxseed oil 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.
3. A multi-vitamin sipplement daily and according to the product label.
4. Carnitine 1,000 milligrams per day.
5. Pantothenic acid 1,000 milligrams per day.
6. Magnesium 400 milligrams per day.
7. Vitamin E 400 to 800 Units a day.
8. Vitamin C 1, 000 milligrams, 3 times a day.
THE PROPER DIET FOR ATHEROSCLEROSIS WILL INCLUDE:
1. It is important to maintain an overall healthy diet. A healthy diet should include daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and millet), fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat.
2. As much as possible, avoid sugar foods such as candy, cake, cookies, and refined carbohydrates such as white flour products and white rice. Use, instead, whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.
3. Eliminate or greatly reduce animal products in your diet such as meat, organ foods such as liver, and eggs, cheese, milk, sour cream, and other dairy products.
4. Eat an ample amount of dietary fiber. Eat at least 2 of the following foods daily: 1 bowl of salad, 1 cup of cooked leafy green vegetables, 1 apple, 1 tablespoon of oat bran, or 2 carrots.
5. Fish that is rich in essential fatty acids such as mackerel, herring, and salmon at least twice per week. Also take a salmon oil supplement 2 capsules with each meal.
6. Eliminate or at least greatly reduce consumption of coffee and alcohol.
7. Avoid fried foods.
8. Add soy products to the diet, such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and soy beans.
9. Eat 4 ounces of nonfat yogurt each day, and take 1 Lactobacillus capsule with each meal.
HERBS USED FOR ATHEROSCLEROSIS:
Onions, Garlic, and Ginger are recommended for their ability to counteract the effects of atherosclerosis. Include them raw as well as cooked in your diet a often as possible.
PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Regular exercise is essential. At least 30 minutes 3 times per week should be engaged in physical exercise that will get your heart working vigorously. Brisk walking, aerobics, swimming, tennis, and racquetball are all excellent forms of exercise. If you have been sedentary for awhile, consult your physician before starting a rigorous exercise program.
2. Stress should be effectively dealt with through stress management techniques such as visualization and meditation.
Clinic
Footnotes
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