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Arteriosclerosis Prevention |
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Arteriosclerosis Prevention by Edward F. Group III, D.C., Ph.D, N.D.,DACBN
The best way to decrease the chance of getting arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis is by the right kind of diet. As mentioned in the previous section, fats and cholesterol (eg. meats, cheeses, cream, butter, chocolates and fried foods) should be reduced or avoided. Alcohol Alcohol readily changes into saturated fat in the human body and can cause the amount of fat in the blood to double. It is hardly surprising then that people who drink a lot of alcohol often have high blood fats. Coffee A report in Food Nutrition News suggested that those people who drink 5 or more cups of coffee a day are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Tobacco Smoking constricts the blood vessels and actually causes arteriosclerosis. It is for this reason that smokers are more than 5 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than non-smokers. Lecithin Protects against arterial damage by breaking up fatty deposits. One ounce of lecithin per day has been shown to effectively reduce blood cholesterol levels. Non- Synthetic Vitamin E Vitamin E reduces the body's requirement of oxygen and thereby helps the heart to function when less oxygen is reaching it through narrowed arteries. Vitamin C Studies have shown that high levels of vitamin C can reduce blood cholesterol levels. Blood vessels require vitamin C to stay healthy and a deficiency is commonly seen in patients admitted to hospital with CHD. One of the largest studies ever done on coronary artery disease (CAD) and angina took place in Scotland where there is a very high rate of CAD. Over 6,000 men between the ages of 35 and 54 were monitored and researchers found that those with low levels of Vitamins C & E had a significantly greater risk of CAD & angina. Vitamin B A lack of vitamin B (and in particular vitamin B6) has been shown to lead to artery damage and that a sufficiency of vitamin B complex has a high priority in preventing arterial disease. Folic Acid When given to patients with hardened arteries, folic acid was found to dilate the smaller arteries and enable them to carry additional blood. This takes pressure off other clogged arteries. Fiber Fibre reduces absorption of cholesterol from foods and increases the elimination of bile acids. Long term studies of over 300 middle aged men revealed that those eating the most fibre had the lowest incidence of cardiovascular disease. One kind of fibre is called pectin which is commonly found in fruits and sunflower seeds. Pectin has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and increase the amount of cholesterol eliminated from the body. Magnesium Patients with coronary heart disease were, in one study, given magnesium injections which produced dramatic clinical improvements including normalizing blood fat levels. Foods rich in magnesium include: green vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and yeast extracts. Vegetarian diet Most medical authorities agree that meat is to be avoided in all cases of cardiovascular disease. This is because meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. In fact the evidence is now irrefutable; one study in 1985 at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands showed that a vegetarian diet could halt and even reverse the build up of plaque on the artery walls (atherosclerosis). Then in 1990 scientists proved that a vegetarian diet alone (without any drugs) could regress coronary heart disease. The study was carefully controlled, an experimental group of patients matched with a control group. The experimental group was given a low fat vegetarian diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes and soya products although they were not restricted in amount or calories. After one year, nearly 90% of those in the experimental group had reduced the size of arterial blockages and increased the blood flow to the heart whereas those in the control group (who had not been eating a vegetarian diet) had worsened. Exercise This is vital for general health and especially important for the cardio-vascular system. In fact, people who do not regularly exercise are three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who do. It is therefore apparent that diet, nutrition and lifestyle should be considered not only in the prevention of CHD but also in remedial treatment. In fact, one study involving nearly 4,000 male volunteers between the ages of 35 and 59, conducted over a period of 7 years revealed that moderate exercise and a low cholesterol diet was an effective means to help reduce the incidence of CAD and atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty Acids Research into the Omega-3 Fatty Acids has revealed that they can help in the treatment and prevention of CAD and angina. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed (linseed), hempseed, cold-pressed olive oil and oil of evening primrose. Hempseed contains 3-4 times the amount of essential fatty acids than fish. Garlic and Onions Many studies have been produced confirming that garlic, and indeed onions, protect against high blood fat levels (including cholesterol), associated and cardio-vascular disease. Researchers discovered many years ago that garlic tincture causes a significant drop in cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Consistent reductions were achieved in all 80 patients treated with garlic. Diet and exercise can change a person's life for the better. The worse situation is by eating the wrong foods and by not getting proper amounts of exercise. Exercise strengths the heart and allows it to work longer. By eating the right foods, you are giving the body the right amount of nutrients it needs to fight off diseases and keep the body going for a long time to come. That is why it is important to educate yourself on the proper diet plan, exercise regimen, and overall way to create a better lifestyle so that you can curb what has happened and continues to plague millions every year – heart attack and heart disease. Your heart was meant to beat for a long time as long as you take good care of it. Know the facts. Know what it takes and do it. Don't wait till suddenly one day you start having pains in the chess and have to go to the hospital because you are having a heart attack. Prevent it now and you will not regret it.
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