ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

What is Arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the blood vessels.



Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. A healthy artery is strong and elastic and the inside lining of the artery ensures unrestricted blood flow. But with increased pressure in the arteries the walls thicken. Arteriosclerosis refers to such thickening of the walls of the arteries due to the presence of calcium or lime which presents itself as a disorder as it restricts the flow of blood to the important organs and tissues.

Arteriosclerosis results in the loss of elasticity of the blood vessels, with a narrowing of the smaller arteries, which hinders free circulation of the blood. These changes may gradually extend to capillaries and veins.

As it is a condition that grows over time and under increased duress it has become a common ailment in modern times, resulting in much of the disability and high death rate among senior citizens. Arteriosclerosis is also more frequent in men than women, especially in the younger age group. It has been estimated that 40 per cent of all men over 40 years of age have a significant degree of obstruction of their coronary arteries and this could lead to a heart attack at any time.

Arteriosclerosis is usually preceded by Atherosclerosis, a kind of degeneration or softening of the inner lining of the blood vessel walls.



The most risky places for such degeneration are the coronary vessels of the heart and the arteries leading to the brain. This disorder is commonly thought of as affecting the heart, but atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis can affect arteries anywhere in the body. Atherosclerosis can also lead to a bulge in the wall of the artery causing aneurysm.

Unfortunately, among some people with arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis the symptoms are delayed until one or more arteries are so hardened that they cause a medical emergency. Keeping an eye on warning signs and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important factors to look out for when combating arteriosclerosis.

Symptoms of Arteriosclerosis:

1. There may be numbness and coldness in the feet and cramps and pains in the legs even after light exertion this is because signs of inadequate blood supply generally appear first in the legs.

2. If the coronary arteries are involved, the patient may have sharp pains, characteristic of angina pectoris, when arteries leading to the brain are involved.

Consequences of Arteriosclerosis:

A cerebral vascular stroke, with partial or complete paralysis of one side of the body may result, if there is blockage with a blood clot. It may also cause haemorrhage in the brain tissues if the vessels rupture.



It may also lead to loss of memory and a confused state of mind in elderly people. If arteries leading to the kidneys are involved, the patient may suffer from high blood pressure and kidney disorders.

Causes of Arteriosclerosis:

1. Foods:

The most important cause of arteriosclerosis is excessive intake of white sugar, refined foods and a diet high in fat i.e., rich in cholesterol.

2. Health Disorders:

High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, rheumatism, malaria and syphilis are all factors that lead to arteriosclerosis.

3. Emotional Imbalance:

Emotional stress and heart attacks are more common during periods of mental and emotional disturbances, particularly in those engaged in inactive occupations.

4. Heredity:

Also plays its role and this disease could run in families.

Diet for Arteriosclerosis:

1. Fresh Fruit Juices:

To begin with the patient should resort to a short fast only on juices for five to seven days. All available fresh, raw vegetable and fruit juices in season may be taken. Grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and juices of green vegetables are especially beneficial. A warm water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the period of fasting.

2. Three Basic Foods:

After the juice fast, the patient should follow a diet made up of the three basic food groups, namely, seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, with emphasis on raw foods. Plenty of raw and sprouted seeds and nuts should be used.

3. Oil Intake:

Cold pressed vegetable oils; particularly safflower oil, flax seed oil and olive oil should be used regularly. Further short fasts on juices may be undertaken at intervals of three months or so, depending on the progress being made.

4. Meals:

The patient should take several small meals instead of a few large ones.

5. Exercise:

The patient should undertake plenty of outdoor exercise and eliminate all mental stress and worries.



Warm baths or carefully graduated cold baths are helpful. Prolonged neutral immersion baths at bedtime on alternate days are also beneficial.

6. Avoid:

Controlling the intake of certain food can prove beneficial to maintaining health an help lead a healthy life:

• All hydrogenated fats and an excess of saturated fats, such as butter, cream, clarified butter and animal fat must be avoided.
• Meat, salt and all refined and processed foods, condiments, sauces, pickles, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour and all products made with them must be avoided too.
  
• Foods cooked in aluminium and copper utensils should not be taken, as toxic metals entering the body are supposed to be deposited on the walls of the aorta and the arteries.
  
• Smoking, if habitual, should be given up as smoking constricts the arteries and aggravates the condition.
  
  

7. Interesting Food Facts:

Recent investigations have shown that garlic and onions have a preventive effect on the development of arteriosclerosis. Vitamin C has also proved beneficial as it helps in the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids.