ATHEROSCLEROSIS / ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Arteriosclerosis is the degeneration, hardening and narrowing of the arterial walls due to plaques which are mostly made of fats and cholesterol deposits.

DEVELOPMENT OF ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

 Calcium deposit due to magnesium deficiency in the diet.
In the absence or deficiency of magnesium, a diet high in calcium and oxalate can lead to the formation of an indissoluble compound that can deposit on the walls of the artery. (Nutrition Almanac, p64)

 Meals heavy on fats, cholesterol and trans fatty acids
Deposits or plaque on the walls of the artery can start as early as age eight with meals heavy on fats and cholesterol

 Deficiency of antioxidant vitamins
Fats and cholesterol are easily oxidized and are converted into free radicals in the absence of antioxidants (most especially Vit C, Vit E and Beta-carotene). Oxidized fats and cholesterol aggravate and hasten the formation of plaques on the arterial walls.

 High level of homocysteine in the blood
Dr. McCully’s study and present findings show that homocysteine is the major factor that causes lesions on the arterial walls that result to the development of arteriosclerosis. Foods known for its homocysteine content are red meat and pasteurized milk.

MANAGING ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

 LOSE WEIGHT - CUT DOWN ON CARBOHYDRATES (Excess glucose in the system are stored as fats in the muscle tissues including the heart muscle and vascular membrane)

 AVOID SATURATED FATS, CHOLESTEROL and TRANS FATTY ACIDS (Chicheria and processed foods are loaded with trans fatty acids) – fats, cholesterol and trans fatty acid can cause blood coagulation, aggravate arteriosclerosis and cause thrombosis that can lead to fatal heart attack or strokes

 EAT SOLUBLE FIBERS to lower your blood cholesterol, VEGETABLES and FRUITS for your antioxidants and PHYTOCHEMICAL-containing foods to protect the health of the blood vessels

 ENGAGE IN DAILY MODERATE EXERCISE (Tai chi, stretching, walking) – moderate exercise safely improves blood circulation, reduces weight, lowers triglycerides and strengthens heart muscles

 CUT DOWN ON SALT – salt causes the body to hold water that can trigger blood pressure to rise which can further damage the artery

 GET YOUR RDA of Vit C (500–1000mg); Magnesium (350–400mg); Folate (400mcg); B6 (2-50mg); B12 (2mcg) and Potassium (2500mg)- These vitamins and minerals are antioxidants that can prevent oxidation of fats and cholesterol and can neutralize homocysteine level in the blood.

- Vit C or Ascorbic Acid (from guava and citrus fruits) is a basic protection of the cell membrane which is made of fatty substance against free radical attack
- Magnesium (from bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, soy beans, kidney beans, peanuts, brown rice, sesame seeds, wheat germ) – for the prevention of calcium-oxalate deposit
- Folate (B9) (from spinach, asparagus, lentils, soybeans, oatmeal, green peas, okra, oranges, papayas, seaweeds, strawberries, wheat germ and green leafy vegetables) – lowers homocysteine level in the blood by converting it to methionine
- B6 (from salmon, potatoes, oatmeal, bananas, lentils, tomato, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, peanut butter, tofu, watermelon, avocado, strawberries (liver is the best source of B vitamins but is not recommended because it is loaded with fats and cholesterol)) – to help the body convert homocysteine to amino acids cysteine and taurine
- B12 (from clams, oysters, fish most especially tuna and salmon) – works with folate in converting homocysteine into amino acid methionine
- Potassium (from bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, papayas, avocado, spinach, carrots, beans, mushrooms, watermelon, oranges) gets rid of excess sodium that can raise blood pressure (when potassium is low the body retains sodium; when potassium is high the body gets rid of sodium). Potassium is also important for the health of the cardiac muscles.

 AVOID REFINED SUGAR - study has found out that this empty calorie raises the levels of triglycerides

SUPPLEMENTS:

DHA (Docosahexanoic acid); EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) known as Omega 3 – several studies showed that DHA and EPA lower LDL (Low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, raise HDL (High density lipoprotein) cholesterol, prevent blood coagulation and lower triglyceride levels. (Sources: Tuna, salmon, mackerel)
VIT. E – Protects the health of the blood vessels; Acts as blood thinner; Lowers cholesterol (Supplement: Wheat germ oil)

TRADITIONAL and Revolutionary Remedy

Garlic – contains allicin that prevents blood coagulation, lower LDL and Homocysteine
Red Wine – alcohol increases HDL and prevents blood clot; red wine contains resveratrol, a flavonoid that acts as antioxidant (Food Cures, p140)
Tanglad Tea - believed to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides; (as part of the viand, tanglad neutralizes fats in food)
Young corn - as part of the food like bulalo, young corn absorbs cholesterol and fats
Ginger tea - prevents platelet coagulation

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