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Arteriosclerosis
is one of the most common diseases of the blood vessels.
It refers to a thickening of the walls of the arteries
due to the presence of calcium or lime. It has become a
common ailment in modern times, accounting for much of
the disability and high death rate among older people.
Arteriosclerosis is usually preceded by artherosclerosis,
a kind of degeneration or softening of the inner lining
of the blood vessels walls. The most risky places for
such degeneration are the coronary vessels of the heart
and the arteries leading to the brain. Arteriosclerosis
results in the loss of elasticity of the blood vessels,
with a narrowing of the smaller arteries, which
interferes with the free circulation of the blood. These
changes may gradually extend to capillaries and veins.
Arteriosclerosis is 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 have
a significant degree of obstruction of their coronary
arteries and this can lead to heart attack at any time.Symptoms
The symptoms
of arteriosclerosis vary with arteries involved. Signs of
inadequate blood supply generally appear first in the
legs. There may be numbness and coldness in the feet and
cramps and pains in the legs even after light exercise.
If the coronary arteries are involved, the patient may
have sharp pains, characteristic of angina pectoris. When
arteries leading to the brain are involved, the vessel
may burst,causing haemorrhage in the brain tissues. 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 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
The most
important cause of arteriosclerosis is excessive intake
of white sugar, refined foods and high fat diet, rich in
cholesterol. A sedentary life and excesses of all kinds
are the major contributing causes. Hardening of the
arteries may also be caused by other diseases such as
high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, rheumatism,
Bright’s disease, malaria, syphillis. Emotional
stress also plays an important part, and heart attacks
are more common during the periods of mental and
emotional disturbances, particularly in those engaged in
sedentary occupations. Heredity also plays its role and
this disease runs in families.
Treatment
If the causes
of arteriosclerosis are known, remedial action should be
taken promptly to remove them. To begin with the patient
should resort to a short juice fast for five to seven
days. All available fresh, raw vegetables and fruit
juices in season may be taken. Grape-fruit 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.
After the juice fast, the patient should take optimum
diet made up from three basic food groups, namely (i)
seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables and, (iii)
fruits, with emphasis on raw foods. Plenty of raw and
sprouted seeds and nuts should be used. Cold pressed
vegetable oils, particularly safflower oil, flax seed oil
and olive oil should be used regularly.
Further, shorter fasts on juices may be undertaken at
intervals of three months or so, depending on the
progress being made.
The patient should take several small meals instead of a
few large ones. He should avoid all hydrogenated fats and
an excess of saturated fats, such as butter, cream, ghee
and animal fat. He should also avoid meat, salt and all
refined and processed foods, condiments, sauces, pickles
, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour and all
products made from them. Foods cooked in aluminum and
copper utensils should not be taken as toxic metals
entering the body are known 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.
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.
One of the most effective home remedies for
arteriosclerosis is the lemon peel. It is believed to be
one of the richest known sources of vitamin P. It
strengthens the entire arterial system. Shredded lemon
peel may be added to soups and stews, or sprinkled over
salads. To make a medicine, the peel of one or two lemons
may be cut up finely, covered with warm water and allowed
to stand for about 12 hours. A teaspoonful may be taken
every three hours, or immediately before or after a meal.
Parsley is another effective home remedy for
arteriosclerosis. It contains elements which help to
maintain the blood vessels, particularly the capillaries
and arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be
taken as a beverage by stimmering it gently in the water
for a few minutes and partaking several times daily.
The beet juice has also proved valuable in
arteriosclerosis. It is an excellent solvent for
inorganic calcium deposit. Juices of carrot and spinach
are also beneficial. These juices can be taken
individually or in combination. Formula proportions found
helpful when used in combination are carrot 300 m.l. and
spinach 200 m.l. to prepare 500 m.l. of juice.
The patient should undertake plenty of outdoor exercise
and eliminate all mental stress and worries. Prolonged
neutral immersion baths at bed time on alternate days is
beneficial. This bath is administered in a bath tub which
should be properly fitted with hot and cold water
connection. The bath-tub should be fitted with water at a
temperature ranging from 92 o to 98 o
F and the patient should lie in it for an hour or so. The
head should be kept cold with a cold compress.
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