ALTERNATIVE THERAPY FOR ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Alternative therapies for Arterosclerosis/ Atheriosclerosis  that focus on diet and lifestyle can help prevent, retard, or reverse atherosclerosis. Herbal therapies (Homemade Cure) which include a number of supplements mainly derived from plants, that could help treat atherosclerosis include:

•  hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata),
•  notoginseng root (Panax notoginseng),
•  garlic (Allium sativum),
•  pineapple (Ananas comosus),
• ginger (Zingiber officinale),
• chili peppers,
• yarrow (Achillea millefolium),
• artichoke extract (this extract comes in capsules, tablets, and tinctures),
• Niacin (also known as vitamin B-3. It is found in foods like liver, chicken, tuna, and salmon, and is also sold as a supplement),
• policosanol (it is an extract that is made from plants such as sugar cane and yams),
• red rice yeast (it is a food product that is made by fermenting white rice with yeast),
• turmeric (Curcuma longa),
• green tea,
• parsley (Petroselinum crispum),
• beet juice,
• lemon(Citrus limon),
• capsicum (Capsicum annuum),
• onion (Allium cepa), and
• pawpaw(Carica papaya), and
• alfalfa (Medicago sativum).

 Most of these herbal remedies (alternative therapy) affect cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol are not necessarily the only risk factor in developing atherosclerosis, but they are important contributors. The major target in treating cholesterol and related problems is to keep LDL low, and raise HDL.

There are some points to consider when using herbs and supplements to treat atherosclerosis:

1.         There is no evidence that any supplement on its own will cure atherosclerosis.

2.         A doctor should be consulted before any supplement is taken, since some can interfere with medicines already in use by the patient.

3.         Pregnant women or nursing mothers need to speak with a doctor before taking supplements.

4.         Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This implies that their quality varies dramatically.

 Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques that are alternative remedies which can slow down or prevent the progress of the disease include:

•  yoga,
• guided imagery,
• meditation,
• biofeedback,
• counseling and other "talking" therapies.

NOTE:

It is advisable to eat foods that are low in fats (especially saturated fats), sugar, cholesterol, and animal proteins, and foods high in fiber and antioxidants (fresh fruits and vegetables). Abundant consumption of onions and garlic is recommended, as well as cold-water fish like salmon.

Arteriosclerosis is a significant cause of disability and death in Western Societies. Truly, arteriosclerosis is an unavoidable result of Western lifestyles with their dependence on a highly refined carbohydrate diet with poor micronutrient content, increasing environmental pollution, lack of sunshine which gives vitamin D, lack of exercise, and chronic lack of sleep.

This unhealthy lifestyles and habits have gradually being adopted by non-western nations, including Nigeria. The hustle and bustle of everyday life has made majority of people to neglect their health. Considering the severity of these two conditions, Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis, it is advisable that we pay more attention to eating healthy diets, give more time for exercise and sleep, and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking. It is also recommended that a diagnostic test should be done by those who have predisposing factors to these diseases in order to nip it in the bud by commencing an early treatment plan. From the saying “health is wealth” it will be to our utmost benefit to give priority to our treasured possession which is our health.

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