Thursday 22 November 2012

Atherosclerosis - Part One


Atherosclerosis is sometimes referred to as “hardening of the arteries.” It is the end result of a process of fatty infiltration and later calcification of the walls of the arteries (which simply means that fatty deposits called plaques build up in the walls of the arteries and become hard). This process is well-known for its silent role in heart attacks and strokes. There are usually very few signs of this process occurring, and it’s only gradually suspected when an individual gets a high blood cholesterol reading from a blood test; even that can only be suspected. The process of atherosclerosis can start in childhood so it is always a good time to prevent it.
The major risk factors are high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. An improper diet is a major cause of atherosclerosis. Saturated fats (found mostly in animal fats), deep-fried food, too much meat and too little fibre, low fruit and vegetable intake will have serious consequences. Coffee and caffeine drinks and alcohol are high on the danger list. A diet high in sweets, fast foods and refined foods will lead to atherosclerosis. Homogenised milk is responsible as well, since fat particles in the milk are more likely to cause plaques to form in the arteries. Tobacco is another substance that hinders circulation and is hard on the arteries. Lack of exercise increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. A high-stress lifestyle leads to high blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular accidents like heart attacks and strokes. It must be said that cardiovascular disease is the single most important cause of death in the Western world. In 1900, only 1 in 7 people died of cardiovascular disease, and only 1 in 30 people died of cancer. Today 45% of deaths are due to cardiovascular disease while cancer accounts for 25% of deaths. What has changed so much? Diet and lifestyle, I believe, are among the major factors involved. For effective prevention of both of these diseases, our diet must be high in fruit and vegetables, fish and dietary fibre. Simply reducing the intake of fats and cholesterol is inadequate. The amount of dietary cholesterol does not necessarily correspond with the level of cholesterol in the blood, and it is not the amount of fat we eat but rather the types of fat we eat and the way we metabolise them that are important.
Saturated fatty acids found in meat and animal products are two main culprits in the build up of plaques and the clogging of arteries. Animal proteins raise cholesterol levels, while vegetable proteins lower them. Equally harmful are processed, trans-fatty, hydrogenated fats like margarine and shortening and the heat-damaged fats of deep-fried foods. They interfere with the two essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6 (“essential” means they have to be added to our diet as we can’t make these oils ourselves).
These essential oils, Omega 3 and Omega 6, are found in unrefined, cold-pressed nut and seed oils and are very important to the prevention of fatty degeneration (which leads to the build up of fatty deposits in our arteries). They lower the level of blood cholesterol, inhibit platelet aggregation (which causes blood clots to form leading to heart attacks and strokes) and are therefore essential weapons in the fight against atherosclerosis. The best source of both essential oils is unrefined, cold-pressed, flax- seed oil.
The fatty acids in flaxseed oil are converted in our bodies into EPA, which is also found in certain fish oils. EPA is present in cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and herring. These oils are powerful weapons against platelet aggregation. Taking as little as 20ml (two tablespoons) of flaxseed oil a day in only two weeks doubles blood levels of EPA, resulting in a marked decrease in platelet aggregation and therefore reduces the formation of atherosclerosis.
Next week I’ll again look at atherosclerosis and methods of ensuring that this number one killer in the Western world can be avoided.

David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist

Thursday 15 November 2012

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH


The heart and vascular system is one of the largest and most important systems of the body. The cardiovascular system’s primary functions are to deliver oxygen and vital nutrition to cells throughout the body and to aid in the removal of cellular waste products. Throughout an average lifetime, the heart will beat more than two billion times and will pump enough blood to fill over 100 full-sized swimming pools: it never rests.
Obviously, we need to support the heart in its tireless efforts. Unfortunately as a nation, we are doing a very poor job of keeping our hearts healthy. Heart disease and stroke are our nation’s top killers. Even though these diseases are such major killers, they are both referred to as “silent killers” because the first symptom or sign in many cases is a fatal event. The cause of both conditions is often due to the process of arteriosclerosis or hardening of the artery walls. 
For example, “heart disease” is most often used to describe a disease of the heart’s blood vessels. These blood vessels, called coronary arteries, supply the heart muscle with vital oxygen and nutrients. If the blood flow through these arteries is restricted or blocked, severe damage to the heart muscle often occurs; this results in what is known as a “heart attack.” In most cases, the condition that blocks the supply of blood and oxygen is arteriosclerosis, caused by a build-up of plaque containing cholesterol, fatty material and cellular debris. In the case of a stroke, it is an artery in the brain that is blocked instead of the artery of the heart.
The key point regarding these two common causes of premature death is that arteriosclerosis is largely a disease of diet and lifestyle. Therefore, through living a healthy lifestyle, these major killers may not touch you or else may be significantly delayed.
To prevent a heart attack/stroke or avoid its recurrence, a complete change of nutrition is required. It is possible to reverse the hardening of the arteries with a radical change to a predominantly vegetarian diet of whole foods, consisting mostly of fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains and nuts and seeds.
Cayenne Pepper lowers cholesterol, dilates arteries, increases blood flow to the coronary circulation and inhibits blood platelets from accumulating. One teaspoon of Cayenne in a cup of water at the onset of a heart attack will help relieve it.
To keep arteries clear, include the essential fatty acids found in unrefined, cold-pressed nut and seed oils such as Flaxseed Oil. Saturated fats from red meat and trans-fatty acids found in shortening, margarine and commercially processed foods are a major cause of heart disease and must be strictly avoided. Fish is a much better source of protein than meat. Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, prevents clots and lowers blood pressure. Eat three fresh cloves daily or use Garlic capsules.
To help prevent heart attacks and to heal after an attack, herbal remedies provide effective complementary treatment. Hawthorn berries regulate, heal, repair and soothe the heart. These berries have the ability to restore the heart’s muscle by helping the cells of the heart muscle to function better since, under the influence of Hawthorn, the cells require less oxygen to do the same work. Hawthorn has also been found to improve arteriosclerosis of the arteries. The Chinese like to use Hawthorn berries to aid digestion in helping to break down fats in the digestive system: it seems that Hawthorn works both directly and indirectly to lessen the build-up of plaque in the arteries - a wonderful remedy indeed.

David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist

Wednesday 7 November 2012

Heartburn


Heartburn is something we all get at some time, but for many it is a constant upsetting problem. The symptoms of heartburn include an uncomfortable, burning pain in the mid- to lower-chest area close to the region of the heart. Although it can be mistaken for a heart problem, the condition is not related to heart disease but rather to digestive trouble. Heartburn typically occurs following a meal and becomes worse when lying down. It is often accompanied by belching and fullness in the stomach, though this is not always present. It can also be directly associated with anxiety and stress.
Heartburn is a digestive disorder associated with high stomach acidity and a disturbed acid-alkali balance. Often this is due to an overstimulation of the stomach glands, which produce hydrochloric acid as a result of poor eating habits and the consumption of acid-causing foods. Overfilling the stomach, especially with rich, fried foods high in fat content which lie in the stomach longer than other foods, can cause heartburn. Sugar is another food that causes increased acidity, as does caffeine. Swallowing air while eating too quickly, or when upset, is another common problem. Stress and eating under stress are other major causes of stomach acidity. All of these habits cause the stomach to expand upwards, carrying stomach acid which then irritates the oesophagus. Heartburn can also be caused by reflux oesophagitis, which occurs if the sphincter muscle, responsible for closing the oesophagus, is relaxed. Fats, alcohol, chocolate and coffee relax the sphincter muscle.
As a first aid for heartburn, eat a handful of blanched almonds or a piece of dry bread, chew on a handful of uncooked oat flakes or drink a little milk to soothe the mucous membrane of the stomach. The old remedy of taking a teaspoon of baking soda is harmful because it builds gases and increases the acidity of the stomach.
To prevent heartburn, enjoy your food, eating slowly to avoid swallowing air. A very effective natural remedy is to drink cabbage or carrot juice, which dilutes stomach acid and flushes it through the duodenum. Aloe-vera juice can also help to heal hyperacidity.
Do not drink milk. Although milk neutralises stomach acid, the calcium and protein in milk stimulates the production of more acid. Cow’s milk creates a rebound effect and makes acidity worse in the long run. Almond milk, raw goat’s milk, rice milk or soya milk are good substitutes.
To test whether heartburn is due to insufficient stomach acid, take a tablespoon of cider apple vinegar; relief indicates insufficient stomach acid. In the case of heartburn due to excess stomach acid, avoid foods that trigger the production of acid like fried meat, salty meat, salted fish, smoked foods, meat broth, hot spices and coffee. In some people, sugar and honey trigger heartburn and should be avoided.
L-glutamine is an amino acid, which is important in the healing of hyperacidity. Charcoal tablets mixed with half a cup of warm water also neutralise stomach acid and absorb toxins. Yarrow juice restores the normal acidity of the stomach. Take 1 tablespoon of Yarrow juice in water before bedtime for three weeks. Centaury tincture is an old home remedy recommended in cases of heartburn and indigestion. Take before each meal in a little water.


David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist