Monday 3 December 2012

Atherosclerosis - Part 2


Last week I looked at the influence of essential fatty acids in our diet on the condition of our arteries and the benefits of flaxseed oil and fish oils in the prevention of atherosclerosis. This week I will again look at methods of preventing this number one killer of people in the Western world through diet, herbs and supplements.
Cholesterol is very important to the body and its loss is prevented by its recycling within the digestive tract. Cholesterol is passed into the gut by our liver and reabsorbed by our gut wall in order to be used again. A high intake of fibre, especially of water-soluble mucilaginous fibre from oat bran (not wheat bran), legumes, carrots and apples is extremely important in lowering cholesterol levels. Mucilaginous fibre binds bile and cholesterol in the intestines and promotes its excretion. Dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, parsley and broccoli are particularly good. In addition to supplying small amounts of both essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and Omega 6, they are good sources of vitamins C and E. Vitamin C is essential for maintaining arterial walls, and also helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Vitamin E prevents vein damage and is very helpful in preventing damage to the arterial walls. It has been found to halve the recurrence of heart attacks and strokes in patients with a previous cardiovascular accident. In one recent study, vitamin E (400 iu) and aspirin were shown to have a very high level of success in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Use of garlic, onions and ginger are very useful to thin the blood and should be used widely in our diet.
Using nutritional supplements cannot replace a healthy diet and exercise, but they can certainly quicken the reversal process and help to prevent the effects of ageing on the blood vessels. Bromelain is a digestive enzyme which helps break down plaque deposits in the arteries. The antioxidant vitamins, A, C and E, and the mineral, silenium, are important in preventing damage to the arteries by free radicals.
Vitamin C helps prevent atherosclerosis by directly promoting the breakdown of triglycerides and maintaining the integrity of the blood vessel walls. Vitamin C also helps lower cholesterol in those with higher than optimal levels.
Carnitine is therapeutically effective in the treatment of coronary heart disease because normal cardiac function is dependent on concentrations of carnitine in the heart muscle. Carnitine lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) while raising HDL (good cholesterol) and also helps increase muscle strength and stamina. L-carnitine transports fatty acids into cells so that they can be burned as fuel. In fact, some types of metabolic obesity are caused by a carnitine deficiency.
Lecithin, particularly from soya bean sources, lowers both triglyceride and cholesterol levels by acting on these fats in order that they can be excreted by the body.
Herbal remedies are excellent in preventing both the build up of plaque and lowering high blood cholesterol levels. Artichoke is a superb herb to aid the liver in its work of breaking down cholesterol into bile so that it can be excreted by the body. Garlic is well-known for its blood-thinning qualities and it can also lower cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn berries or flowers are said to be a friend of the ageing heart since they can help the heart work better due to their ability to lower the heart muscle’s need for oxygen. It is also known for its ability to widen the blood vessel and thus cease clogging of the arteries.
Cayenne pepper lowers cholesterol and inhibits platelet aggregations by dilating arteries. Many angina sufferers report a remarkable improvement in the chest pain and circulation with regular doses of cayenne capsules. Cinnamon and ginger also have the ability to ease angina pains. But don’t take cayenne if you have a peptic ulcer.
To summarise the use of supplements in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis:
  • Broad spectrum multivitamins and minerals;
  • vitamin C - 2g each day;
  • vitamin E - 200-400 iu per day;
  • fibre - oat bran or psyllium husks;
  • flaxseed oil - 1-2 tablespoons each day;
If significant atherosclerosis is already present, take:
  • L-Carnitine - 900 mg per day;
  • Bromelain - 500 mg 2-3 times per day between meals. 


David Foley
MRCHM, MNIMH
Medical Herbalist