Atherosclerosis (Clogged Arteries)

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in the US. Atherosclerosis is an accumulation of lesions and plaque as a response to an injury of the cell lining the inside wall of an artery called the intima.

Proclamation:

We shall proclaim to be vessels of God, for his glory to be revealed in our lives.

Scripture:

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

If we want to be vessel of God, we must sanctify ourselves wholly, including our bodies.

Causes of Atherosclerosis (Clogged Arteries)

• Major
• Unhealthy diet
• Elevate Blood Cholesterol
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
• Excess weight
• Diabetes

Other Causes Include

• Elevated C-Reactive Protein
• Insulin resistance
• Low Thyroid function
• Low antioxidant status
• Low levels of essential fatty acids
• Increased platelet aggregation
• Low Potassium
• Elevated levels of homocysteine
• Type A Personality

How to Maintain Healthy Arteries

• Drink adequate amount of water.
• Do some form of movement activity DAILY.
• Cleanse and detoxify your system seasonally.
• Avoid unhealthy foods!
• Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• If you are diagnosed in diabetes, learn what fruits are low glycemic in nature.
• Ensure that you have enough Vitamin C in your diet, as well as other nutrients.

Supplements to assist in maintain the health of your cardiovascular system:

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin E, Lycopene, and Lutein
Antioxidant nutrients have consistently shown protection against CVD. Helping to assist with preventing damage or slowing down damage that has already occurred. Vitamin C and E also requires CoQ10 to work efficiently. If you are taking a station drug for cholesterol, this can interfere with the vitamin E and CoQ10.

Grassed and Pine Bark Extracts
These are one of the most beneficial plant flavonoids, offering protection in several different mechanisms. Also found in red and grape wine.

Magnesium and Potassium
Absolutely essential to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Widely acceptable form of treating CVD such as angina, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Fish Oil (Essential Fatty Acids)
The essential fatty acids assist with cardiovascular health, controlling inflammation in the arteries which is beneficial. It is also a natural blood thinner.

Systemic Enzymes
Systemic enzymes reduce inflammation. Serrapeptase is a proteolytic, protein-digesting enzyme that supports the digestion of fibrous materials.

Cholesterol: Good and Bad
There are two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to and from cells.

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. (The bad Cholesterol)
High-density lipoprotein, or HL. (The good cholesterol)

LDL cholesterol contributes to fatty buildups in arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition narrows the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD).

HL cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol. (So higher levels are actually good.)

Experts believe that HL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the LDL is broken down and passed from the body. However, HL cholesterol does not completely eliminate LDL cholesterol. Only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HL.

A healthy HL cholesterol level may protect against heart attack and stroke. Studies show that low levels of HL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet.

A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HL (good) cholesterol is linked with fatty buildups within the artery walls, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Cooking tips

• Add a variety of fruits and vegetables to your meals.
• Drain off fat when you broil, roast, or bake poultry and meats by using a rack.
• User leaner cuts if you choose to eat meat.
• Cut off all visible fat from meat before cooking.
• Don’t baste with drippings. Use prepared marinade instead.
• Broil or grill instead of pan-frying.
• Remove the skin from poultry pieces.
• Use a vegetable oil spray to brown or sauté foods. (Olive oil)
• Use low-fat, low-sodium options instead of regular cheese.
• Use convection ovens and toaster ovens instead of microwaves to heat food.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

• Do not starve your positive emotional life.
• Laugh, enjoy life, and love.
• Learn to be a empathetic listening.
• Avoid aggressive and passive behaviors.
• Avoid excessive stress in your life as best you can.
• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine.
• Take time to build long term health. Don’t stress over your health, but do start.
• Accept those things which you have no control over, but embrace the things you do control.
• Accept yourself for who you are. You are human and you will make mistakes.
• Be more patient and tolerant of others. See them for who they are and where they are.

References:

The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Third Edition. Michael T. Murray N.D. & Joseph Pizzorno N.D.

Disease Prevention and Treatment, Fifth Edition Life Extension

American Heart Association Website