General Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis Information
Arteriosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of the arteries due to the build-up of calcium deposits on the insides of the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is a similar condition due to the build-up of fatty substances. Both conditions have similar effects on the circulation of the blood throughout the body. Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and ischemia (starvation of the cells due to insufficient circulation) may be the result of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. According to the American Heart Association, more than 1 million Americans will suffer a heart attack this year, and about 40 percent of those individuals will die.

Possible Causes of Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis
The first step toward developing arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis is damage to the lining of an artery, most often by the presence of free radicals. After an artery has been damaged, the injury site attracts monocytes and platelets, which stick to the area and stimulates plaque formation and the growth of fat and cholesterol deposits. Major risk factors of developing these conditions include smoking, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. High blood pressure can cause these conditions because the excess strain on the arteries causes them to be weak; calcium and fatty deposits tend to form in these weakened areas and the blood pressure becomes even higher.

Possible Symptoms of Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are called the "silent killers" because they often produce no symptoms until a severe heart attack or stroke occurs. Elevated cholesterol levels and recurring angina are signs of a possible problem.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Arteriosclerosis / Atherosclerosis
Fortunately, several lifestyle changes can help improve heart health. Good nutrition habits, regular exercise, stress reduction and smoking cessation are recommended by the American Heart Association as the first line of defense in preventing cardiovascular disease. Eat foods high in fiber and low in fat and cholesterol. Choose foods high in vitamin E to improve circulation, including dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, wheat germ, soybeans and whole grains. Avoid high-cholesterol foods and all foods containing sugar and white flour. Check blood pressure regularly and take control of it, if necessary.

In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Calcium and Magnesium, plus Vitamin D3, maintain muscle tone in the blood vessels. Use chelate forms.

Coenzyme Q10 improves tissue oxygenation.

Essential Fatty Acids reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels.

Selenium promotes the action of vitamin E.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in fish oil and flaxseed oil decrease the inflammation that leads to heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids reduces free radicals.

Germanium lowers cholesterol and improves oxygenation in cells.

Citrin inhibits the growth of fats in the body.

Ginkgo Biloba improves circulation and increases circulation.

Green Tea lowers lipid and cholesterol levels.

REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.