Atherosclerosis - Traditional Natural Ayurveda Treatment and Management of Heart conditions

In common language, Atherosclerosis is called 'hardening of arteries'. It's a condition in which cholesterol-rich plaque deposits along the arterial walls. Plaque starts building up due to some injury to the endothelial lining of the arterial wall.

An injury can be caused due to the presence of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, system-wide inflammation and many other factors. As a result, white blood cells, along with lipids (fats), start depositing along the inner lining of the artery. The muscle layer of the street may also grow, resulting in a blockage (plaque) large enough to block the route.

Sometimes the plaque is disturbed, and blood platelets accumulate, forming a clot that can completely block the artery. If the clot completely blocks the blood supply to a major artery leading to the heart, it results in a 'heart attack'.

Similarly, if an artery leading to the brain is blocked, it results in a 'stroke'. Thus Atherosclerosis needs immediate attention and treatment. Prevention and management of Atherosclerosis may be supported with natural Ayurvedic herbal remedies, as discussed further in this article.

How to manage Atherosclerosis?

Knowing the devastating effects of Atherosclerosis, selecting an appropriate form of treatment is very important. Complementing your health may be an option. The healing science of Ayurveda is potent enough to treat this disorder.

According to Ayurveda, Atherosclerosis is caused due to altered Vata Dosha in and around the heart. Excessive intake of oily food also varies the Pita and Kapha Dosha.

Nature has provided us with many natural remedies for Atherosclerosis in the form of herbs. Some of the common herbs used traditionally in Ayurveda include: 

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) is one of the most revered Ayurveda cardiac tonics since ancient times. It may help reduce the cardiac build-up in the arteries, lower blood pressure and strengthen heart muscles. 

According to Dwivedi.S, Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is a very effective herb for cardiovascular conditions, Atherosclerosis being one of them. Its stem bark possesses glycosides, large quantities of flavonoids, tannins and minerals.

Flavonoids have been detected to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, while glycosides are cardiotonic, thus making Terminalia arjuna unique and useful for this condition. Experimental studies have revealed that its bark may have significant inotropic and hypotensive effects, thus increasing coronary artery flow and protecting the myocardium against ischemic damage.

Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) - This herb may be useful in treating many diseases. It can help by lowering the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and raising the HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Guggulsterons found in guggul can bring down triglyceride levels.

Satyavati et al. conducted the first study on rabbits. It was demonstrated that administration of gum guggul significantly lowered the serum cholesterol levels of hyperlipidemic rabbits, prevented cholesterol-induced arteriosclerosis and decreased the body weight of the animals.

Another study by Singh et al. examined the effect of guggulsterone on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats. Chander et al. looked at the impact of guggulsterone on serum lipid levels in triton and cholesterol-fed rats. The results showed significantly reduced serum lipid levels.

Pushkarmool (Inula Racemosa) – Pushkarmool, when used with guggul, can bring down LDL levels and may also be effective in treating angina.

Singh et al. highlight the uses of Pushkarmool (Inula racemose) in treating Atherosclerosis. In a study done on 200 patients, it was found that total cholesterol decreased by 39%, triglycerides by 51%, and blood lipids by 32%.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)- It may help normalize the heart's functioning heart. It may act as a hypotensive agent and help maintain blood pressure at a normal level.

Besides these herbs, punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and aloe vera have been used traditionally for the natural treatment of Atherosclerosis.

Can Atherosclerosis be Reversed?

Reversing Atherosclerosis is possible, but it needs drastic lifestyle and food habits changes. However, a complete reversal of the damage might not be achieved, but improvement is possible, which is worth the effort. The following suggestions may be considered:

• Reduce blood pressure and hypertension- Reduce your weight to help reduce hypertension. Salt intake should also be reduced.
• Exercise to stay fit- Stick to an exercise regimen; it will help you reduce stress and high blood pressure. Go for a brisk walk every day for half an hour.
• Reduce cholesterol- This will help stop and even reverse plaque build-up. Reduce the consumption of foods like cheese, whole milk and eggs.
• Quit smoking- It oxidizes LDL and leads to its deposition in the arteries.
• Reduce alcohol intake- It leads to weight gain and increased blood pressure.

Diet for Atherosclerosis Treatment

Dietary changes can go a long way in preventing Atherosclerosis and several other heart diseases. Some of the nutritional suggestions that can prevent heart disease are as follows:

• Eat a roughage-rich diet- Instead of pasta and white bread, have whole grains.
• Have lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Include healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and nuts in your diet, as they do not increase LDL levels.
• Reduce saturated fats and stop having Trans fats- They are found in processed foods and lead to more cholesterol production.
• Increase the consumption of omega-3 oils found in fatty fish and plant oils. (e.g. flax and canola oils)

Some wonder foods that may help you clean your arteries naturally are avocado, nuts, asparagus, pomegranate, broccoli, turmeric, persimmon, orange juice, spirulina, cinnamon, cranberries, green tea, watermelon and spinach. You may include them in your daily diet.

Natural Treatment for Atherosclerosis in Melbourne

Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing that originated in India, has become very popular worldwide because of its innumerable benefits. Unlike modern medicine, Ayurvedic treatment treats the disease's causes instead of suppressing the symptoms.

It makes the body feel holistically happy and rejuvenated. Knowing the benefits of Ayurveda, you must try the treatment offered by the Pure Herbal Ayurvedic Clinic in Melbourne. The treatment includes a detailed session with the patients to formulate a customized treatment, as everyone has a different constitution.

Best quality ayurvedic herbs are sourced to devise effective formulations for our patients. Panchakarma detox forms an important part of the treatment methodology followed at our clinic that is performed under the supervision of our team of doctors. It's a detoxifying therapy that helps to remove excess byproducts in the form of toxins from the digestive system, blood vessels, nervous system and lungs. It strengthens the muscles and joints and improves appetite, concentration and memory.

References

1. Dwivedi S, 'Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn.--a useful drug for cardiovascular disorders', Pubmed.gov, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Nov 1;114(2):114-29. Epub 2007 Aug 10, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17875376

2. Singh et al., 'Herbal Treatment for Cardiovascular disease the evidence based therapy', Research Gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41000552_Herbal_Treatment_for_Cardiovascular_disease_the_evidence_based_therapy

3. Singh et al., Satyavati et al., Chander et al. 'Gum Guggul: An Ayurvedic Boom', International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research 2014; 6(2); 347-354, https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPPR/6/IJPPR,Vol6,Issue2,Article37.pdf

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