Circulation problems Also see: Angina High Blood pressure High Cholesterol Varicose Veins We can draw an analogy between the roads of London, with its various lorries and vans making deliveries of many types of goods to all parts of London, and our arteries delivering minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, sugars and fats, and oxygen to all body cells and parts, whilst the veins can be likened to the refuse collection. A simplified analogy, of course, but you get the idea. Narrowing and Hardening of the arteries A narrowing or hardening of the arteries has serious, in time even incurable, consequences. More people in the Western world die of diseases of the arterial walls than of any other single cause. Hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) involves damage to the cell wall, with an accumulation of cholesterol, calcium deposits and free radical damage. High blood pressure results because the blood exerts greater force against the walls of the narrowed and more rigid blood vessels. This can lead to stroke, angina pectoris (chest pain), kidney damage and heart attack. Embolism and Thrombosis Women especially suffer from swollen veins, which often occur after surgery or just after childbirth. Generally, the blocking of venous blood vessels happens sometime between the third and the eighth day following surgery or delivery. In such cases a physician will usually give anticoagulant and vasodilator injections.
Intermittent claudication Arteriosclerosis with associated inflammation, especially in the arteries of the lower limb, causes severe pain that is worse on walking. It may occur in non-smokers. The occlusion of arteries can be so severe that the outcome, especially in those who continue to smoke, is often amputation. The occlusion can occur in arteries other than in the leg and more serious operations may be required if occlusions occur in the bowel.
Aneurysm Broadly speaking, an aneurysm can be a weakness within the arterial wall, where the inner lining of the artery ruptures but the outer lining holds, causing a swelling in the arterial wall. If not surgically treated, aneurysms can be fatal when they occur in arteries in the brain, other vital organs or the aorta (the main vessel from the heart). Sudden abdominal or chest pain, a sledge hammer-like blow to the head, sudden blindness or neurological symptoms (paralysis, pain) must all the treated as an emergency at the hospital. Aneurysms are difficult to diagnose and any sudden pain should be seen by a medical practitioner. We know of no complementary treatment other than support for pre- and post-operative care. Raynaud’s phenomenon Characterized by constriction and spasm of the blood vessels in the extremities, such as in the fingers, toes and tip of the nose. Cold, stress, smoking, and other factors may cause fingers and toes to become numb; extremities may appear white or bluish due to lack of circulation and arterial spasm. This disease most commonly affects women and occasionally leads to gangrene. Eat a high fibre diet to prevent constipation Eat a variety of fresh fruit, including blueberries and all blue/red coloured berries (for their antioxidant value). Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, of all colours, and plenty of garlic. Avoid excessive meat and eat oily fish instead (e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.) Avoid saturated fats as much as possible (animal fat, cheese and hydrogenated vegetable oils). Avoid sugar, junk foods and salt. Avoid excessive alcohol, although one glass of alcohol per day, especially red wine, would normally be beneficial (so long as there are no other health conditions, e.g. liver disease). Smoking impairs the circulation, so try not to smoke.
Other suggestions BioCare Mega EPA 1000mg (EPA/DHA fish oil concentrate)
Higher Nature Lecithin HiPC Granules
Higher Nature Lysine
Lamberts Double Strength Colladeen, providing 160mg anthocyanidins
Rio Health Ginkgo biloba- for memory and circulation
Solgar Alpha Lipoic Acid 200mg
Solgar Butcher’s Broom (Standardised Full Potency Herb)
Solgar Formula VM-75 Multivitamins and Minerals
Solgar Gotu Kola Full Potency Herbs
Solgar Maxi L-Carnitine
NOTE: BioCare Mega EPA 1000 Fish Oil & BioCare Microcell CoQ10 with linseed oil,are not suitable for individuals taking anti-blood clotting medication such as Warfarin, Coumarin and Heparin. Not suitable for individuals allergic to fish or fish by-products) |
