Arteriosclerosis one of the most common diseases of the blood vessels

Arteriosclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the blood vessels. It refers to a thickening of the walls of the arteries due to the presence of calcium or lime. It has become a common ailment in modern rimes, accounting for much of the disability and high death rate among older people.

Arteriosclerosis is usually preceded by atherosclerosis, a kind of degeneration or softening of the inner lining of the blood vessel walls. The most risky places for such degeneration are the coronary vessels of the heart and the arteries leading to the brain. Arteriosclerosis results in the loss of elasticity of the blood vessels, with a narrowing of the smaller arteries, which interferes with the free circulation of the blood. These which interferes with the free circulation of the blood. These changes may gradually extend to capillaries and veins.

Arteriosclerosis is more frequent in men than women, especially in the younger age-group. It has been estimated that 40 per cent of all men over 40 years have a significant degree of obstruction of their coronary arteries and this can-lead to heart attacks at any time.

Treatment
If the causes of arteriosclerosis are known, remedial actions should be taken promptly to remove them. To begin with the patient should resort to a short juice fast for five to seven days. All available fresh, raw vegetables and fruit juices in season be taken. Grape-fruit juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, juices of green vegetables is especially beneficial. A water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowel the period of fasting.

After the juice fast, the patient should take optimum diet made up from three basic food groups, namely (i) seeds, nuts and grains, (ii) vegetables and, (iii) fruits, with emphasis on raw foods. Plenty of raw and sprouted seeds and nuts should be used. Cold pressed vegetables oils, particularly-safflower oil, flax seed oil and olive oil should be used regularly.

Further, short fasts on juices may be undertaken at intervals of three months or so, depending on the progress being made.

The patient should take several small meals instead of a few large ones. He should avoid all hydrogenated fats and an excess of saturated fats, such as butter, cream, ghee and animal fat. He should also avoid meat, salt and all refined and processed foods, condiments, sauces, pickles, strong tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour and all products made from them. Foods cooked in aluminium and copper utensils should not be taken as toxic metals entering the body are known to be deposited on the walls of the aorta and the arteries. Smoking, if habitual, should be given up as smoking constricts the arteries and aggravates the condition.

Recent investigations have shown that garlic and onions have a preventive effect on the development of arteriosclerosis. Vitamin C has also proved beneficial as it helps in the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids.

One of the most effective home remedies for arteriosclerosis; is the lemon peel. It is believed to be one of the richest known sources of vitamin R it strengthens the entire arterial system shredded Lemon peel may be added to soups and stews, or Sprinkled over salads. To make a medicine, the peel of one or two lemons may be cut up finely, covered with warm water and fallowed to stand for about 12 hours. A teaspoonful may be taken every three hours, or immediately before or after a meal.
Parsley is another effective home remedy for arteriosclerosis contains elements which help to maintain the blood vessels,