Arteriosclerosis is a common arterial disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arterial walls.  The plaque, which is comprised of platelets, cholesterol, fibrin, and other substances, narrows the arteries and affects proper blood flow.  Since plaque hardens over time, it becomes harder for blood to get distributed throughout the body.  If Arteriosclerosis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, or even death.  The seriousness of the disease depends on which arteries are affected and how much plaque build-up there is.  

Arteriosclerosis is a gradually developing disease and the mild cases don't often display symptoms.  Symptoms of the disease begin to reveal themselves when an artery is narrowed to a point where it inhibits proper blood flow to your organs and tissues.  Chest pain or pressure occurs if heart arteries are affected, but numbness or weakness is arms or face can occur if arteries leading to the brain are affected.  Kidney failure can happen if arteries leading to kidneys are affected, while leg or arm cramps/soreness can occur if the arteries in the limbs are affected.  Other symptoms are:

• Chest Pain
• Increase in Blood Pressure
• Poor Circulation to Fingers and Toes
• Decreased Pulse in Narrowed Artery
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Kidney Failure
• Leg or Arm Cramps
• Dizziness or Sudden Weakness

Although Arteriosclerosis is a disease that slowly progresses (it can sometimes start during childhood), the primary cause is when the inner walls of an artery are damaged.  Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes, or inflammation from infections or diseases like Lupus can be the culprits of damaging arterial walls.  When the inner walls are compromised, plaque develops and decreases the blood flow in the affected artery.  Other causes include:

• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Stress
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Family History of Heart Disease

• Making a change in your diet can help reduce the build-up of plaque and promote better circulation.  Eliminating genetically modified foods, fried foods, meat, dairy, alcohol, sugar, and salt from your diet can help manage symptoms of Arteriosclerosis.  Switching to a raw-food, vegan, or vegetarian diet can help promote a healthier lifestyle and prevent future complications of the disease. 
• It's important to increase the daily amount of magnesium and calcium because they reduce stress levels, promote healthy heart rate, and manage proper blood pressure.
• Reducing anxiety and stress levels is crucial to helping with Arteriosclerosis.  Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and even having a more positive outlook on life can decrease stress levels.  A great way to reduce stress levels is to practice meditation.  This helps calm the heart rate and brings good energy into your life. 
• Going to infrared saunas can help you sweat out the toxins and chemicals that are ingested daily.  These chemicals harden the arteries and can lead to other diseases or health conditions.  

• Garlic
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Natto or Nattokinase (unique enzyme that helps support proper circulation)
• Flax Seed
• Walnuts and Macadamia Nuts
• Leafy Green Vegetables