The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural remedies available for Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Here is their report:
What exactly is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the term used to describe various disorders of the circulatory system outside the heart and brain.
PAD is caused by the build up of plaque, narrowing the arteries in the arms and legs. This leads to hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which in turn restricts blood flow and circulation.
The main risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease are:
Smoking
Age 50+
Diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Overweight/obesity
Lack of exercise
Family history
Leading a healthy lifestyle can dramatically reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and PAD, but some unmodifiable risk factors, such as age, cannot be controlled.
PAD typically affects more men than women and diabetes also greatly increases the risk.
Plaque is made up of cholesterol-rich fatty deposits which begin to line the arterial walls.
This narrows the vascular channels and begins to lower the blood circulation. Those suffering from PAD often suffer from coronary artery disease which shares the same risk factors.
Symptoms of PAD
More than half of those suffering from PAD have no early symptoms. Most common symptoms include:
Muscle pain in calves or thighs when walking. The pain subsides with rest.
Impotence
When the disease is severe it is known as critical limb ischemia and symptoms include:
Leg or foot pain at rest which is worse at night
Discolored or blue toes
Cold feet
Sores on legs and feet which do not heal
In severe cases, if the PAD is left untreated it can lead to tissue death, called gangrene.
Prevention of PAD
To reduce the risk of peripheral artery disease:
Stop smoking
Exercise regularly
Eat a diet which is low in fat, cholesterol and salt
Have frequent blood tests to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
Lose weight if necessary
Control high blood pressure with medication if necessary
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suffer repeatedly with muscle pain or discomfort in the legs when walking, your doctor can perform a simple test known as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) to determine whether you are suffering from peripheral artery disease.
The most effective treatment for PAD is exercise. Rest when pain occurs, then continue exercising. Gradually the distance walked without pain will increase. You doctor may advise a change in diet and may complement this with medication to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
In severe cases, angioplasty may be performed to compress the plaque, or by-pass surgery may be performed to re-route blood past any blockage.
Obviously, a great preventative to all of this would involve removing inflammation and reducing plaque buildup in the body.
The Institute for Vibrant Living has an all-natural formula that addresses both of these issues. The product is called Pain & Brain. It utilizes curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatoryalong withother natural plaque fighters.
To learn more, visit IVLProducts.com and use search term: Pain & Brain.
Remember, keeping plaque and inflammation down will help to keep you on the up and up!
