Intermittent Claudication
Pain in the calves, resulting from a blockage of
blood flow in the arteries
due to atherosclerosis. The pain often starts after
walking a short distance, forcing you to stop frequently for rests. In
extreme cases blood clots form in the arteries, leading to death of an area
of tissue, gangrene, and possible amputation. If you suspect you have
intermittent claudication, consult your doctor.
Supplements and herbs
Studies have shown great improvement by combining walking with
supplementation: Take 300 to 400 IU of vitamin E a day.
Intermittent claudication is a sign of arterial disease. Avoid foods high
in cholesterol, such as red meat and dairy products, and increase your
intake of high-fiber, whole-grain cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Increase your intake of magnesium, found in
nuts, cooked dried
beans
and peas, whole-grain breads and cereals, soybeans, dark green leafy
vegetables, milk, and seafood.
Hawthorn infusion is a good tonic for the circulatory system: Pour 1 cup
of boiling water on 2 teaspoons of the berries, and infuse for 20 minutes;
drink 3 times a day.
Homeopathy
Baryta muriatica 6c: Take 3 times a day for 3 weeks.
Proteus 30c: Take as needed during acute attacks.
What else you can do
- Stop smoking. This is the most effective way to prevent or halt this
condition.
- Excess weight may contribute to the ailment, so try to maintain your
normal weight.
- Walking is the best exercise for this condition. Try to walk at least 1 hour
a day. Walk until you feel moderate discomfort in the legs, then stop for
a rest. Keep repeating the walk-pain-rest cycle. After two or three months
of daily exercise, bypass blood vessels develop in the legs to overcome
blocked ones, relieving pain.
- If the weather does not permit walking, stationary indoor bicycling is
an alternative. Follow the same routine as above. Always consult your
doctor before beginning any exercise routine.
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