Natural Home Remedies for Peripheral Artery Disease

This is a condition that is marked by the narrowing of the blood vessels outside the heart. This narrowing results from the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries, which carry blood to the arms and legs. This condition often restricts the blood flow to the legs, and it leaves them numb or painful. When someone has a severe case of peripheral artery disease, then the lack of blood flow can induce tissue death (also known as gangrene). Those people who suffer from peripheral artery disease have an increased risk of death from stroke and heart attack. There are many cases of peripheral artery disease which are asymptomatic, but in other cases, people can have symptoms.

The most common symptoms of peripheral artery disease are slow healing sores in the lower extremities; hair loss; more prominent feelings or coldness in one leg or foot compared to the other; numbness or weakness in one leg or foot; pain and cramping in the calf or thigh muscles after walking or climbing stairs. There are many factors that can increase your risk of peripheral artery disease, such as high cholesterol; high blood pressure; obesity; diabetes; smoking, a family history of stroke, heart disease or peripheral artery disease, increasing age, and high levels of homocysteine. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from peripheral artery disease before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for this condition. Here are some home remedies for peripheral artery disease:

Eat a healthy diet for peripheral artery disease

You should eat a heart-healthy diet which is low in saturated fat because this can help to control your cholesterol and blood pressure levels which are a reason for atherosclerosis. It would help if you did not eat processed or prepared fast food. You should try eating the Mediterranean diet because it has been proven that it can improve the symptoms of peripheral artery disease.

Exercise treats peripheral artery disease

Exercise is the key component of the natural treatment of peripheral artery disease. The success in the treatment of peripheral artery disease is often measured by how far you can walk without having pain. When you are doing proper exercises, then this will help your condition because it helps your muscles to use the oxygen more efficiently. You should talk with your doctor because he or she will help you to develop an appropriate exercise plan. Also, your doctor can tell you if you should use the claudication exercise rehabilitation program. [1]

Stop smoking

When you are smoking, then it leads to constriction and damage to arteries. Also, this is a significant risk factor for the development and worsening of peripheral artery disease. If you smoke, then you should quit smoking as soon as possible because, in this way, you will reduce your risk of complications. If you cannot quit smoking on your own, then you should talk with your doctor about some options which would help you to quit it. [2]

Vitamin D

It is a known fact that if you have low levels of Vitamin D, then it will increase your risk of peripheral artery disease. One study said that 64% of the peripheral artery disease cases are happening in people with the lowest Vitamin D levels compared to people with the highest Vitamin D levels. [3]

Grape seed extract

It is known that grapes’ seeds, leaves and fruit have been used medicinally since the ancient Greeks. The grape seed extract has oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are antioxidants that are used for the treatment of peripheral arteries disease symptoms, such as chronic ulcer legs and varicose veins. Some studies found that the grape seed extract is used to reduce the symptoms of poor circulation in leg veins, which can include nerve pain, numbness, burning, tingling, itching, heaviness, swelling, and nighttime cramps [4]. If you are allergic to grapes, then you should not use this home remedy. Also, if you are taking blood thinners, then you should use them with caution.

Gingko Biloba

This natural cure is used to stimulate circulation. There are some studies which are said that the ginkgo Biloba is effective home remedy for people who suffer from peripheral artery disease. In one study in 2008 in which 62 adults who were suffering from peripheral artery disease found that this natural cure has produced a modest but significant increase in the widening of the blood vessels [5]. You should know that this natural cure can cause bleeding when it is taken in high doses. It can be dangerous if paired with anti–platelet medications, such as aspirin, commonly prescribed for people who suffer from peripheral artery disease. This is a reason why you should talk with your doctor before you start using it as a home remedy for getting relief from leg pain.

Limit alcohol intake

If it is possible, then you should stop drinking alcohol because it can worsen the symptoms of peripheral artery disease.

L – carnitine

It is also known as acetyl–L–carnitine. This is an amino acid that can improve circulation and also it can help in the treatment of peripheral artery disease symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage.

Fish and cod liver

You should consume fish and cod liver oil on a regular basis because they can give you the needed Omega – 3 fatty acids for your body, and they are also good for your arteries. The Omega – 3 fatty acids have the ability to make the red blood cells softer because they can help them to carry more oxygen. This will automatically supply more blood to the leg tissues. Also, when you are consuming fish, it can slow the growth of plaque formation, and it can reduce the symptoms of peripheral artery disease. You can consume salmon, cod liver oil, etc. daily because this will not allow the aggravation of symptoms. [6]

Garlic and lemon treat peripheral artery disease

The long–term natural treatment of peripheral artery disease involves ridding of the plaque and preventing further build up. The combination of garlic and lemon will make wonders for your condition. We know that lemon has high amounts of Vitamin C, which can help to convert the deposit of cholesterol into bile juice. You should consume lemon on a daily basis because it can help to thin the deposits. We know that garlic has a lot of medicinal properties. When garlic is used as a natural treatment for peripheral artery disease, then it works by slimming down the deposit of fat, reduce the chances of blood clotting and reduce blood pressure by thinning the blood. You should take a cup of lemon juice and add a few drops of garlic juice to it. You should drink it on a regular basis, and you will notice that you will cure the symptoms of peripheral artery disease.

Massage therapy

You can use the massage therapy because this can help you to improve your blood circulation.

Foods rich in flavonoids

Flavonoids can be found in fruits and plants, and they can help to improve blood circulation.

Careful foot care

It is very important to take good care of your feet because people who have peripheral artery disease, especially people who have diabetes, have an increased risk of poor healing of the sores on the feet and lower legs. Poor blood circulation can prevent or postpone proper healing, and this can increase the risk of infection. You should wash your feet on a daily basis, dry them thoroughly and moisturize them often to prevent cracks that can lead to infection. You should not moisturize between your toes because this can encourage fungal growth. You should wear well–fitting shoes and thick and dry socks. You should promptly treat any fungal infections of your feet, such as the Athlete’s foot. You should take care when you are trimming your nails. You should inspect your feet on a daily basis for injuries. If you have calluses, corns, or bunions, then you should talk with a doctor to get proper treatment. If you have noticed a sore or injury to your skin, then you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

Horse chestnut seed extract

This tree is native to Europe. The flowers, bark, leaves, and seeds of horse chestnut have been used for centuries in herbal medicine. There are some studies which are shown that this home remedy can be helpful for fatigue, decreasing leg pain, venous insufficiency, swelling, and itchiness [7]. This natural cure can lower your blood sugar, and it can interfere with diabetes medication.

References:

[1] Treat-Jacobson D, McDermott MM, Bronas UG, et al. Optimal exercise programs for patients with peripheral artery disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2018;139(4):e10-33.

[2] Conen D, Everett BM, Kurth T, et al. Smoking, smoking cessation and risk of symptomatic peripheral artery disease in women: A prospective study. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2011;154(11):719–26.

[3] Krishna SM. Vitamin D as a protector of arterial health: Potential role in peripheral arterial disease formation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20(19):4907.

[4] Health 24. Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae). 2013. Retrieved from www.health24.com/Natural/Herbs/Herbs-a-z/Grape-seed-Vitis-vinifera-Vitis-coignetiae-20120721

[5] Gardner CD, Taylor-Piliae RE, Kiazand A, et al. Effect of ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) on treadmill walking time among adults with peripheral artery disease: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention. 2008;28(4):258-65.

[6] Back M. Omega-3 fatty acids in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Future Science OA. 2017;3(4):FSO236.

[7] Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for long-term or chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane. 2012.