Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common problem that affects the blood vessels in your body. It happens when the arteries that carry blood to your legs, arms, and organs become blocked or narrowed due to a build-up of fatty deposits. This can reduce the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches your body parts, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Symptoms of PAD can vary, but they often include pain or cramping in the legs or arms when walking or exercising, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and coldness in the legs or feet. Other symptoms may include changes in skin color, sores that don’t heal, and hair loss on the legs.
Diet and lifestyle are major factors in the development of PAD. Eating a diet high in fat, cholesterol, and sugar can increase your risk of developing PAD. Smoking and having high blood pressure or diabetes can also increase your risk.
Making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing PAD. Eating a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar and exercising regularly can help keep your arteries healthy. Quitting smoking and controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar levels can also help.
Approximately 8.5 million people in the United States have PAD. It is more common in people over the age of 50, but it can affect anyone. If you think you may be at risk for PAD, it’s important to talk to your doctor. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing PAD and reduce the symptoms if you already have it.
Fasting can help reduce the symptoms of peripheral artery disease by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Fasting can reduce levels of insulin, which can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Additionally, fasting can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and improve circulation. Finally, fasting can help reduce oxidative stress, which can help reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.