Atherosclerosis is one of the main reasons for the development of cardiovascular diseases
and it represents a progressive arterial clogging.
Arteries are blood vessels that transport our blood rich in oxygen from our heart to
all our other organs.
In optimal condition, the arteries are flexible, elastic and strong, but when their function
deteriorates they become hardened.
Heart attacks and strokes and similar cardiovascular diseases are among the top causes of death
in the States, with more than 600.000 people dying from it annually.
These diseases are so deadly because their symptoms are mostly vague and people fail
to notice they suffer from some cardiovascular disease until it's too late.
The symptoms associated with clogged arteries can be different, depending on what kind artery
is clogged:
Coronary heart disease affects the heart arteries preventing the heart muscle form getting the
proper amount of blood.
This condition is manifested through angina, chest pain, shoulder, arms, neck and jaw pressure
and accelerated heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Carotid artery disease affects the brain arteries which get clogged as a result of arterial
plaque accumulation.
This disease is accompanied with severe headaches, breathing problems, loss of balance, blurry
vision, dizziness, confusion, speech problems, paralysis, difficulties walking, sudden weakness.
Chronic kidney disease affects the kidney arteries and while the disease is in its initial
stages there are no symptoms.
However, once it progresses the person suffering from it can experience fatigue, nausea, appetite
loss, hypertension, kidney failure, itchiness and numbness, feet and hands swelling, concertation
problems and so on.
Peripheral arterial disease affects the arteries that go into the pelvis, arms and legs and
are manifested through pain, infections and numbness.
As we already mentioned, atherosclerosis is the narrowing, hardening and thickening and
of the arteries that happens as a result of plaque accumulation.
Plaque accumulation is actually the accumulation of fat, toxic metals, cholesterol, cellular
waste and calcium which happens when these substances aren't able to migrate from the
atherosclerotic lesion.
Once the arteries get clogged it can lead to blood clots formation which can inevitably
cause a stroke.
Atherosclerosis is a very complex condition and health experts are still not entirely
sure what causes it but they agree that some factors influence it greatly, like hypertension,
smoking, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, exposure to heavy metals, high triglyceride
levels, physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet.
The disease can also happen as a result of some vitamin and mineral deficiencies or imbalances
and a diet that's loaded with processed, unhealthy foods and stripped of all the necessary
nutrients for proper functioning.
If you suffer from clogged arteries and want to improve your condition before it escalates,
here are 10 foods you should include in your diet on a regular basis.
These foods will help you reverse the condition, unclog your arteries and prevent further plaque
accumulation.
Garlic.
This vegetable is very effective against arterial clogging and can lower your blood pressure
significantly, thus preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Studies have shown that garlic can prevent and treat atherosclerosis successfully and
lower the risk of a stroke or a heart attack by 50%.
Sesame seeds.
These little seeds are yet another natural and effective way to unclog your arteries
and prevent atherosclerosis from escalating.
Studies have shown that sesame seeds have a high content of fatty acids which inhibits
the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and effectively lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
levels.
Ginger.
Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with anti-oxidative effects.
It's abundant in compounds like gingerols and shogaols which have heart-protective properties
and prevent plaque buildup.
They also lower your cholesterol levels and unclog your arteries.
Turmeric.
Turmeric can effectively lower bad cholesterol levels and prevent arterial plaque accumulation.
The spice is widely popular in Ayurveda and Indian cuisine thanks to its amazing taste
and unrivaled health benefits.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful cardio protective effects.
Pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate juice is abundant in punic acid and antioxidants which unclog your arteries,
reduce plaque formations and effectively treat atherosclerosis.
This juice is also abundant in other heart-healthy nutrients, such as magnesium and selenium.
Cinnamon.
Cinnamon is an excellent natural remedy for heart problems and atherosclerosis and reduces
your risk of these diseases significantly.
A study published from 2003 showed that a daily consumption of 1, 3 or 6gr of cinnamon
can reduce the triglyceride levels, glucose, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels
in diabetics.
Lemon.
Lemons prevent oxidative damage and significantly lower your cholesterol levels.
They're abundant in vitamin C which soothes inflammation, increases good cholesterol levels,
strengthens your arteries and prevents platelet aggregation.
Fermented cabbage.
According to research, kimchi, a popular Korean recipe for fermented cabbage with hot peppers
can significantly slow down the atherosclerotic process.
According to studies, the active compound in fermented cabbage, 3-94-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl,
can prevent the onset of aortic atherosclerosis.
Ground flaxseed.
These seeds are abundant in fibers and can effectively unclog your arteries.
They contain alpha-linoleic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid which reduces inflammation and
high blood pressure.
According to studies supplementation with flaxseed (in moderation) can successfully
reduce atherosclerosis.
Cayenne pepper.
Its active compound, capsaicin, is excellent for your heart health.
It reduces LDL cholesterol levels, improves blood circulation, reduces the risk of a heart
attack and a stroke as well.
According to research, capsaicin can prevent pulmonary and vascular complications which
are associated with HAART drugs.
More Natural Remedies for Atherosclerosis
There are a number of other natural remedies which may help you with clogged arteries,
including coconut oil, avocado, chia seeds, asparagus, broccoli and fenugreek.
If your arteries are clogged you should consider adding some dietary supplements like folic
acid, choline, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamins E and C, lutein, zeaxanthin, pine bark and
grape seed extract.
You can also benefit from fish oil, vitamins D, B3, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, selenium,
magnesium, copper, chromium and resveratrol.
And finally, physical activity is essential for proper cardiovascular health.
You should perform some moderate physical activity at least for 30 minutes a day, 5
times per week.
Good choice would be walking, yoga, aerobic exercises, meditation and tai chi.
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