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Clogged arteries greatly increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and even death. Because of these dangers, it is important to be aware, no matter how old you are, of the causes of artery plaque and treatment strategies to prevent serious consequences.
Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls and blood flows through them easily. Some people, however, develop clogged arteries. Clogged arteries result from a buildup of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Arterial plaque can reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block it altogether. This condition is referred to as atherosclerosis.
According to the American Heart Association’s 2016 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, in 2013, 1 of every 3 deaths in the US was a result of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Plus, heart disease and stroke were listed as the number one (and two) killers worldwide, according to the report.
While your doctor will probably recommend living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating according to the national dietary recommendations and getting exercise, if you show any signs of atherosclerosis you will likely be given a prescription for a statin (cholesterol lowering medication) or a fibrate to lower your triglyceride levels, along with a slew of other medications.
Ultimately, while your doctor will tell you these drugs can help control or treat atherosclerosis, many studies also show they are inherently dangerous and can even worsen the situation or lead to other diseases, including cancer.
What are the dangers of arterial plaque and clogged arteries?
It depends on where arterial plaque accumulates. Clogged arteries in different parts of the body can lead to multiple medical conditions, including:
1. Coronary artery disease. When plaque accumulates in the arteries carrying blood to the heart, it results in coronary artery disease, or heart disease. Coronary artery disease can cause chest pain or shortness of breath. This condition can lead to heart attacks and is the leading cause of death in the United States.
2. Carotid artery disease . The carotid arteries run up either side of your neck. They supply oxygen to your brain. The accumulation of arterial plaque in the carotid arteries can lead to stroke.
3. Peripheral artery disease. If plaque builds up in the blood vessels that carry blood to your legs, it can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered. The reduced blood flow can cause you to experience pain, numbness, or serious infection in your legs and feet.
Do clogged arteries cause any symptoms?
In many instances, clogged arteries do not cause any symptoms until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke, occurs.
At other times, especially when the artery is blocked by 70% or more, the buildup of arterial plaque may cause symptoms that include:
1. Chest pain
2. Shortness of breath
3. Heart palpitations
4. Weakness or dizziness
5. Nausea
6. Sweating
The first symptom, chest pain, is also called angina. It may result from reduced blood flow to the heart. That reduced blood flow is caused by plaque in the arteries leading to the heart.
Clogged arteries in carotid artery disease may cause stroke precursors known as transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs. TIAs may produce the following symptoms:
1. Sensation of weakness or numbness on one side of your body
2. Inability to move an arm or a leg
3. Loss of vision on one side only
4. Slurring of words
Clogged arteries in peripheral artery disease may cause:
1. Leg pain
2. Delayed healing of injuries to the feet
3. Cold feet
4. Gangrene
Clogged Arteries are totally preventable
The good news is that like most diseases, atherosclerosis is preventable and even reversible in some cases. The best part is that you can take charge of your health starting today.
And to help you get started, here are 7 natural ways you can not only prevent atherosclerosis buildup but possibly even reverse clogged arteries.
These are Easy Ways to Reverse Clogged Arteries Naturally
1. Garlic
Aged garlic extract reduces plaque buildup in arteries, a study found. Participants who took the supplement for a year had 80% less plaque. Reducing plaque buildup helps prevent the progression of heart disease.
Aged garlic extract reduces dangerous plaque buildup in arteries, according to the study from Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
That helps prevent the progression of heart disease – which is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Lead study author Dr Matthew Budoff said: ‘This study is another demonstration of the benefits of this supplement in reducing the accumulation of soft plaque and preventing the formation of new plaque in the arteries, which can cause heart disease.’
2. Pomegranates
Pomegranates have been used as medicine for thousands of years. More recently, they have been called a "superfood" that can protect against disease. In laboratory tests, pomegranate shows antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. But more research is needed to determine whether it can help prevent or treat illness in humans. In addition, there is some concern that pomegranate juice might interact with medications, much like grapefruit juice does, making certain medications less effective.
Pomegranate fruit extract is a rich source of polyphenols, chemicals in plants that provide their flavor and color. Polyphenols are also antioxidants, meaning they help protect cells from damage and may lower inflammation in the body. Rich in polyphenols including tannins and anthocyanins, drinking pomegranate juice is even shown in one study to reduce arterial plaque by as much as 30 percent. Pomegranate fruit is also high in vitamin C. One pomegranate provides about 40% of the daily requirement of this vitamin.
The bark, fruit, root, and rind of the pomegranate tree are used as medicine in Asia and the Middle East. In the West, the fruit and its juice are usually the parts being studied. The juice and rind have antioxidant properties, while the juice, rind, and oil from seeds contain isoflavones similar to the ones in soy.
Pomegranate's high antioxidant content has also made researchers wonder if it could treat heart disease.
Pomegranate juice seems to protect LDL (bad) cholesterol from damage. Some scientists think that damage to LDL cholesterol causes plaque to build up in arteries, so stopping the damage might help keep arteries clear. One study of mice with atherosclerosis found that pomegranate juice slowed the growth of plaque formation. A few small human studies in people found that pomegranate juice improved blood flow and kept arteries from becoming thick and stiff. More and better studies are needed to see exactly what benefit pomegranate juice might offer.
Preliminary evidence suggests that drinking pomegranate juice every day may help lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) but not diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). Other studies suggest that prolonged pomegranate juice intake improves cardiovascular risk factors, slowing the progression of plaque build up on the arteries and enhancing immunity.
It also lowers blood pressure and increases total antioxidant status (TAS) by 130 percent. Another study published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows it can slow the oxidation that causes plaque buildup.
3. Fermented Cabbage
There is no doubt fermented foods are good for you. They contain numerous probiotics that promote a healthy gut; something researchers agree goes a long way to overall health.
When it comes to heart health and atherosclerosis, kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made with fermented cabbage, is the perfect food to help show arterial plaque buildup.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that kimchi is actually better than Simvastatin, a popular statin also marketed as Zocor, for preventing plaque buildup and lowering LDL cholesterol. Kimchi’s high probiotic count also help to destroy any harmful toxins and chemicals in your gut. These truly amazing friendly bacteria are shown in countless studies to prevent and treat the symptoms of over 200 different diseases.
4. Sesame Seeds
The tiny seed has a distinctive taste and is chockfull of vitamins and minerals, including copper and manganese, as well as a healthy dose of iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B1, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, and even fiber.
The heart healthy properties of sesame come from two amazing substances called sesamin and sesamolin. Known as lignans, they also have some potent cholesterol-lowering properties that can further help to prevent high blood pressure and even increase vitamin E supplies.
A 2006 study published in The Yale Journal of Biological Medicine reveals that ingesting sesame seeds oil every day for 45 days can naturally lower your blood pressure. Another study further found sesame oil can prevent atherosclerosis. Other studies show sesamin can also protect your liver from oxidative damage.
Remarkably, studies even show this little seed is more effective than Tylenol for knee pain caused by arthritis. Not bad for a little seed!
5. Turmeric
When it comes to spices for heart health, there is none better than turmeric. The active ingredient in this bright yellow spice, commonly used in Indian dishes, is curcumin, an incredibly potent polyphenol. Green Med Info reveals a whopping 782 diseases researched using curcumin with 2195 abstracts.
If there was ever a cure-all ingredient, turmeric would be it. When it comes to heart health, there are over 45 studies that clearly show how powerful this cardio-protective spice is. A study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology even shows how turmeric can prevent the damage to arteries normally associated with blockages.
And forget Aspirin for heart disease prevention according to a 2016 study, a daily dose of curcumin can significantly improve the functional state of your blood vessels within just two months. Researchers conclude, “Oral curcumin supplementation may present a simple lifestyle strategy for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.”
Read also : Bloated Belly? These 5 Herbs Will Flatten Your Belly in 1 Hour!6. B Vitamins
The B vitamins include:
B1 (thiamine)
B2 (riboflavin)
B3 (niacin)
B5 (pantothenic acid)
B6
B7 (biotin)
B12
Folic acid
Typically, you can get all of these in one B-complex vitamin, although these aren’t your best bet for long-term health. Studies clearly show how important this group of vitamins is for heart health. Recently, researchers found that a naturally occurring amino acid called homocysteine is key in heart disease.
In fact, just small elevations of this amino acid in your blood can build up and cause arterial inflammation and damage that makes you more susceptible to heart disease according to studies.
Luckily, scientists also found that three of the B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, are powerful combatants for heart disease. A 2005 study published in Atherosclerosis shows that 2.5 mg folic acid, 25 mg Vitamin B6 and 0.5mg Vitamin B12, when taken for one year, can successfully lower homocysteine levels and reduce the thickness of the arteries.
A 2006 study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion shows that niacin is also important for heart health. This B vitamin can raise levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), reduce the thickness of arterial walls and improve endothelial function while decreasing vascular inflammation. Folic acid is also helpful according to studies for reducing arterial wall thickness.
7. L-Arginine
Finally, the last natural powerhouse for reversing clogged arteries is the amino acid, L-Arginine, which is actually capable of preventing arterial thickening by as much as 24 percent according to studies.
Among other important health benefits, this potent amino acid is also known to fight inflammation, a huge factor in heart disease, lower your risk for arteriosclerosis and heart attack, repair blood vessels, fight congestive heart failure (CHF) and coronary artery disease and even help to lower high blood pressure. According to Green Med Info, L-Arginine is actually helpful for158 different diseases and is definitely something you should add to your list for natural ways to reverse clogged arteries .
This is just a small number of nature’s amazing substances for helping to reduce your risk of heart disease. There are actually close to 300 natural substances known for heart health. Drugs are not always the answer.
A healthy diet and plenty of exercise, along with nature’s medicines can go a long way to keeping you and your heart healthy for years to come.
Source:
Daily Health Post
WebMD
DailyMail
University of Maryland
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