Clogged arteries are usually caused by high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. The main role of arteries is to transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and they should be elastic, flexible, and strong. health, nutrition, food, science, health, nutrition, food, science, health, food, science, health, food, science,
Yet, if clogged, they lead to serious health risks, including atherosclerosis, the major cause of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease, strokes.
The symptoms depend on their type, as follows:
Carotid arteries: When you have clogged arteries in your brain, it is a condition called carotid artery disease. The plaque will block or narrow the carotid arteries, and signs of a stroke may be present.
Symptoms include breathing problems, sudden weakness, confusion, severe headaches, loss of consciousness, blurry vision, trouble with speech, paralysis, trouble walking, dizziness, unexplained falls, and loss of coordination or balance.
Coronary arteries: Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries of the heart are clogged, and there is not enough blood to reach the heart. This causes shortness of breath, indigestion, chest pain, and squeezing the chest, jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, or back.
Renal arteries: When the renal arteries are clogged, one develops chronic kidney disease, which reduces the function of the kidneys. In this case, a person does not experience any early symptoms, but as the issue aggravates, symptoms might include fatigue, appetite loss, concentration issues, numbness or itchiness, and swelling in the feet or hands.
Peripheral arteries: Peripheral arterial disease occurs as a result of the blockage of narrowing of the arteries in the arms, legs, and pelvis, leading to pain and numbness.
Dr.Axe explains:
“Arteriosclerosis is “a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on their inner walls.” It refers to hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries. It is often said to be “partly a function of aging.”
Over time the smooth, elastic arterial cells become more fibrous and stiff. Calcium, cholesterol particles and fatty acids accumulate on arterial walls and form a swelling called an atheroma. Atheroma is capable of bursting, causing blood clots, and leading to heart attacks or strokes. In populations that eat an unprocessed diet, far less inflammation-caused arteriosclerosis and heart disease are present.”
Medtronic says that “ certain risk factors can accelerate the process:
Age (over age 45 for men, and over age 55 for women)
A family history of heart disease
Smoking
High blood pressure
High LDL “bad” cholesterol and low HDL “good” cholesterol
Certain diseases, such as diabetes
Being overweight or obese
Lack of exercise
Certain types of radiation therapy to the chest
Stress
Men are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease than are women. A woman’s risk increases after menopause. “
Yet, there are plenty of natural foods that will help you naturally prevent clogged arteries:
1. Garlic
This natural antibiotic lowers blood pressure, prevents heart disease, and slows down atherosclerosis, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. Lemon
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that strengthens the arteries, treats inflammation, lowers total cholesterol, increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and inhibits platelet aggregation.
3. Ginger
It has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that protect against the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, and lower cholesterol, aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas, decreases triglycerides in the blood, LDL-linked fat peroxides, and LDL aggregation.
4. Pomegranate juice
It is a rich source of antioxidants and punicic acid that inhibit the accumulation of plaque in the arteries and thus lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, lowers total and LDL cholesterol, as well as glucose, and triglyceride levels.
6. Fermented cabbage
Its active compound known as 3-94-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl prevents the development of aortic atherosclerosis in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits, while fermented cabbage is also able to degrade toxic chemicals, including bisphenol A and the insecticide chlorpyrifos.
7. Curcumin (in Turmeric)
This popular spice has powerful cardioprotective effects, known for centuries, and it lowers LDL cholesterol and prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries and artery damage due to carotid artery blockage.
8. Ground flaxseed
Ground flaxseed is full of fiber that supports healthy arteries, alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 acid that lowers blood pressure and fights inflammation, and decreases the risk of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis.
9. Cayenne pepper
Its active compound capsaicin lowers LDL cholesterol in the blood and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and pulmonary artery hypertension.
10. Sesame seed
It will help you to prevent blocked arteries, lower cholesterol, inhibit atherosclerosis lesion formation, and reduce triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels.
Moreover, HealthLine advises:
“A heart-healthy diet contains plenty of good fats and low amounts of bad fats.
Add more good fats to your diet — Good fats are also called unsaturated fats. They’re found in foods like olives, nuts, avocado, and fish.
Cut sources of saturated fat, such as fatty meat and dairy — Choose lean cuts of meat, and try eating more plant-based meals.
Eliminate artificial sources of trans fats — Most artificial trans fats are found in processed, packaged foods like cookies and snack cakes.
Increase your fiber intake — Soluble fiber helps to lower your LDL. You can find soluble fiber in foods like vegetables, lentils, beans, and oats.
Cut back on sugar — Vitamins and minerals accompany the sugar found naturally in fruit. The sugar found in processed foods like cookies, ice cream, and sugar-sweetened beverages doesn’t have nutritional value. Too much added sugar can negatively impact your health.”
Additionally, increase the intake of coconut oil chia seeds, avocados, broccoli, and asparagus, and take supplements and nutrients vitamin B6, choline, folic acid, and vitamin B12, and antioxidants, like lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, grape seed extract, and pine bark extract.
Finally, make sure you are physically active and exercise regularly, at least half an hour daily, three times a week.
