High blood pressure as well as high cholesterol can contribute to the appearance of clogged arteries.
They are the blood vessels which carry blood rich in oxygen throughout your body. If the arteries become clogged, this can lead to the appearance of atherosclerosis which is extremely serious and can cause heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.
Symptoms of Clogged Arteries
Clogged arteries can show various symptoms. It all depends on the type of arteries that are affected at the moment.
Carotid arteries: Carotid artery disease is a condition which appears because of arteries in your brain which are clogged. There is a presence of plaque. Some of the symptoms which may appear are: severe headaches, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, blurry vision, sudden weakness, dizziness, confusion, trouble walking, unexplained falls, loss of balance or coordination, trouble with speech and paralysis.
Coronary arteries: Coronary heart disease appears when the arteries in your heart are clogged. It is characterized by a very severe chest pain similar to pressure that can also appear in your neck, jaw, shoulders, arms or back. Many people think that angina is indigestion. It can also be caused by emotional stress. Other symptoms that can show it are shortness of breath and heartbeat problems.
Renal arteries: The arteries present in your kidneys called renal arteries cause chronic kidney disease. It can disturb the function of your kidneys and cause numerous symptoms like tiredness, loss of appetite, numbness, itchiness, nausea, swelling in the hands or feet and concentration problems, but also increased blood pressure as well as kidney failure.
Peripheral arteries: When plaque builds up in your pelvis, legs and arms, it can often cause peripheral arterial disease. The arteries called peripheral arteries can cause numbness or pain if they are narrowed or blocked. They can also cause some very dangerous infections.
What Causes Arterial Blockage?
The arteries mostly become damaged by the accumulation of plaque. The deficiency of some vitamin can also cause it. Numerous substances are present in the plaque like cholesterol, cellular waste, toxic metals, fats, calcium etc.
The condition of clogged arteries can appear when you’re very young and develop as you become older. Your arteries can also be damaged by high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, smoking, insulin resistance and type 1 diabetes.
You are also prone to atherosclerosis if you’re exposed to heavy metals, in case you’re overweight, if your triglycerides are increased, if you’re a personality from the A-type, you already have lupus, infections or arthritis. Genetics can also play a great role in acquiring atherosclerosis.
Here, we’re presenting you the 10 best natural foods that will help you unclog your arteries!
Why wouldn’t you avoid beta-blockers or statin drugs when there are numerous natural foods that can help you? Try some of these!
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Turmeric
Turmeric is mostly used as a spice. It possesses a substance called curcumin which possesses cardioprotective effects. Turmeric can decrease plaque buildup and reduce LDL cholesterol.
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Garlic
Garlic is thought to be one of the best foods which are useful against clogged arteries. It can decrease your blood pressure, prevent heart disease etc. It can even reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
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Ginger
Ginger possesses amazing anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. It contains amazing compounds which protect our heart like gingerols and shogaols. They clean our arteries and prevent plaque buildup.
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Cayenne pepper
Capsaicin which is the active compound in cayenne pepper helps us clean our arteries and decrease the bad cholesterol in our blood. It can also help us improve our blood circulation and decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.
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Lemon
It’s very healthy and also excellent for your heart to add lemon juice in the water you drink every morning. Lemon can help you decrease the levels of bad cholesterol, but also reduce any inflammation because of its abundance of vitamin C as well as strengthen your arteries.
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon is amazing in decreasing cholesterol, glucose, heart problems, stroke or any cardiovascular diseases. There are numerous studies which prove this.
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Ground flaxseed
Flaxseed is abundant in fiber which is extremely good for our health, especially our cardiovascular health. It also contains an omega-3 acid called alpha-linolenic acid. It’s amazing against clogged arteries. Grinded flaxseed is the best type to eat.
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Fermented cabbage
Kimchi is a Korean recipe and it’s popular as a probiotic. It is prepared with hot peppers and fermented cabbage which are both amazing against atherosclerotic process. They can also help us remove any kind of toxic chemicals.
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Sesame seed
Sesame seeds are amazing against clogged arteries. They can also remove triglycerides, blood cholesterol, etc.
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Pomegranate juice
This amazing juice contains punicic acid as well as a high antioxidant content. It can fight atherosclerosis, unclog arteries, reduce plaque etc.
Other Natural Remedies for Clogged Arteries
These include coconut oil, asparagus, fenugreek seeds, avocado, chia seeds and broccoli. Some sources that you should take against atherosclerosis should also include vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline, antioxidants, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin C, lutein, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, zeaxanthin, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin D, fish oils, vitamin B3, magnesium, selenium, trimethylglycine, chromium, resveratrol and copper.
It’s also very important to exercise frequently, use yoga, meditation, qigong, tai chi and reduce stress. Make sure you exercise at least 30 minutes every day 5 days a week, no matter if it’s running, gardening, walking or aerobic exercises.