While existing plaque in your arteries cannot be easily eliminated or "unclogged" without medical intervention (such as surgery or specific cholesterol-lowering medications like statins), aggressive lifestyle changes can stabilize plaque, prevent further buildup, and in some cases, help reduce existing plaque size.
Making plaque disappear is not possible, but with lifestyle changes and medication they can shrink and stabilize. Doctors especially want to target the softer plaques before they rupture.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Here are 15 foods that may help prevent clogged arteries.
Other signs you may have atherosclerosis (blocked arteries)
The symptoms of an artery blockage include chest pain and tightness, and shortness of breath. Imagine driving through a tunnel.
Certain actions and foods can help open blood vessels immediately. Deep breathing exercises, stretching, and light physical activity like walking can stimulate blood flow. Consuming foods rich in nitric oxide, such as beets, garlic, spinach, and dark chocolate, helps dilate blood vessels.
They're caused by high cholesterol, smoking, genetics, and a diet high in unhealthy fats. Symptoms of clogged arteries can include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
Lab and animal studies have found that cinnamon may also help with atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries). But human studies are lacking. Two trials involving people with Type 2 diabetes didn't find that cinnamon helped with inflammation or plaque in the arteries.
Fruits like strawberries and mulberries have a lot of flavonoid antioxidants, which help clear up plaque and prevent atherosclerosis. As a result, it is safe to conclude that mulberry fruits are good blood vessel cleaners. Apples are fruits that cleanse the blood vessels and are extremely healthy for the body.
Vitamins C, A, E, and B6
Vitamin E prevents the formation of blood clots in the artery walls. Also important to know is that vitamins E and B6 help neutralize free radicals in the body that damage cells in the artery walls.
Top Foods Cardiologists Want You to Avoid for Heart Health
Although fully hardened plaque won't go away without dental intervention, it's possible to manage plaque as it builds up, before it hardens, and it's also possible to prevent plaque buildup from happening at all. If you notice that your teeth feel fuzzy when you run your tongue across them, you're noticing plaque.
Out of all plant-based cooking oils, olive oil has the highest levels of MUFAs. This, along with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in olive oil, may reduce plaque buildup in your arteries.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
For every additional egg consumed per week, the risk of plaque decreased by 11% (95% CI 3%-18%). No association was detected between egg consumption and risk of clinical vascular outcomes, over a mean follow up of 11 years and after adjustment for covariates.
Cayenne Pepper
Research indicates that ingesting cayenne pepper increases circulation, improves blood vessel strength and reduces plaque buildup in your arteries. One of the main reasons for this is capsaicin, which is an active compound of cayenne peppers.
Poor circulation can negatively affect your overall health, but making smart choices with diet and lifestyle can make a big difference. Vitamins for blood circulation, like Vitamin E, C, and B3, along with other nutrients, can naturally improve blood flow and support a healthier you.
Oatmeal. Both doctors cited oats as their regular favorite breakfast. Oatmeal contains lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and studies associate it with lowering cholesterol and helping with weight control, according to the American Heart Association. “My go-to is really oatmeal,” Freeman says.
Lemons and other citrus fruits are high in a plant substance called flavonoids. Research suggests that flavonoids in citrus fruits can improve heart health and lower the risk of clogged arteries. And drinking lemon juice has been shown to lower blood pressure in both animal and human studies.
Symptoms of Calcium Build-Up
Water plays a critical role in transporting nutrients and oxygen in your bloodstream. Dehydration can lead to thickening of the blood, making it harder for your heart to pump effectively. Therefore, drink enough water daily to support your circulation and vein health.