While no specific vitamins are medically proven to "unclog" already blocked arteries, several nutrients, including certain vitamins, may help prevent the progression of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and support overall cardiovascular health.
Salmon, mackerel, fatty fish, and fish oil contain EPA, but there's a better source! Cod liver oil or cod liver is the best food to unclog your arteries naturally. Along with EPA, cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D. The active form of vitamin A, retinol, helps to repair the body's internal tissues.
Here are 15 foods that may help prevent clogged arteries.
Green Tea: This healthy beverage contains procyanidins, which have been found to help prevent blood clots and promote healthy endothelium (the tissue that lines blood vessels and your heart). Apples: Apples (particularly Red Delicious and Granny Smith) are also rich in procyanidins.
Several previous studies have demonstrated that aged garlic extract (AGE) inhibits the progression of coronary artery calcification and non-calcified plaque (NCP) in the general population.
Boosts Your Immune System
Garlic's natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties help your body fight off colds, the flu and other infections. Studies show that eating garlic regularly can reduce how often you get sick and make your symptoms less severe.
Turmeric is one of nature's most potent anti-inflammatories, due to a compound called curcumin. This not only reduces arterial inflammation, but also fatty deposits known as plaque, by as much as 26%!
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.
Among foods that contribute to clogged arteries are:
Lifestyle and home remedies
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.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
Symptoms of Calcium Build-Up
What Medication Removes Plaque From Arteries? Your doctor might prescribe different types of medications, depending on your health. These might be: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, called ACE inhibitors, to lower blood pressure.
One study found that people who took in at least 32 micrograms per day of vitamin K2 in their diet were 50% less likely to die from heart disease related to hardened 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.
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.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a versatile spice known for its sweet flavor and numerous health benefits. Studies suggest that cinnamon can help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol.
Low Blood Sugar: Cinnamon has a blood sugar-lowering effect, so consuming large amounts can cause hypoglycemia, particularly for those on diabetes medication. Gastrointestinal Issues: Excessive intake might lead to digestive problems like nausea, bloating, or diarrhea.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
Ginger – has incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Cayenne Pepper – helps lower the risk of stroke and heart attack, and improves blood circulation. Lemon – aids in reducing blood cholesterol levels and prevents oxidative damage to arteries.
Turmeric is a popular dietary supplement promoted as a natural remedy to improve a variety of conditions including arthritis, digestive disorders, depression and allergies. While the spice itself is generally regarded as safe, turmeric supplements can cause liver damage if taken at high dosages.
This dose of curcumin is not completely harmless, however, as human studies have shown that curcumin at doses ranging from 0.9 to 3.6 g day−1 for 1–4 months originates some adverse effects including nausea and diarrhea and causes an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.