There's no single "best" supplement to remove existing arterial plaque, but certain ones like Vitamin K2, Fiber (Psyllium, Oats), Garlic, Plant Sterols, and Omega-3s show promise in preventing further buildup or improving artery health by managing calcium, inflammation, and cholesterol, though diet and lifestyle changes remain crucial; always consult a doctor before starting supplements.
Optimal Vitamin K2 intake is crucial to avoid the calcium plaque buildup of atherosclerosis, thus keeping the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible. Matrix GLA protein (MGP)—found in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, and lungs—plays a dominant role in vascular calcium metabolism.
Vitamins such as K2, D, and B-complex, along with Vitamin E, contribute significantly to maintaining healthy arteries and preventing plaque buildup.
NK suppresses atherosclerosis
After 12 months of NK consumption, both the size of CCA-IMT and the size of the carotid artery plaque decreased significantly (from 1.33 to 1.04mm on average, P < 0.001).
Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don't recommend nattokinase for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you're allergic to natto (fermented soybeans), nattokinase could cause an allergic reaction.
Regular physical activity—at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week—is vital, along with maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, improving sleep quality, controlling blood pressure, monitoring cholesterol, and staying well-hydrated.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is the sodium bicarbonate that softens the tartar and balances the acidity in your mouth to prevent plaque formation. Make the baking soda paste by mixing a few drops of water and gently scrub your teeth using a toothbrush.
Our study confirms that by using the CAC Agatston score, Vitamin K2 can have a role in decreasing the progression of coronary artery calcification.
(D)CoQ10 also reduces foam cell formation and decreases plaque size by promoting reverse cholesterol transport through ABCG1 and ABCA1.
Results of a published, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, Knapen et al. show that when taken daily in nutritional doses (180 μg as MenaQ7®) for three years by a healthy population, vitamin K2 (MK-7) improves cardiovascular health.
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.
What are the top 10 heart health supplements?
Am I eligible for weight loss surgery?
In the groups receiving high-dose vitamin K1 or K2 (MK-4), not only was there no further arterial calcium accumulation, there was a 37% reduction of previously accumulated arterial calcification after six weeks. After 12 weeks, there was a 53% reduction in accumulated arterial calcium deposits.
Surgery may be done to fix a blocked artery and improve blood flow. Surgeries or procedures for coronary artery disease may include: Coronary angioplasty and stent placement. This treatment opens clogged blood vessels in the heart.
Is Vitamin K2 Dangerous? In general, vitamin K2 is considered safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet or in the form of dietary supplements at recommended doses. No serious side effects have been associated with this vitamin, even at relatively high doses.
Not only does vitamin K2 help move calcium into the proper areas in your body, it also assists in removing calcium from areas where it shouldn't be. Statins have been shown to deplete your body of CoQ10 and impair heart muscle mitochondria function.
Some early research has shown that vitamin K2 may be more effective at clearing out calcium than vitamin K1. 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.
Effectiveness: It kills bacteria and may help loosen plaque before it hardens into tartar, although it won't remove fully formed tartar. Important note: Don't overuse hydrogen peroxide as excessive exposure can irritate your gums or damage enamel.
Effective Home Methods to Remove Plaque
Brush with Baking Soda
This is a proactive preventive measure because tartar results from a buildup of plaque. Baking soda is abrasive, so it works to remove tartar and plaque.
If you have coronary artery calcification, you should follow the recommendations for a heart-healthy lifestyle, including:
Despite the well-documented improved survival of coronary heart disease with the use of statins, their effects on atherosclerotic plaques are not yet fully understood. While some studies suggest statins may reduce plaque volume, the reduction is small even with the use of high-dose statins.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include: