Clogged arteries are a buildup of plaque within the inner walls of arteries, which can restrict blood flow. As a result, the nutrients and oxygen carried by the blood aren’t able to reach different tissues and organs in the body, causing severe damage and improper function of the organs.
This condition isn’t easily detected. Although the exact cause of clogged arteries is unknown, the experts think that it’s caused by an injury or damage to the inner artery layer.
Clogged arteries can be caused or aggravated by a high-fat diet,
excessive smoking, being overweight, lack of physical exercise, existing diabetes type 1 or 2, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, infections, lupus, and arthritis. This serious condition in different body parts causes different health problems such as peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, coronary artery disease, and even stroke and heart attack.
Symptoms of clogged arteries include shortness of the brain, chest pain (angina), weakness, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and dizziness, although in most cases these symptoms occur when the problem becomes serious.
More symptoms connected to this condition in different kinds of artery disease are cold feet, leg pain, inability to move an arm or a leg, numbness on one side of your body, and loss of vision only on one side.
It is extremely important to diagnose clogged arteries on time, as they can develop slowly and progressively. Modern treatments and drugs, and various home remedies can prevent aggravation of clogged arteries, and lowering the risk of severe cardiovascular disease.
We present you 10 most effective home remedies for this condition:
1. Garlic
Garlic widens the blood vessels and boosts blood circulation, so it’s understandably one of the best remedies for this condition. It was proven that this food can relax the blood vessels by up to 72% more than a placebo in a 2007 study at the University of Alabama. Garlic lowers the levels of bad cholesterol as well as the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Boil a cup of milk with 3 chopped garlic cloves. Let it cool and drink it every day before bedtime. You can take garlic supplements after consulting your doctor, or including it in your cooking.
2. Turmeric
Due to the active compound of turmeric, curcumin, which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this plant can prevent clogged arteries. Furthermore, turmeric extract reduces the levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol thus decreasing its buildup in arteries, and relaxes the blood vessels lowering the risk of a stroke or heart disease.
In a glass of warm milk, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder and a bit of honey. Drink this mixture once or twice a day. You can also take 400 to 600 mg of turmeric supplements 3 times a day, but you should first consult your doctor. Another way is to add turmeric powder to your cooking.
3. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper prevents bad cholesterol oxidation thanks to its active compound called capsaicin. With the prevention of this oxidation, the levels of bad cholesterol are reduced, thus reducing the risk of clogged arteries. All this causes better blood circulation and a lower risk of stroke and heart attack.
In a cup of hot water, add half to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Drink this mixture twice a day for a couple of weeks. Consult your doctor before taking cayenne supplements.
4. Lemon
The abundance of the powerful antioxidant vitamin C in lemon improves blood pressure and lowers the inflammation of arteries. Moreover, lemon reduces the levels of blood cholesterol and prevents oxidative damage in the bloodstream, keeping the arteries clear.
In a glass of warm water, add the juice of one lemon, a bit of black pepper powder, and honey. Drink this mixture once or twice a day for a couple of weeks. Another way is to boil 4 cups of water with one tablespoon of lemon peels for about 20 minutes. After straining the mixture, add honey. Consume one cup of this drink, three or four times a day for a couple of weeks.
5. Ginger
The compounds within ginger, shogaols, and gingerols provide cardiovascular benefits. Ginger reduces the total cholesterol levels and blocks LDL oxidation, thus preventing a buildup of plaque or reducing the already existing one.
In a hot water, add one teaspoon of grated ginger to make a ginger tea. Let it soak for about five minutes, then strain, and add a bit of honey. You can as well consume a small piece of raw ginger first thing in the morning. Another way is to take ginger capsules, but consult your doctor before you decide on this alternative.
Note: Those who have gallstones or gallbladder problems shouldn’t use ginger remedies and those who noticed that ginger causes heartburn or gastric upset.
6. Fenugreek Seeds
The saponins within the content of fenugreek seeds help lower the artery-clogging LDL cholesterol levels. These seeds are also rich in fiber which drastically decreases the levels of bad cholesterol.
Put one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water, and let them soak overnight. The following morning eats the soaked fenugreek seeds with the water on an empty stomach. Do this for a few months. You can also boil one cup of water with one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds, and after straining add a bit of honey. Consume once or twice a day. Do this for several months.
7. Red Yeast Rice
Not only that red yeast rice is beneficial for unclogging arteries, but it’s also for reducing the risk of a heart attack. The natural monacolins it contains reduce the LDL cholesterol levels. It is beneficial for overall cardiovascular health, thanks to the beta-sitosterol, phytosterols, isoflavones, stigmasterol, and campesterol in its content.
Prepare this rice in the same way as you prepare white or brown rice, or take red yeast rice supplements in form of tablets, in doses of 1,200 milligrams twice a day with meals. However, don’t forget to consult your doctor about the proper dosage for your condition.
8. Flaxseed
The abundance of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseeds lowers inflammation and blood pressure, which keeps the arteries clear and enhances overall heart health. Flaxseeds contain fiber which binds with the bad cholesterol and helps in the clearing of clogged arteries.
To help clear your clogged arteries, consume two to four tablespoons of ground flaxseed a pat. You can add a tablespoon of the seeds in soups, smoothies, and juices, or sprinkle them in baked goods or salads.
9. Pomegranate
The abundance of antioxidants phytochemicals in pomegranate protect the circulatory system from damaging oxidation that causes a buildup of plaque and blood clots in arteries. What’s more, this fruit stimulates nitric oxide production in the blood which helps arteries to open, and regulate blood pressure. It’s recommended to eat one to two fresh pomegranates a day or to drink a glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice a day.
10. Exercise
report this adTo lower the stiff and clogged arteries, do physical exercise on a regular basis. A proper exercise practice together with a healthy diet will prevent and manage heart diseases, and will generally strengthen your heart. To improve your cardiovascular health and to strengthen your heart, do aerobic exercises such as jogging, walking, jumping rope, or bicycling, and some cardiovascular exercises to enhance heart health and keep your arteries clear.
Yoga and deep breathing will help you relax and get rid of your stress. Don’t forget to consult your doctor about the type of exercises that you are able to do with your specific condition.
More Tips
- Stop smoking,
- Avoid consuming processed foodsand junk food. Stop consuming fried red meat since it can lead to clogged arteries,
- Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks in high amounts,
- Add whole-grain products and beans to your diet,
- Reduce your stress with meditation,
- Include more bright-colored fruits in your diet, like butternut squash, oranges, watermelon, tomatoes, blueberries, and mangos,
- To help lower the buildup of plaque in your arteries, add two to three tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil a day in your diet,
- Provide your body with Medical News by getting some morning sunlight,
- Use extra-virgin olive oil when cooking to gain positive effects on oxidative stress and levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream,
- To protect your heart and enhance your overall health, consume one to two glasses of pure organic cranberry juice a day,
- Make sure you consume at least two servings of tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, and salmon weekly,
- After consulting your doctor, take 100mcg to 300mcg of vitamin B12 a day,
- Limit any food that increases the levels of blood sugar, such as sugar,
- After consulting your doctor, take omega-3 supplements,
- Consume a couple of walnuts per day to unclog your arteries,
- To keep your arteries free from LDL cholesterol consume two to three cups of green tea a day.