The progressive clogging of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis and this is one of the major causes of heart disease. The role of the arteries is to transport blood abundant in oxygen to the heart and to other body parts. When they are healthy, they are strong, elastic, and flexible. When it comes to cardiovascular disease, this is the main reason for more than 600,000 deaths in the U.S. on a yearly basis.
The Signs of Clogged Arteries
Did you know that the symptoms of clogged arteries often depend on the types of arteries that are being affected? Let’s take a closer look:
Carotid arteries
When the arteries in the brain are blocked, this condition is known as carotid artery disease. Excessive plaque will block or tighten the arteries and lead to stroke symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusing, strong headaches, blurry vision, speech problems, dizziness, loss of balance, etc.
Coronary arteries
During this condition, the heart arteries get blocked with surplus plaque and the heart muscle does not get sufficient amount of blood. This will cause chest ache or angina and one feels pressure pushing the chest, as well as pressure in the shoulders, back, jaw, arms, and neck. Emotional stress has also been linked with angina.
Renal arteries
Clogged renal arteries in the kidneys can cause chronic kidney disease which can further impair the functioning of the kidneys. As the condition aggravates, the major symptoms that can occur are nausea, difficulty concentrating, itchiness, numbness, and swollen feet and hands, as well as hypertension and kidney failure.
Peripheral arteries
This is a consequence of surplus plaque deposits in the legs, pelvis, and arms. When these arteries become tighter and clogged, one may be more prone to ache, numbness, and severe infections.
How to Unclog the Arteries Naturally
With the help of the following superfoods, you will be able to cease the plaque building and avoid more serious problems:
- Cayenne pepper
Capsaicin, the active ingredient of cayenne pepper, is known to decrease the bad cholesterol, enhance the blood flow, and lower the chance for strokes and heart attacks.
- Flaxseed
Flaxseed is abundant in fiber and it can unclog the arteries. The omega-3 acids in it have the power to regulate the blood pressure and decrease inflammation.
- Fermented cabbage
According to research, kimchi (a combination of fermented cabbage and hot peppers) can slow down the arterial clogging. This is due to the compound found in them known as 3-94-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl.
- Lemons
Lemon has the capacity to minimize the levels of cholesterol and avert oxidative damage. The vitamin C will also alleviate inflammation, strengthen the arteries, and avert platelet aggregation.
- Pomegranate juice
Did you know that this juice has punicic acid and antioxidants that can remove the accumulated plaque from the arteries and prevent its further accumulation? This juice is also good for the heart because of its powerful nutrients, i.e. magnesium and selenium.
- Cinnamon
One study done back in 2003 showed that daily consumption of 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon lowers the bad cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has the capacity to decrease the bad cholesterol and avert the building up of plaque. Its active ingredient known as curcumin maintains an optimal cardiovascular health.
- Sesame seeds
These seeds will naturally decrease the buildup of plaque in the arteries and avert atherosclerosis.
- Garlic
With certainty, this is one of the most effective ways to eliminate accumulated plaque in the arteries, but also to decrease the blood pressure and avert heart-related complications and atherosclerosis.
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