Clogged arteries are an outcome of fatty plaque deposits on the inner lining of arteries, creating an obstruction in blood circulation. This resultant restriction in blood flow causes a hindrance in the transportation of oxygen and other nutrients to organs, thereby increasing the chances of dysfunction and potentially lethal damage. While experts haven’t pinned an exact cause behind clogged arteries, they believe that a likely injury or damage to the inner layer of an artery is the reason behind the deposits. Not as easily detectable in early stages, the condition can quickly spiral into a life-threatening ailment.
Some of the causes that may aggravate the situation include a diet loaded in fats, excessive obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and/or high blood pressure. Inflammation from conditions like arthritis, lupus and/or other infections may also cause clogged arteries. Depending on the arteries that are clogged, the condition can cause a number of high-risk health problems such as coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease and even a heart attack or stroke.
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The symptoms of clogged arteries aren’t evident until the problem becomes severe. Major symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite, anxiety, nausea and sweating. Other symptoms may involve leg pain, cold feet, a numb sensation on one side of the body, difficulty in vision and an inability to move one’s arm or leg. The condition develops slowly over time but timely detection and diagnosis is important to prevent any fatality. While modern medicine offers ample solutions to ward off the risks, it is easier to use home remedies for clogged arteries that can not only help prevent the condition but also control its growth and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular damage.
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If you believe in the ‘prevention is better than cure’ adage, use these home remedies for clogged arteries right away:
Garlic
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One of the best home remedies for clogged arteries, garlic helps to widen the blood vessels, thereby facilitating better and improved blood circulation. Research suggests that garlic yields about 72 percent better results than a placebo in blood vessel relaxation. Also, garlic helps to lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing one’s susceptibility to heart strokes. You could either include garlic in your meal preparations, ingest as supplements or boil a couple of garlic cloves in a cup of milk, strain and drink before bedtime daily.
1. Turmeric
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Another spice that has proved especially useful in treating clogged arteries is turmeric. Its essential component curcumin has anti-coagulatory properties that prevents platelets from clotting or coagulating. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the presence of LDL or low density lipoproteins that can cause a buildup in arteries. It also helps relax blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. You can add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and honey to a glass of warm milk for daily consumption before bedtime. Alternatively, you could use turmeric in your meal preparations or ingest as supplements after consulting a doctor.
2. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a chemical compound called capsaicin that helps to prevent bad cholesterol or the oxidation of LDL- low density lipoproteins- thereby, facilitating optimal blood circulation and reducing the risk of stroke. You could either prepare a cayenne pepper concoction by boiling a teaspoon of pepper in a cup of water and consuming the strained solution twice daily or use cayenne pepper supplements, post consultation with a medical practitioner.
3. Lemon
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Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C- a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the arteries and prevent any clogging or coagulation. By preventing oxidative damage in the circulatory system and lowering the blood cholesterol levels, lemon serves as a handy option to prevent any harmful instances of clogged arteries. You can mix the juice of a lemon in warm water with a little honey and black pepper for daily consumption. Alternatively, you could bring a tablespoon of lemon peels to boil in four cups of water, strain, add honey and consume a cup of the concoction thrice daily for more effective results.
4. Ginger
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Ginger is another Godsend when the kitchen is being ransacked for home remedies for clogged arteries. With antioxidative compounds like gingerols and shogaols, ginger blocks oxidation of LDL and lessens the accumulation of plaque, preventing further buildup. You could either consume two to three cups of ginger tea regularly (prepared by bringing a teaspoon of grated ginger to boil in a cup of water) or consume raw ginger on an empty stomach daily. While ginger provides immense cardiovascular benefits, it is advisable to refrain from using ginger as a home remedy if you suffer from gallbladder issues, have stones or experience gastric issues and/or heartburn after ginger consumption.
5. Fenugreek seeds
Sapopins present in fenugreek seeds help to diffuse the effect of artery-clogging LDLs, thereby reducing blood cholesterol levels and treating clogged arteries efficiently. You could simply consume fenugreek seeds on an empty stomach after they have been soaked overnight or prepare a concoction with some honey. Following the process religiously for a few months is going to yield significant improvement.
6. Red yeast rice
Red yeast rice is a rich source of monacolins that help in diffusing the effect of LDLs. Moreover, the phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, isoflavones and numerous trace minerals present in red yeast rice help to improve blood circulation and improve cardiovascular health. You could cook and eat the rice like you’d white or brown rice. You could also take red yeast rice tablets after consulting a doctor about the appropriate dosage.
7. Flaxseed
Flaxseeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that can counter artery inflammation. The ALA also helps to reduce blood pressure and keeps the arteries clear of any buildup, thereby helping in blood circulation. The high fiber content helps to keep cholesterol levels in check. You could consume 2 to 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily or add them to your smoothies, juices, salads or soups.
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8. Pomegranate
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The antioxidatory phytochemicals in pomegranate help to counter oxidation and its damaging effects in the circulatory system- thereby preventing buildup and clogging in arteries. Also, pomegranate triggers the production of nitric acid that helps to dilate the arteries and reduce blood pressure, thereby improving circulation. You could either consume the fruit directly or drink two glasses of pomegranate juice daily.
To a happy heart and a happy life!
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