Arteriosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of calcium and lipid deposits along the inner walls of your arteries. This condition affects about 1 million adults in the United States, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." These deposits impede the flow of blood through your circulatory system and may increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. Balch and other natural healing advocates believe that certain vitamins may heal or reduce the effects of arteriosclerosis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that aids your body's production of collagen, according to the Herbs 2000 website. Collagen may maintain the strength of your arterial walls, slowing the progression of arteriosclerosis. Vitamin C may also lower levels of triglycerides, which are components of cholesterol that clog arteries and promote heart disease. This may allow your body to naturally clear lipid deposits, helping to heal arterial walls. Increase your intake of vitamin C by consuming foods such as oranges, strawberries, spinach, watercress, avocados, kiwi and brussels sprouts.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may improve your body's ability to absorb and utilize calcium from food sources and supplements, according to Balch. Your body requires calcium to improve the elasticity of arterial and blood vessel tissue, and it may maintain proper muscle tone in your circulatory system. This may reverse the effects of arteriosclerosis. Vitamin D also helps maintain proper heart rate, which can prevent or lessen cardiovascular disease. Obtain natural vitamin D from eggs, mackerel, tuna, milk, cheese and herring.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may improve blood circulation by enhancing the elasticity of your blood vessels and arteries, according to Balch. It also contains antioxidant properties, which may prevent arterial cell damage caused by free radical molecules and lipids. Cold-pressed vegetable oils, eggs, kidney beans, garbanzos, dairy products, oatmeal and kale are abundant sources of vitamin E.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- Herbs 2000: Arteriosclerosis
