Your arteries are rubbery tubes or vessels that transport blood from your heart to all cells, tissues and organs in your body. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which a substance called plaque -- a mixture of fat, calcium and other substances -- gathers on the inside walls of your arteries. Before you use food or dietary supplements to help cleanse your arteries, review the risks and limitations of supplements with your primary care provider.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis occurs slowly and causes your arteries to become stiff and inflexible over time. This condition often leads to cardiovascular disease -- the No. 1 cause of death in people over the age of 45, according to the American Heart Assocaition. Plaque, especially soft plaque, may break off from your arterial wall, causing a blood clot that may impede the flow of blood to your organs, including your brain. Hypertension, diabetes and smoking are among the leading risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Effective Dietary Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may help cleanse your arteries or prevent the accumulation of plaque on the inner walls of your arteries. In his book "Medical Nutrition From Marz," naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist Russell B. Marz states that some of the most effective supplements in treating or preventing atherosclerosis include niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, bromelain, garlic, ginger, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, copper, L-carnitine, vanadium and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. Further clinical research may be required to determine these supplements' true health benefits.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Ginger may be one of the most commonly used dietary supplements to help cleanse arteries and treat atherosclerosis. Ginger is an anti-atherosclerotic agent, which means that it helps combat the accumulation of plaque on the walls of your arteries. Ginger is also an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant that helps reduce platelet stickiness, which may decrease your risk of blood clot formation.
Warning
Atherosclerosis is a serious health problem and is one of the leading causes of heart disease. If you are diagnosed with atherosclerosis, ask your doctor about the safest and most effective therapies that may help cleanse your arteries and reduce your chances of health complications. If you are considering using dietary supplements to help cleanse your arteries, meet with a clinical nutrition specialist to review proper procedures, potential side effects and appropriate treatment duration.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Atherosclerosis
- American Heart Association: Atherosclerosis
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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