Your arteries are the vessels, or tubes, that deliver freshly oxygenated blood from your heart to all of your body's cells, tissues and organs. Some people develop plaque within their arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, which may impair blood flow throughout your body and increase your risk for serious health complications. Certain measures may help cleanse your arteries, but you should always meet with your doctor before pursuing treatments for this health problem.
Clogged Arteries
Atherosclerosis, also known as clogged arteries, is caused by the accumulation of certain substances -- fat, calcium, cholesterol -- on the inner lining of your arteries. Over time, this plaque accumulation may cause your arteries to become hard and stiff, making it difficult to pump blood throughout your body. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that, in many cases, if you have atherosclerosis, you will not experience any symptoms until your affected artery is about 40 percent clogged with plaque. Your symptoms largely depend on the specific arteries that are clogged.
Helpful Treatments
Performing aerobic exercise and eating a healthy diet may be among the most effective ways to prevent clogged arteries, although dietary supplements may be most helpful in cleansing your blood vessels. According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," the following supplements may help cleanse your arteries of harmful substances: niacin, pantethine, vitamin C, garlic, guggul, inositol hexaniacinate, vitamin B-6, essential fatty acids and grape seed extract. More scientific research evidence may be needed to examine the true health effects of these supplements.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Ginger may be one of the most commonly used dietary supplements in cleansing your arteries. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner reports that ginger possesses anti-atherosclerotic action, which means that it helps reduce the amount of plaque within your arteries or prevents arterial plaque accumulation in the first place. Ginger is also an antioxidant and cardiotonic -- a substance that has a tonic effect on the actions of your heart.
Considerations
The most effective approach to cleansing your arteries is often a multidisciplinary approach involving both conventional allopathic and complementary alternative treatment methods. The accumulation of plaque within your arteries is often called the silent killer, because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms before a major cardiovascular event -- such as a heart attack or stroke. If you are diagnosed with atherosclerosis, discuss the most effective treatment methods with your doctor. Review the health risks and benefits of dietary supplements with your doctor before using these powerful natural substances.
References
- American Stroke Association; Atherosclerosis and Stroke; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Atherosclerosis; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2008
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
