Blocked arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, affect millions of Americans. According to the Cardio Smart website, coronary artery disease -- blocked heart arteries -- is the No. 1 cause of death among Americans. Blocked arteries often cause few or no symptoms, and arteries become blocked over a long time period. Certain foods might be beneficial in treating your blocked arteries, although it is always wise to clear the use of dietary changes with your family physician.
Blocked Arteries
Blocked arteries occur when fatty material accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries -- the blood vessels that help bring blood from your heart to your organs and tissues. Google Health reports that certain risk factors might increase your chances of developing blocked arteries, including long-term smoking, advanced age, obesity, prolonged high blood pressure, alcohol abuse, diabetes and a family history of heart disease. Tests that might be used to help diagnose this health problem include CT scan, Doppler ultrasound and cardiac stress testing.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet in treating or preventing blocked arteries requires certain dietary inclusions and eliminations. Phyllis Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," says foods rich in fiber might be most helpful for this condition, including legumes, fruits, vegetables, flaxseed oil and whole grains. Vitamin E-rich foods -- dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, wheat germ -- might help improve your circulation. Garlic and onions might also be helpful. Consider eliminating fried foods, junk foods and processed foods from your diet.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil might be one of the most helpful foods in combating blocked arteries. According to naturopathic physicians Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, co-authors of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," 1 tbsp. of flaxseed oil per day might be beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis. Increasing your consumption of flaxseed oil, note Murray and Pizzorno, might boost your blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which in turn might confer some protection against blocked arteries. Further research might be necessary to evaluate the true health benefits of flaxseed oil.
Warning
Blocked arteries often cause few symptoms, though they might lead to serious health consequences. Ask your primary health care provider to evaluate the health of your arteries and other cardiovascular system structures. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist or order relevant tests to check for atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup, within your arteries. Review proper procedures, risks and alternatives with your doctor before using diet and nutrition to help address this health problem.
References
- Cardio Smart: Atherosclerosis
- Google Health: Atherosclerosis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2010
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1998
