Alternative Therapies for Clogged Arteries

The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body are your arteries. When plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries, they become clogged, resulting in reduced blood flow or a more serious blockage, which increases the chances of having a heart attack, a stroke or dying. This condition is known as arteriosclerosis, and can be treated both surgically and with diet and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms

• Clogged arteries present in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and heart palpitations.

Alternative Therapies

• If you have clogged arteries, your doctor may recommend a variety of diet and lifestyle changes rather than resorting to surgical solutions.

  Instead of adding sugar to your coffee, opt for honey and lemon instead to sweeten the flavor and protect your arteries.

  Foods rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids, Vitamin C and pectin will help fight clogged arteries. Choose fruits like apples and oranges. Also, add garlic and onion to your favorite recipes, which work to prevent arteriosclerosis. Garlic lowers blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.

  Salmon and trout are good sources for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in addition to cabbage, mustard and pumpkin seeds.

  Herbal remedies like ginkgo biloba and green tea will aid in opening up blocked up arteries.

  Adding cayenne, which contains capsicum, to your food will work to stimulate the heart and regulate blood flow.

  In addition to adding these nutrients to your diet, you should also practice techniques to reduce your stress level. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques will help in reducing your stress.

  Herbal remedies may also help unclog arteries. Hawthorn and passiflora incarnata are known to protect and relax blood vessels.

  A balanced diet, full of foods packed with heart-healthy nutrients and herbal supplements, plus a regular exercise regimen will all help in the treatment of clogged arteries.

Warnings

• Alert your doctor of any supplements you are taking, as there may be risks with your other medications.