How Can I Clean My Arteries?

Clogged arteries can cause myriad problems, as arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body. Plaque buildup in your arteries can lead to heart disease early in life. Fortunately, cleaning your arteries can be as simple as making a few changes in lifestyle and diet.

Diet

• Switching to a diet low in saturated (animal) fats can help lower your cholesterol and eventually strip your arteries of excess fat. On the other hand, unsaturated (vegetable) fats can help control the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) "bad" cholesterol particles, decreasing the rate at which plaque forms in your arteries. Good sources of unsaturated fats are olive oil, avocados and nuts.

  Salmon and flaxseeds contain omega-3 fats, which control the clotting of blood and prevent oxidation, while foods rich in fiber, like leafy green vegetables and beans, are high in fiber and help remove excess fat in your body.

  Garlic is particularly effective in cleaning arteries, as it inhibits calcification and prevents plaque from settling in the arteries. It also reduces the amount of nanoplaque (plaque in the beginning stages of formation) and prevents oxidation of cholesterol. Fresh or baked garlic is best, and you can add it to dishes, sauces or soups.

Natural Remedies

• A number of natural remedies can help dissolve plaque and help keep your arteries clean. For example, lecithin can help you lower blood pressure and dissolve plaque. You can take it in the form of capsules or buy it in granule form and sprinkle it over cereal or other foods. Cayenne pepper has also been studied for its heart-healing properties. To get the benefits, buy fresh cayenne peppers, chop them up and add them to sauces or soups.

  You can also try talking to your doctor about chelation therapy. Through this method, the amino-acid EDTA is injected into your body to help it get rid of toxins (of which plaque is an example). Chelation therapy should be done under the supervision of a doctor, since it involves injections for an extended period of time (at least 30 days) and may cause side effects like headaches, cramps and joint pain.