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Reversing Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is the hardening, or narrowing, of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis does not happen overnight but is, instead, a long process brought about by not living a healthy lifestyle. Reversing this cardiovascular disease can be done, however. It involves a variety of treatments such as living a healthier lifestyle through eating a heart healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, using statins, increasing your physical activity level and controlling your risk factors.

  1. Healthy meal plan

    • Eating a heart healthy meal plan that is high in fiber, high in antioxidants, low in fat and low in cholesterol can help reverse arteriosclerosis and lower your blood cholesterol levels, according to nutrition expert Dr. John McDougall and the United States Department of Agriculture.

      According to the American Heart Association, the Mayo Clinic and the USDA, eat fiber rich foods such as legumes, which are beans and lentils; whole grains such as oats and oat bran, whole wheat, wheat germ, barley, quinoa and kamut; seeds and nuts like flaxseeds, pistachios, and almonds; healthy oils such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated; plus a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables which are high in both fiber and beneficial antioxidants. Eat low-fat protein such as fish, chicken, soy foods and dairy foods.

      Avoid, or strictly limit, foods containing saturated and/or trans fats such as red meats, processed foods, whole fat dairy products, shortening, partially hydrogenated oils and commercially prepared baked foods.

    Herbs

    • Herbs known for their blood thinning qualities may help reverse arteriosclerosis. By keeping your blood flowing, it cannot coagulate along the arterial walls.

      According to the 1989 research of Dr. D. Blankenhorn, garlic offers many health benefits and plays an important part in preventing and/or reversing arteriosclerosis. In addition to being a blood thinner, it has strong antioxidant properties that absorb free radicals in the bloodstream. It also may help in preventing the oxidation of the harmful low lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).

      All4naturalhealth.com states that other herbs found to have cholesterol lowering properties include psyllium, bilberry, feverfew, ginger, ginkgo, hawthorn, and turmeric. These herbs contain properties that can reduce excessive platelet stickiness, which helps in fighting arteriosclerosis.

    Statins

    • Statins can be found in both pharmaceutical drugs and natural remedies. They are known to help reverse arteriosclerosis.

      Pharmaceutically speaking, one effective drug is rosuvastatin, which is marketed as Crestor, according to asianjournal.com. It has a history of being used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Mevacor®, a drug produced by Merck & Co., Inc is another beneficial drug that can be prescribed. This is according to the Mayo Clinic.

      A natural statin remedy is red yeast rice. According to the Mayo Clinic, it contains monacolins. Monacolins is the collective term given several compounds that inhibit cholesterol synthesis. One of these, "monacolin K," is a potent inhibitor and found in lovastatin which is prevalent in red yeast rice. There has been an industrial and legal dispute about whether red yeast rice is a drug or dietary supplement. The FDA, manufacturer and pharmaceutical industry are disputing the issue.

    Physical Activity

    • Set a goal of being involved in physical activity for 30 minutes 5 days a week, according to the American Heart Association and the Mayo Clinic. This can be done in 10 minute increments and does not have to be strenuous.

    Risk Factors

    • You can reduce your risk factors to help reverse arteriosclerosis. Maintain an ideal weight. Quit smoking. Lower your blood pressure. Decrease your stress level, according to the American Heart Association.

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