Marnewick, J. L., Rautenbach, F., Venter, I., Neethling, H., Blackhurst, D. M., Wolmarans, P., & Macharia, M. (2011, January 7). If combined with vitamin K2, vitamin D3 can inhibit arterial calcium deposition and reduce LDL oxidation linked to accelerated plaque formation and the narrowing of blood vessels. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that assists in blood clotting and modifies certain proteins to a calcium-binding form. Depending on the severity and location of plaque buildup, a doctor may recommend a procedure or surgery to remove plaque from your arteries or to bypass the clogged artery entirely. Plaque is a mixture of fat, calcium, cholesterol, and waste from the cells in the body. As the plaques grow, they may block the blood flow in an artery. The goals of alternative treatment for heart disease are often to control cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health. Researchers have found that drinking at least three cups of coffee every day may prevent calcium from building up in the coronary arteries. Cholesterol is often vilified as the bad guy, but we need this waxy, fatty substance to make vitamin D, hormones, bile that aids digestion, and the coverings of our cells. Obesity is a risk factor for plaque buildup and heart disease. Lowering cholesterol and stabilizing cholesterol plaque is the goal. Some procedures and interventions can also remove plaque or strengthen arteries. Therefore, combining vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 is always recommended to promote healthy calcium balance and lower the risk of calcium deposition in arterial plaque. , a group of proteins linked to LDL oxidation, plaque calcification, and the stiffening of blood vessels. Vitamin D suppresses inflammatory cytokines. Watch the video below to learn more about the steps you can take to decalcify your arteries. (2022). Here are the top 8 health benefits of artichokes and artichoke extract. This is because these kinds of fats contain high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the main material of plaque in the arteries. A question people often have is whether vitamins or supplements will work against clogged arteries. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, collectively referred to as plaque, clog your arteries. In some cases, efforts can even reverse some of the damage to improve your heart health. Magnesium is an essential mineral that protects cardiovascular health by disrupting the movement of calcium into cells and by lowering calcium concentrations in the blood. A study from 2011 found that drinking 6 cups of rooibos tea per day for 6 weeks helped to lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood in adults who were at risk for heart diseases. Vitamin K2 keeps calcium in our bones, not arteries. Conventional treatment for arterial plaque consists of dietary changes, increased physical activity, quitting smoking, and medication to manage cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels. Can Supplements Clean Out Arterial Plaque? While indulging every so often is no biggie, frequent or daily consumption of such unhealthy foods can lead to the growth of plaque in the arteries. VA 22302. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Phone: 703-354-7336, Eliminate hunger & cravings for an energetic and healthy body, Vitamins & Other Nutrients That Remove Arterial Plaque, Four nutrients that help remove arterial plaque. Its also available as a supplement. For example, atherosclerosis is most common in your 60s and 70s. Stabilizing plaque is the focus. Plaques comprise cholesterol, calcium, a blood-clotting protein called fibrin, and cellular waste products. This blocks blood flow to your vital organs, in particular the heart. Adding physical activity to your life. Medications are the mainstay of treatment. by protecting the lining of blood vessels from inflammatory damage and injury. Ezetimibe. Consume Vitamin D3. How much HDL and LDL should you aim for? Does lemon juice clean your arteries? But high levels of saturated fat and trans fat in the diet are even more important: they cause the liver to produce lots of LDL cholesterol and send it into the blood. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. 100 percent whole grains (especially gluten-free grains like rolled oats, quinoa, buckwheat or amaranth) Beans and legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas and lima beans And don't forget there's a strong link between sugar consumption and heart disease, too. You can take steps to reduce plaques by losing weight, exercising more, or eating fewer foods high in saturated fat. Read on to learn how you can achieve this with the help of dietary modifications, certain lifestyle changes, and more. Beta-sitosterol (found in supplements and some margarines, such as Promise Activ) Blond psyllium (found in seed husk and products such as Metamucil) Calcium Cocoa Fish oil Garlic Green tea Oat bran (found in oatmeal and whole oats) Sitostanol (found in supplements and some margarines, such as Benecol) Consumption of garlic in moderation can prevent abnormal blood clots and reduce the rate at which plaques develop and build up in the arteries. 24. Smoking also affects the main artery in your body (the aorta). Here are. A buildup of plaque can eventually lead to coronary artery disease, says the Cleveland Clinic. It contains the chemical quercetin, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol. Stop smoking. If a doctor discovers that one or more of your arteries has a more severe blockage, the above lifestyle changes may not be enough. While age is considered a risk factor for blocked arteries, unhealthy lifestyle habits may increase your risk of arterial clogging at a younger age. This makes it an essential component of a heart-healthy diet and supplement regimen, as long as you receive enough vitamin D and calcium. Medications That Do Not Mix Well With Vitamins, The International Journal of Molecular Studies, How to Determine if a Vitamin or Supplement Is Actually Right for You, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: "Atherosclerosis", Mayo Clinic: "Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis", The International Journal of Molecular Studies: "Vitamin C and Heart Health: A Review Based on Findings from Epidemiologic Studies", Fisher-Titus Medical Center: "CARDIOVASCULAR Eat These 10 Foods to Cleanse Your Arteries", Harvard Health Publishing: "Should you get your nutrients from food or from supplements? You can explore this model using your mouse pad or touchscreen. Typically, it does not become a problem until a person is in their 50s or 60s. Talk with a doctor about the next steps that are most important for your situation. Their insight is the . Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. They contain HDL cholesterol, which can help to take bad cholesterol from the arteries before it turns into plaque. Vitamin K2 is an essential vitamin involved in bone health and blood clotting and has been found to reduce arterial plaque calcification. Taking steps to prevent or slow down the formation of plaque is the best way to avoid clogged arteries at any stage in life. To fight back, the body sends white blood cells to trap the cholesterol, which then turn into foamy cells that ooze more fat and cause more inflammation. Stiff arteries can lead to high blood pressure and are at increased risk of injury and plaque formation. "A minimal amount of regression of plaque can occur in a very small number of patients," says Guy L. Mintz, MD, a cardiologist and director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, New York. Lowering the levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol can slow, stop or even reverse blockage. Beyond its key role in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D has been found to significantly affect the cardiovascular (CV) system. This article lists 15 foods that may help prevent it. While a nutritious dietary pattern plays a vital role in preventing arterial calcification, there are powerful nutrients that you can take to support healthy arteries and prevent atherosclerosis. A doctor may recommend a specific exercise routine to fit an individual, based on various lifestyle factor. Its unclear what causes the condition, since many factors are involved. According to Harvard Health Publishing, these include oats and other whole grains, foods fortified with plant sterols and stanols, fatty fish, and fiber supplements, such as psyllium found in Metamucil. In fact, low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased CV risk, as well as increased CV morbidity and mortality. Generally . In fact, calcium deposits and plaque buildup is a signs of early aging.. Adopting a plant-based diet may also help, according to 2019 research. Anti-platelet medications, like aspirin, reduce the likelihood that platelets will gather in the blocked artery, causing blood clots. Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that a person limits their intake of saturated fats and trans fats. There are two kinds of cholesterol. Research has. Trans fatty acids a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Unsaturated fats are mainly found in plants and fatty fish. "There is no magic elixir we can take to unclog our arteries," Dr. Mintz warns. Statins are also anti-inflammatory and are well tolerated. (2022). If you smoke, talk about smoking cessation programs with a doctor. Vitamins D3 and K2 work in synergy to support healthy calcium balance, reducing the risk of arterial calcification and the narrowing of blood vessels. Niacin is also known as vitamin B-3. However, no studies show a reduction in PAD or cardiovascular risk . Taking large amounts of calcium supplementation may increase the risk of calcium deposits in blood vessel walls. Coronary artery disease is a common complication associated with clogged arteries. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL, while HDL cholesterol should be over 60 mg/dL. See additional information. Vitamin K2 redirects excessive calcium into bone tissues, promoting healthy blood calcium levels and lowering the risk of calcium deposition in arterial walls. This may be wrong and counterproductive because calcium has many benefits and it's a very important mineral, especially in your BONES. Reduction in saturated fat intake for cardiovascular disease. When plaque builds up in your arteries, serious heart problems may result. Supplementing vitamin D3 combined with vitamin K2, ensuring optimal magnesium levels, and increasing phytic acid intake are practical steps to support healthy blood vessels and lower the risk of arterial plaque. We avoid using tertiary references. Can anything reverse plaque buildup in arteries? Are there natural ways to unclog arteries? Although it isn't possible to remove plaque from your arterial walls without surgery, you can halt and prevent future plaque build-up. Considering collagen drinks and supplements? Can Artery Plaque Buildup Be Reversed With Diet? Stress reduction. I have recommended these plant extracts to thousands of patients and have seen the favorable results firsthand. These cholesterol-laden particles are known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. Curbing nearsightedness in children: Can outdoor time help? Lowering inflammation, balancing calcium levels, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels have been found to reduce arterial plaque formation and promote cardiovascular health. Schizophrenia: Researchers say network disruptions in the brain may be a factor, Schizophrenia: How blood vessel growth in the brain may be a factor, Why adults in rural areas face higher risk of heart failure, Everything you need to know about carotid artery disease, What to know about coronary artery disease, products with partially hydrogenated oils, otherwise known as trans fats, some vegetable oils including sunflower and olive, fatty fish, including trout, herring, and salmon. The power of red yeast rice lies in the substance monacolin K. It has the same makeup as lovastatin, a prescription statin drug used for lowering cholesterol. Arterial plaque, also known as atherosclerotic plaque, is a buildup of cholesterol, proteins, and calcium in the walls of major arteries. Plaque Removal. : D3 is another fat-soluble vitamin that works together with K2 an may also help reduce calcium in your arteries. Sometimes plaques build up inside your blood vessels. They may leave behind a tiny metal structure called a stent that helps support the artery and increase blood flow. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Vitamins D3 and K2 support heart health by protecting blood vessels from inflammation and lowering the risk of calcium accumulation in arteries. A doctor may recommend medications to lower LDL cholesterol to use alongside dietary changes. But the soft plaque beneath the cap is dangerous. When we don't consume enough, our body pulls calcium from our bones and puts it into our arteries instead. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. (2014). If you're not a big fan of eating fish, fish oil pills are a great way to get more omega-3s into your diet. Garlic also comes with anti-bacterial qualities. However, a 2017 review concluded that the Cuban study was more accurate than the studies taken outside of Cuba. Factors including smoking, elevated insulin levels, excessive alcohol, and chronic inflammation can injure the lining of arteries and lead to lesions and leaks. Vitamin K2 is the only known substance that may both prevent and cure plaque development in the arteries. However, elevated levels of bad LDL cholesterolin particular, small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c)have been found to accelerate plaque buildup and trigger inflammation in the arterial wall. Drug Nexletol May Help Reduce Cholesterol Without Taking a Statin, Heart Disease: Keto-Like Low-carb Diets May Double Your Risk. Unsaturated omega-3 fats, including ALA, EPA, and DHA, are beneficial for heart health as they may help lower triglycerides, improve blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. (n.d.). In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that bromelain dissolved arteriosclerotic plaque in rabbit aorta and it clearly explains the potent fibrinolytic activity of bromelain, which functions by breaking down cholesterol plaques A 2009 literature review concluded that garlic doesnt reduce cholesterol, but a similar review from 2014 suggested that taking garlic could prevent heart disease. In many cases, people can prevent a plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in fatty fish such as salmon and albacore tuna, help increase the "good" cholesterol in the body and lower triglycerides (a type of potentially harmful fat in the body), according to Fisher-Titus Medical Center. Its commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Accelerated Aging. Red yeast rice is a food product thats made by fermenting white rice with yeast. Unsaturated fats are the good fats. Instead, a doctor may recommend procedures or surgery to remove plaque or bypass the blockages. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. It is important to continue a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity even if youre taking a cholesterol-lowering medication. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 9. Muscle-strengthening activities may include yoga or using exercise bands, weight machines, or handheld weights. Wilkins JT, et al. While HDL cholesterol is essential in repairing damaged blood vessel linings, LDL cholesterol depositions cause oxidation and inflammation creating more blood vessel damage and triggering a vicious cycle of plaque formation and arterial inflammation. Plaque calcification narrows blood vessels, impedes normal cardiovascular function, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. You also could inherit the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. Managing Your Cholesterol offers up-to-date information to help you or a loved one keep cholesterol in check. Eating a plant-based diet involves limiting or completely removing animal products from your diet, including: Additionally, plant-based fats, such as olive oil, may help reduce your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Standard grocery stores are filled with packaged foods high in trans fat and sugar. There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. Try it: Shop for policosanol supplements. When you eat better and move more, the natural result might be that you lose weight. A buildup of atherosclerotic plaque over time can lead to such serious problems as heart attack and stroke, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During this procedure, a surgeon removes arteries from other parts of your body and replaces the blocked artery. DOI: Sahebkar A, et al. This supports healthy calcium blood levels and directly reduces calcium deposition into arterial plaque. The American Heart Association also recommends limited or preferably no alcohol intake. Why should I take vitamin K2 with vitamin D3? Make exercise a part of your routine. Talk with a doctor if you need help quitting smoking. Many medications may also work better alongside exercise and a heart-healthy diet. Foods that are high in trans fats include: Along with trans fats, saturated fats may also affect heart health, though the evidence for this is mixed. A doctor may perform a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Cholesterol plays a vital role in healing damaged arteries. Magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, widening arteries and improving arterial flexibility, which supports cardiovascular health and lowers heart disease risk. How do you get the cholesterol out of the plaque? If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. See additional information. And Vitamin K2 ( as MK-7 ) helps bind - or reduce calcium from existing plaque and carries to bones. The test, In an industry-funded study, researchers say the drug Nexletol may be an alternative to lowering cholesterol for people who don't tolerate statins, New research suggests that low-carb, high-fat diets like Keto may significantly raise your risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attack, stroke, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. (2015). Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient, which aids your metabolism and nervous system and which you must obtain through your diet. (2020). As long as those blood vessels are clear and open, blood can flow freely. This supplement is sometimes referred to as artichoke leaf extract, or ALE. Its never too late to eat a healthier diet. Reduce arterial plaque formation steps that are most important for your situation reduce cholesterol smoke, about! 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