Atherosclerosis
Description
This page has 64 references
"Atherosclerosis" is a condition where plaque builds up inside artery walls, narrowing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s driven by inflammation, high LDL cholesterol, smoking, and poor diet. Early signs are often silent, making routine checkups essential. Improving circulation and lowering cholesterol through diet, movement, and avoiding trans fats helps reduce arterial damage and support heart resilience. In advanced cases, medications or surgical procedures may be needed to restore circulation and reduce risks.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Blood, Heart and Circulation
Causes
Plaque Buildup, Arteries Obstruction, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Obesity, Unhealthy Diet
Things To Do
Dietary recommendations for atherosclerosis include the following:
high-fiber diet consisting of whole foods such as vegetables, fruit, and legumes.
low-carbohydrate diet that excludes products containing sugar, refined sugar, added sugar, artificial sweeteners, low-fat products [that contain added sugar], refined flour, and white flour.
sdLDL cholesterol-lowering diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is high in antioxidants and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
eating foods high in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are especially important in atherosclerosis because they prevent the oxidation of sdLDL cholesterol.
the consumption of whole foods rich in vitamin E that promote circulation.
the use of olive oil in its cold form. Do not heat it up or cook with it.
drinking lots of steam-distilled water.
If you want to add more sweetness to your drinks and baked goods, opt for such sweeteners as stevia, xylitol, or erythritol.
In moderation, you can also use natural sweeteners that are low in fructose, such as honey, maple syrup, molasses, and coconut sugar.
Maintain your blood glucose at optimal levels. High glucose levels promote higher triglyceride levels in the blood, which in turn may promote sdLDL formation and atherosclerosis.
Dedicate more time to cooking at home, and be deliberate about what you eat.
try intermittent-fasting. It reduces inflammation and helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Other lifestyle changes that help the body fight atherosclerosis include:
regular, moderate physical activity.
stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and yoga.
maintaining a healthy weight.
monitoring high blood pressure.
Things To Avoid
Dietary recommendations for atherosclerosis include a range of foods and products that should be avoided, and these are:
above all, sugar in its many forms. Especially watch out for hidden sugars in products marketed as low-fat and heart-friendly. Do not consume products containing dextrose, corn syrup, fructose, glucose, sucrose, saccharose, maltitol, or maltodextrin. Avoid artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose.
processed foods, which are devoid of fiber, high in sugar, and salt.
foods high in trans fats and artificial ingredients.
high-carbohydrate meals and products, i.e., white flour, cadies, sweet beverages, and packaged foods. They will elevate your blood glucose and triglyceride levels.
Watch out for salt intake. Control the ingredients to screen for added salt.
Don't drink coffee, green and black tea, alcohol, or energy drinks because they have a stimulating effect on the circulatory system.
overeating and a lack of portion control.
Don't eat out too often to maintain better control over what is in your food.
Lifestyle choices that should be avoided in atherosclerosis include:
smoking, which increases inflammation, induces LDL oxidation, and lowers HDL.
inactivity. Movement is essential for the health of the human heart and circulatory system.
excessive stress
insufficient sleep.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect atherosclerosis by reducing arterial plaque formation, improving lipid profiles, or supporting endothelial function.
Vitamin B3 [Niacin]: Vitamin B3 (Niacin) reduces the development of atherosclerosis by lowering non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides while modestly increasing HDL cholesterol. Its anti-inflammatory effects further contribute to cardiovascular protection.
Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids improve endothelial function and inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation and modulating lipid levels, contributing to enhanced cardiovascular health.
Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]: Coenzyme Q10 helps regulate cholesterol synthesis, inhibits LDL oxidation, and reduces inflammation, all of which contribute to reducing atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Berberine: Berberine lowers LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol by activating AMPK and improving lipid metabolism. It also enhances endothelial function, reducing plaque formation and atherosclerosis risk.
Nattokinase: Nattokinase has fibrinolytic properties that help dissolve blood clots and promote healthier cholesterol levels by reducing LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis progression.
Inositol: Inositol supports cardiovascular health by reducing triglyceride, total, and LDL cholesterol levels, helping to lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
Policosanol: Policosanol lowers LDL and raises HDL by modulating cholesterol synthesis in the liver. It also reduces platelet aggregation, helping to slow atherosclerosis progression.
Serrapetase: Serrapeptase’s anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic effects help reduce inflammation and break down fibrin in atherosclerotic plaques, potentially slowing the progression of atherosclerosis.
Arginine: Arginine increases nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and improves endothelial function, helping to enhance blood flow and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target atherosclerosis directly but may benefit cardiovascular health by lowering inflammation, supporting circulation, or improving metabolic markers.
Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency contributes to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, both of which are linked to the progression of atherosclerosis. Adequate magnesium levels are essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels and preventing plaque buildup.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased inflammation, both of which are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help support vascular health or reduce arterial stiffness through antioxidant action, inflammation control, or cholesterol modulation.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is used anecdotally to support heart health by improving lipid profiles and reducing vascular stiffness. It may exhibit mild benefits in lipid metabolism.
2. Lecithin: Lecithin aids in fat emulsification and may lower LDL levels. It supports arterial health by promoting lipid transport and preventing plaque buildup.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly influence plaque buildup, reduce oxidative stress in arteries, or support vascular integrity associated with atherosclerosis.
Garlic Extract: Garlic prevents fatty buildup, lowers cholesterol in the vessel walls, and reduces plaque formation, supporting overall cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Green Tea Extract: Green tea catechins prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a crucial step in atherosclerosis development, and reduce vascular inflammation, promoting healthy endothelial function and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis.
Curcumin: Curcumin reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation by lowering inflammatory cytokines and improving endothelial function. It also helps stabilize lesions through antioxidant activity.
Hawthorn [Crataegus]: Hawthorn helps prevent artery hardening and stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques by regulating inflammation and apoptosis signaling pathways, which prevent excessive plaque buildup.
Sterols: Plant sterols block the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines, reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis.
Milk Thistle Extract: Milk thistle supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol, promoting a healthier lipid profile and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract prevents LDL oxidation and enhances endothelial function, reducing arterial plaque formation and supporting healthy blood flow in individuals with atherosclerosis.
Olive Leaf Extract: Olive leaf extract improves vascular tone and reduces LDL oxidation, limiting plaque buildup and slowing atherosclerosis progression.
Gotu Kola: Gotu kola strengthens and stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques, making them smaller and denser, which improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of plaque rupture.
Pycnogenol: Pycnogenol helps prevent artery hardening by regulating lipid levels through the TLR4-NF-κB pathway, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier vascular system.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act on atherosclerosis directly but may help regulate cholesterol, support circulation, or reduce systemic inflammation.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support cardiovascular health by enhancing blood flow, easing stress load on the heart, and improving vascular function.
Chelation Therapy: Chelation therapy may improve cardiovascular health by removing heavy metals from the body, potentially reducing the risk of cardiac events and slowing the progression of atherosclerosis, particularly in patients with diabetes.
Infrared Sauna: This therapy promotes vasodilation, improves circulation, and may reduce arterial stiffness. It may be benefitial for cardiovascular function and plaque reduction.
Relaxation Techniques: Meditation reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels. By decreasing chronic stress, it may slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Amino Acids: Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, they play key roles in maintaining proper pH levels, storing nitrogen, synthesizing hormones, and facilitating enzymatic reactions.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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