In today’s video, we’ll look at 10 nutrients that help increase blood flow for those with hardened arteries, clogged arteries, varicose veins, and swollen legs! We’ll also give you THREE important tips, and recommend the most impactful and affordable nutrients to take to reduce arterial plaque and increase blood flow. So, make sure to watch this video until the end.
![Top 10 Nutrients To Increase Blood Flow [Heart, Arteries, Legs & Feet]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dEy10GstHvc/0.jpg)
First, a precaution that applies to all the supplements we’ll mention in this video: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, to avoid any potential interactions with medications or underlying health conditions.
Let’s begin with Number 10. “Nattokinase”.
Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It can help remove plaque buildup in the arteries by breaking down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium deposits, cellular waste products, and fibrin.
By breaking down fibrin and other proteins, nattokinase reduces blood viscosity. This means your blood becomes less thick and sticky, allowing it to flow more smoothly and easily through your vessels. Moreover, this enzyme can dissolve existing blood clots, helping to clear blocked arteries and improve circulation, thereby preventing heart attack and stroke.
Some studies also suggest nattokinase can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, further contributing to better blood flow.
While you can get plenty of this enzyme by eating natto, many people cannot get used to the slimy texture. To supplement, take 100-200 mg per day.
Next we have Number 9. “Vitamin K2”.
Vitamin K2 helps maintain healthy blood flow by preventing arterial calcification, in which calcium buildup on artery walls leads to plaque and hardening. This vitamin activates proteins, particularly matrix GLA protein (MGP), that help keep calcium in the bones where it belongs and out of the arteries.
In this way, vitamin K2 helps maintain the elasticity of the arteries, thereby improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A 2021 JAMA study of over 50,000 Danish individuals found that higher vitamin K2 intake was associated with significantly lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle.
You may be surprised to learn that natto is the richest overall source of vitamin K2, particularly the MK-7 form which lasts longer and is better absorbed by your body than MK-4.
While sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is often touted as a good plant-based source of vitamin K2 MK-7, it actually has 100-200 times less MK-7 per serving than natto. On the other hand, animal products like goose liver paste, egg yolks, and hard cheeses contain the MK-4 form of vitamin K2, which is less bioavailable than MK-7.
The recommended dose of vitamin K2 is 90-120 mcg per day for adults. When supplementing with vitamin K2, it is important to ensure your body is not lacking in vitamin D3 and magnesium as these nutrients work synergistically. Vitamin D3 helps absorb calcium, which vitamin K2 then ensures is properly utilized in bones rather than soft tissues, while magnesium aids this process by activating vitamin D.