Atherosclerosis is a word you probably hear a lot more than you care to. It refers to the hardening of your arteries due to a buildup of plaque, which is essentially a combination of “cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood).” (1).
When this happens, you are at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. According to the American Heart Association’s 2016 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, in 2013, 1 of every 3 deaths in the US was a result of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Plus, heart disease and stroke were listed as the number one (and two) killers worldwide, according to the report (2).
While your doctor will probably recommend living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating according to the national dietary recommendations and getting exercise, if you show any signs of atherosclerosis you will likely be given a prescription for a statin (cholesterol lowering medication) or a fibrate to lower your triglyceride levels, along with a slew of other medications (3).
Ultimately, while your doctor will tell you these drugs can help control or treat atherosclerosis, many studies also show they are inherently dangerous and can even worsen the situation or lead to other diseases, including cancer (4).
Completely Preventable
The good news is that like most diseases, atherosclerosis is preventable and even reversible in some cases. The best part is that you can take charge of your health starting today.
And to help you get started, here are 7 natural ways you can not only prevent arterial plaque buildup but possibly even reverse clogged arteries.
How To Reverse Clogged Arteries Naturally
1. Garlic
Garlic is linked to treating or preventing at least 220 different health conditions or symptoms. But when it comes cardiovascular disease, the primary cause of death among people in industrialized countries, garlic is a true superstar (5).
In fact, this pungent food’s healing effects can even reduce the risk of infarction and stroke by more than 50 percent according to a study published in the German publication, Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (6).