There is no
doubt that both arteries and veins have very important roles to play. Veins
carry blood to the heart. The blood is then transported to the various parts of
the body with the help of the arteries.
Hence, there
is no doubt that arteries have a very important role to play. When we are born
and as we are young our arteries are clean and oxygenated blood flows very
easily to all parts of the body.
However, as
we age and we as we become very undisciplined in our lifestyle habits, our
arteries get choked with plaque which gradually creates lot of problems and at
times even causing death.
That’s why
it is very important to find out ways by which we can keep the arteries clean
and free from plaque using some proven and natural methods.
What Exactly
Is Arterial Plaque
When we talk
about arterial plaque we are talking about a dangerous combination of dead
cells, cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissues. This happens only after the
smooth interior lining of the arteries are damaged.
Once it is
injured, the smooth lining becomes rough and rugged and it starts attracting cholesterol
and other elements as mentioned above. The problem is more serious than we had
thought as even young children of eight to ten years suffer from this problem.
It’s a
problem that needs to be nipped in the bud to prevent heart attacks, strokes
and other such dangerous conditions. So what can we do natural to help change
the course!
1. Look For
Foods Low in Cholesterol & Saturated Fat
The World
Health Organization and American Heart Association states that one should
restrict saturated fat to only around 16 grams and cholesterol should never
exceed 25 percent. Only then would it be possible to reduce arterial
obstructions.
This would
call for reducing meat serving to less than 4 ounces each meal. The rest should
be filled up by beans, fruits and vegetables.
2. Increase
Soluble Fiber Intake
It is also
very important to increase intake of soluble fiber which is found in plenty in
oatmeal, whole grains, oat bran, pears and apples. This is important because if
you want to remove the clogged arteries and reduce the quantity of blood fats
or lipids, then these soluble fibers could be very useful.
Soluble
fibers are known to bind well with these lipids in the intestines and help to
flush out the same and prevent it from entering the blood stream.
3. Give Up
Smoking
There is no
doubt that smoking is very damaging and could play a big role in increasing LDL
(bad cholesterol) and also in reducing HDL (good cholesterol).
When one
smokes regularly they increase the early stages of fat known as triglycerides.
Hence staying away from cigarettes is not a choice but a compelling compulsion
so to say.
4. Exercise
Regularly
Regular
exercise helps burning of excess calories and keeps the arteries neat and
clean. You should however take the doctor’s advice and go for an exercise
program that has been recommended and cleared your doctor.
Moderate
exercising for a period of 30 minutes works wonders but even exercise for 10
minutes a day can be very helpful. You need to consult with your doctor
regarding this.
5. The
Importance Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3
fatty acid is often called the wonder nutrient. It is found in Tuna, Salmon,
Mackerel, and Hoki. They play a big role in lowering cholesterol levels that
cause plaque in your arteries.
They also
help reduce inflammation of the arteries and also help to repair the damaged
arteries especially the interior linings. They also play the role of a blood
thinning agent and which helps in reducing formation of blood clot.
6. Keep A
Watch On Waistline
Extra inches
in your abdomen are clearly a sign that all is not well as far as non-essential
fatty substances are concerned. It could be a precursor to deposit of plaque in
your arteries.
Trimming
one’s waistline is extremely important to say the least.
7.
Supplements Are Too Important To Ignore
It is very
important to understand the importance of food supplements. They are slowly
becoming a necessity rather than a choice – a well balanced diet will minimize
their use.
It has been
proven that well-chosen and quality supplements can play a big role in keeping
the arteries clean and sweep the plaque and other harmful deposits away. There
are a range of Vitamin Supplements that could help. They have been proven to
reduce cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
8. Avoid
Processed Food
In today’s
fast paced world there is no doubt, a lack of time is a big problem and most of
us have forgotten the virtues of home cooked food. Processed food is rich in
saturated fatty acids, preservatives and all other things which do nothing but
damaged our system.
They play a
big role in clogging the arteries and make us obese and unfit. Making the one
change of staying away from processed foods to the maximum extent possible with
pay big dividends reducing artery plaque. It is a small price to pay for
maintaining a healthy and good lifestyle
9. Limit
Alcohol
Though
limited quantities of alcohol could be good for the body, when one overshoots
the limit set by doctors and by others who set such standards, it is bound to
create problem. Beer, sweet
wine and other such drinks could lead to obesity and increased sugar levels.
This certainly could be the foundation for the arteries being clogged.
10. Reduce
Stress Levels And Have Required Sleep
Stress is a
bad thing and it is known to cause hormonal imbalances which eventually lead to
fat accumulation in the arteries. One should learn how to de-stress and get
into exercises such as yoga and meditation which could help a lot.
Regular
sleep of at least 8 hours per day (at the right time) is also something that
should be always be kept in mind.
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