10 Effective Home Remedies for Atherosclerosis

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Some of the most important home remedies for Atherosclerosis include the use of avoiding meat, eating organic, garlic, onions, spinach, beans, yogurt, and salmon, in addition to behavioral changes like quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, and regularly exercising.

Home Remedies for Atherosclerosis

Home remedies for atherosclerosis include:

Fish Oil

The high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (also known as “good cholesterol” or HDL cholesterol), versus omega-6 fatty acids (also known as “bad cholesterol” or LDL cholesterol) found in fish oil make it very effective in rebalancing the cholesterol balance in the cardiovascular system and preventing a dangerous build-up of plaque in the blood vessels that can catch a blood clot and cause a stroke or heart attack. People think that fats are all bad, but in fact, certain fats are essential for our body to function properly. [1]

Salmon

For a similar reason as above, salmon has one of the most favorable balances of HDL-LDL cholesterol in fish. Furthermore, salmon has a wide range of unique minerals that make it beneficial for many other aspects of health as well, including selenium, protein, phosphorous, potassium, choline, and pantothenic acid. Potassium, for example, is also a vasodilator, which means that it can reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels, effectively lowering blood pressure and preventing coronary heart disease. [2]

Close-up of a human sole and toenails with arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is the thickening of the walls of arteries. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Avoid Meat

The title might be a bit unclear; I’m not trying to say that you have to be a vegetarian to reduce atherosclerosis, but the proteins, minerals, fiber, and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables are easier for the body to break down and process efficiently. Furthermore, they tend to have less dangerous fats that can increase triglyceride and bad cholesterol content in the body. Essentially, you have to undo some of the “bad” that you do with animal protein that you largely don’t need to worry about with vegetables. [3]

Processed Foods

Cutting out processed food is a very effective way to reduce the effects and severity of atherosclerosis. Many processed foods contain hydrogenated fats, which can cause even more problems than dangerous saturated fats (opposed to monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial in the body.) For that reason, eating organic or natural, as opposed to those overly processed and frozen foods that you may find at normal grocery stores. [4]

Garlic and Onions

When it comes to proven methods of reducing bad cholesterol levels effectively, the allium family is one of the best. The most common forms of this family are garlic and onions, which can be easily added to countless meals and dietary plans. Allicin is the active component in the allium family, and this particular organic compound has been proven in research studies to directly lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. This has made garlic and onions some of the most popular recommendations for preventing atherosclerosis in those susceptible to cardiovascular issues. [5]

Spinach and Nightshade Vegetables

This very special type of vegetables is one of the most respected and relied on groups when it comes to boosting heart health and reducing general atherosclerosis in the body. Firstly, spinach is able to lower blood pressure by inhibiting the angiotensin 1-converting enzyme, which effectively calms the body. Secondly, selenium, beta-carotene, and manganese can all help to reduce atherosclerosis in the body, and spinach is high in these nutrients. Finally, neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory compounds in spinach that can help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, which helps maintain their integrity. [6]

Beans

The vast majority of beans contain high levels of potassium, but white beans are certainly the highest in that concentration. Although people think of bananas as the potassium-rich superfood, white beans contain far more, and are easy to incorporate in your diet as a source of essential minerals and protein. Potassium, as mentioned earlier, lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and easing strain on the cardiovascular system. [7]

Exercise

Regular exercise is essential to keep your heart healthy, because a sedentary lifestyle means a faster accumulation of fat deposits and triglycerides in your body. Also, by keeping your metabolism is good shape, you’re far more likely to burn fat more effectively, avoid obesity, and generally boost your overall health. [8]

Quitting Smoking

Smoking has an astringent effect on your blood vessels, arteries, meaning that they harden and narrow faster, and you are at a much higher chance of suffering a heart attack or atherosclerosis-related issues if you smoke. Also, smoking makes you less likely to remain active, as it damages your lungs and oxygen capacity, which leads to a sedentary lifestyle (see remedy above…). [9]

Drinking in Moderation

Research on alcohol consumption and its exact link to atherosclerosis is still ongoing and often contradictory; however, heavy drinking has been seen to be positively associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease. That being said, low levels of alcohol can actually be good for the heart, as it can reduce LDL cholesterol’s injurious actions. It’s a delicate balance, obviously. As always, everything in moderation. [10]

A Final Word of Warning: Atherosclerosis can quickly result in life-threatening events like heart attacks and strokes. Although natural remedies are effective as preventative or early stage treatments, there are certain more serious cardiac conditions that will almost certainly require surgery. Be sure to regularly see a medical professional and talk to him or her about the current health of your heart before embarking on any serious strategies on your own.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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