Atherosclerosis is a gradual illness that causes clogging and hardening of the arteries. It is responsible for most cases of strokes, heart attacks, and vascular dementia, and it affects 80 to 90% of Americans over the age of 30. Plaque is formed by accumulating fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other chemicals in the arteries.
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The route through which blood flows is narrowed by hard plaque. As a result, the arteries stiffen and become rigid (atherosclerosis is also known as the hardening of the arteries). Soft plaque is more prone to break loose from the arterial wall and forming a blood clot, obstructing blood flow to essential organs. It promotes the development of cardiovascular disease, the major cause of mortality in persons over the age of 45.
The hardening of the arteries is irreversible. However, addressing the underlying cause and adopting a healthy lifestyle and nutritional modifications can help prevent it from getting worse.
There are different remedies for atherosclerosis. In this post, we will talk about natural remedies for atherosclerosis, homeopathic remedies for atherosclerosis, herbal remedies for atherosclerosis, and homeopathic remedies for atherosclerosis in the legs.
Causes of Atherosclerosis
At the time of writing this post, atherosclerosis’s real cause is unknown. However, most researchers believe that risk factors aggravate the condition, such as endothelium (disruption of the artery’s innermost layer).
The following factors contribute to the stiffening of the artery, thus leading to atherosclerosis:
- High blood pressure
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels are elevated.
- A buildup of homocysteine. A human-produced amino acid is suspected to be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, and dementia.
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Obesity or being overweight
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of heart disease
Fats, cholesterol, and other chemicals accumulate at the location over time, thickening and hardening the arterial wall. When an artery is injured, blood cells called platelets accumulate to try to mend the harm. The blood flow via the artery is reduced, and so is the oxygen delivery to the organs. Blood clots can develop and plug the artery, preventing blood circulation to other organs.
Natural Remedies for Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis can slowly result in more life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack if not managed properly. Natural remedies for atherosclerosis are effective as an early stage or preventive treatment. Here are some of the best natural remedies for atherosclerosis.
1. Exercise
Exercise is one of the best natural remedies for atherosclerosis. It is vital for heart health since sedentary lifestyles result in a quicker accumulation of fat deposits and triglycerides in your body. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy metabolism makes you considerably more likely to burn fat more effectively, avoid obesity, and generally improve your overall health.
2. Yoga
According to 2013 research, regular yoga and meditation practice dramatically decrease early atherosclerosis. It also has the potential to improve lipids, BMI, and blood pressure.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Recent research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids(essential fatty acids) may help prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases by acting as anti-inflammatory agents. Omega-3 fatty acids(essential fatty acids) are found naturally in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel and are available as supplements.
4. Maintain a heart-healthy diet
Dieting plays an important role in enhancing your heart health and lowering your risk of atherosclerosis. It’s never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Just as years of unhealthy eating can harm your body, years of healthy food can help it recover. A heart-healthy diet includes lots of essential fats and a few bad fats.
- Increase your intake of healthy fats. Unsaturated fats(essential fats) are another name for good fats, they can be found in foods such as olives, almonds, avocados, and seafood.
- Reduce saturated fat sources such as fatty meat and dairy. Select lean cuts of meat and experiment with more plant-based meals.
- Trans fats from artificial sources should be avoided. Most synthetic trans fats are found in processed, packaged foods such as cookies and snack cakes.
- Increase your fiber consumption. Soluble fiber aids in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Soluble fiber may be found in vegetables, lentils, beans, and oats.
- Reduce your intake of sugar. Fruit naturally contains vitamins and minerals in addition to sugar. Sugar in processed foods such as cookies, ice cream, and sugar-sweetened drinks has little nutritional benefit.
5. Quit Smoking and Drinking
Your health will begin to improve the day you quit smoking lifestyle. Quitting smoking helps to boost your HDL fat levels. If you need professional help quitting smoking, consult your doctor. They can recommend smoking cessation programs and resources.
Too much alcohol might also harm your heart. However, several studies have suggested that moderate alcohol use may enhance HDL levels. However, drinking, for this reason, is not a smart idea. These studies are not finite enough for doctors to recommend that anyone drink for heart health.
6. Herbal Remedies for Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is still the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Cardiovascular disorders can be fatal or life-threatening but are also usually avoidable. Exercise, diet, and a healthy lifestyle all play important roles in maintaining our hearts healthy. Herbal remedies can supplement these methods of nourishing, protecting, and strengthening the heart. They are also the first line of defense when it comes to reversing any pathology that has developed.
Here are some herbal remedies for atherosclerosis:
A. Garlic
When it comes to herbal remedies for atherosclerosis, garlic is widely regarded as being at the top of the list. Garlic, for instance, has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure by 5 to 10%, and larger dosages of garlic may result in an even higher decrease.
In recent research, 47 persons with moderate hypertension were studied. The patients were given a daily dosage of 600 mg of garlic powder standardized to 1.3 percent alliin for 12 weeks. What were the outcomes? Systolic blood pressure was decreased by 6%, while diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 9%. Another study discovered garlic was beneficial in lowering blood pressure in males with mild to moderate arterial hypertension. Several more research has shown similar results. New studies show garlic’s sulfur components may help prevent cardiac tissue harm.
Garlic powder extract refined to contain 1.3 percent alliin is commonly administered at a daily dose of 900 mg. Larger dosages are safe, and you will likely get greater results if you incorporate more or utilize a higher dose.
B. Turmeric
Turmeric, as one of the herbal remedies for atherosclerosis, is one of the most active ingredients in herb-healing plants. It has antioxidant effects, promotes heart circulation, heals the arterial lining, and reduces blood clots, so it accomplishes pretty much everything you’d want to regenerate heart tissue. More than 200 studies have proven the effectiveness of turmeric and its key ingredient, curcumin, in treating a variety of cardiac diseases.
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that a daily dosage of curcumin dramatically improved the functional status of healthy people’s blood arteries within two months. The study focused on a fundamental underlying cause of cardiovascular illness, the failure of blood vessel inner linings to expand fully. For eight weeks, 59 healthy people were randomly allocated to either a placebo or 50 mg or 200 mg of curcumin. The 200 mg curcumin dosage caused a “clinically significant” 3% increase in dilation. A 1.7 percent rise was seen with the lower 50 mg dosage. Studies have also shown curcuminoids to lessen the frequency of heart attacks following coronary artery bypass surgery.
C. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is one of the best natural remedies for atherosclerosis. It is the Swiss Army knife of herbs for heart health and circulation diseases in Europe. The plant includes many bioflavonoid complexes. The berries have traditionally been utilized; however, recent scientific findings have proved the presence of medicinal chemicals in other sections of the plant.
Hawthorn enhances artery flow and circulation to the heart. Hawthorn extract has been found in several tests to reduce blood pressure. One British study found that hawthorn reduced blood pressure in diabetics. According to a 2003 meta-analysis, “hawthorn extract has a considerable effect as an additional therapy for chronic heart failure.” In addition, some recent studies have discovered that hawthorn can prevent cardiac damage during or after a heart attack.
If you take hawthorn berries in capsules, tea, or jelly, the suggested daily intake is at least 4-5 grams. A typical dosage is 80-300 mg of standardized extract taken twice or three times daily. Generally, you should allow at least 2-4 weeks for the herb to take action, and keep in mind that it is a long-term therapy, so hawthorn’s efficacy may still improve after one to two months.
D. Linden (Tilia)
Linden, a moderate antihypertensive, can help relieve restlessness and agitation, and it is a vasodilator, which means it can assist widen constricted blood vessels. Linden can also aid in the relief of nervous tension and the treatment of palpitations caused by stress.
E. Heartsease (Viola)
Herbalists have supposedly employed heartsease for centuries: references to heartsease, also known as pansy, may be found in William Shakespeare’s plays. A tea produced from heartsease was said to encourage love, mend a broken heart, and provide peace of mind.
F. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
This plant possesses cardioprotective, relaxing, and antihypertensive properties. It can be used to treat nervous debility caused by irritation and restlessness or as a light cardiotonic for heart problems of neurological origins, such as anxiety and palpitations.
Motherwort can also assist in strengthening the heart and lowering the high blood pressure induced by stress.
7. Homeopathic remedies for atherosclerosis
Homeopathy is one of the commonly used holistic medical systems. The use of a holistic approach in the selection of homeopathic medication for arteriosclerosis is based on the principles of symptom similarity and individualization. This is the only approach to achieving total health by eradicating all of the signs and symptoms from which the patient is suffering.
The goal of homeopathic remedies for arteriosclerosis is to address the underlying cause as well as individual susceptibility. There are numerous homeopathic remedies for atherosclerosis in the legs available, which may be chosen based on the origin, feelings, and modalities of the patient. A professional homeopathic doctor should be consulted in person for tailored remedy selection and therapy. The following treatments are beneficial in the treatment of arteriosclerosis:
- Arnica Montana – good medicine for cerebral arteriosclerosis; high proclivity for bleeding; works well in plethoric, feebly in debilitated persons, relaxed, a bold vessel with black and blue areas; painful, limp, and bruised sensation; thrombosis; limbs and body hurts as if beaten.
- Baryta Mur – hypertension and vascular degeneration; arteriosclerosis, where high systolic pressure with a relatively low diastolic tension is accompanied by cerebral and cardiac symptoms; involvement of large blood vessels and aorta; in duration and narrowing of the cardiac orifice with pain immediately after eating.
- Aurum met – well-known homeopathic remedies for arteriosclerosis in the legs; pulse rapid, feeble, irregular; hypertension; arteriosclerotic valvular lesions; marked palpitation; sensation as if the heart stopped beating for two or three seconds; immediately followed by sinking sensation in epigastrium; heart hypertrophy.
- Ergotin – operates effectively in the early stages of arteriosclerosis when only cardiac irritation and a harsh heart sound are present. Stiffening and degradation of artery walls, spasmodic vascular contraction with hardening
- Arsenic iod – arteriosclerosis treatment; myocardial degeneration and senile heart; cardiac weakness; emaciation and overall debility; best suited to anemic persons; quick, irritable pulse; chronic aortitis
- Strophanthus – arteriosclerosis; stiff arteries of the elderly; the irritable heart of tobacco smokers; heart’s action weak; rapid, irregular due to muscular debility; and insufficiency; cardiac pain; increases systole and decreases rapidity; works well in cases of mitral regurgitation where edema and dropsy predominate.
- Natrum iodatum – This is beneficial in high arterial pressure in the first year, especially at the start, and later in the third and fourth years when the pulses are softer, arteriosclerosis with angina pectoris, vertigo, and dyspnea. All of the iodides are beneficial. Arteriosclerotic alterations are caused by Baryta iodide, Kali iodides, and Strontium iodide. Arsenicum iodatum is quite beneficial in elderly hearts suffering from aortitis, myocarditis, and fatty degeneration. Amyl nitrite and glonoine are effective pain relievers in this condition.
Conclusion
There is no guarantee that any natural remedies for atherosclerosis will completely cure atherosclerosis on their own. Any treatment strategy for the illness would almost certainly involve a balanced diet, an exercise regimen, and maybe prescription medications to be used in conjunction with supplements.
Before opting for any natural, herbal, or homeopathic remedy, see your doctor because some may conflict with medications you’re already taking. Consultation with your doctor is especially vital if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Also, supplements are not monitored by the FDA in the same way that pharmaceuticals are. As a result, their effectiveness may vary.
Post Disclaimer
The information contained in this post "7 Great Natural Remedies for Atherosclerosis" is for educational purposes only. Always consult your primary care doctor before using the remedies that are provided. The information is provided by The Hidden Cures and while we do timely, in-depth research on the information that we provide to you, everything stated may not be up to date or accurate from the time it was written.