Few realize that insulin resistance is also associated with a less-discussed health problem. Prediabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar that may be higher than normal, yet not high enough to meet the standard for diabetes. Prediabetes is an increasingly worrying health condition that affects roughly 88 million people in the US, which translates to around 1 in every 3 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.
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Vitamin D. Written by. Medically reviewed by. Stephanie Eckelkamp Stephanie Eckelkamp Writer, editor and health coach. Stephanie has been writing for leading health magazines and websites for the past decade.
Learn about our content process. In this Article. Oxidized LDL is associated with atherosclerosis development and progression 27 , This may be why citrus consumption is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke — two conditions linked to atherosclerosis Spices, including ginger, pepper, chili, and cinnamon may help protect against clogged arteries These and other spices have anti-inflammatory properties and may help scavenge free radicals, improve blood lipid levels, and reduce the clumping together of platelets in the blood You can increase your spice consumption easily by adding these versatile flavorings to oatmeal, soups, stews, and just about any other dish you can think of.
Flax seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrition. They are high in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium and magnesium. In addition to being highly nutritious, flax seeds may help prevent atherosclerosis. Flax seeds contain secoisolariciresinol diglucoside SDG , an anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering lignan compound whose properties counter atherosclerosis Adding cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower to your diet may help reduce your chances of developing clogged arteries.
Studies show that eating cruciferous vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis. A study in 1, women found that eating cruciferous vegetables was associated with lower carotid intima-media thickness CIMT Research has also linked cruciferous vegetable intake to reduced arterial calcification and risk of death caused by atherosclerosis-related disease 25 , 34 , Beets are a rich source of nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that plays many essential roles in your body.
Eating foods like beets that are rich in dietary nitrates may help improve blood vessel function and decrease inflammation, which may help prevent atherosclerosis 36 , Research has also found an association between dietary nitrate intake and a reduced risk of atherosclerosis-related death Oats are an excellent choice for those who have atherosclerosis or are trying to prevent clogged arteries. Eating oats can help significantly reduce atherosclerosis risk factors, including high levels of total and LDL bad cholesterol Oats also contain antioxidants called avenanthramides, which may help inhibit inflammatory proteins called cytokines, as well as adhesion molecules.
This may help prevent atherosclerosis 40 , Consuming oat bran, which is packed with fiber , may be helpful as well. A study that included people with coronary artery disease found that those who consumed oat fiber regularly had lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol and inflammatory markers than those who did not eat oat fiber The study also found that oat fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of needing revascularization — a procedure to increase oxygen delivery to the heart and other parts of the body.
A person may need this if atherosclerosis has impeded their blood flow Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Research has consistently shown that nut and seed intake can significantly improve atherosclerosis risk factors. For example, eating nuts and seeds can reduce LDL bad cholesterol and blood pressure and may help boost HDL good cholesterol 43 , 44 , 45 , Research has also shown that eating nuts and seeds reduces blood sugar levels and may help protect against diabetes, a known risk factor for atherosclerosis 43 , Additionally, eating nuts and seeds may help improve blood vessel function and protect against heart disease 48 , Inflammation is a major cause of arteriosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries.
Turmeric also reduces the damage to arterial walls, which can cause blood clots and plaque build up. Turmeric also contains vitamin B6, which helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine, which can cause plaque buildup and blood vessel damage in excess amounts. Turmeric can be an ingredient in many dishes, both sweet and savory. One way to get your daily dose is by drinking a glass of warm turmeric milk daily.
This dark, leafy green is filled with potassium, folate and fiber, which helps lower blood pressure and prevents artery blockage. One serving per day helps lower homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart diseases such as atherosclerosis.
So try it in salads, smoothies and even on your omelet. Whole grains contain soluble fiber, which binds to the excess LDL cholesterol in your digestive tract and removes it from your body. Whole grains also contain magnesium, which dilates blood vessels and keeps your blood pressure at regular levels. The AHA recommends at least six daily servings of whole grains, so trade your carbs for whole-grain alternatives like whole-grain breads, whole wheat pastas, brown rice, quinoa, barley and oatmeal to improve cholesterol levels and keep your arteries clear.
Making these changes to your diet can improve your overall health, and prevent your arteries from blockage. Luckily, these options are delicious and provide endless opportunities for new recipes and creativity. This February, take control of your heart health and schedule an appointment with one of our cardiologists at the Snyder White Heart and Vascular Center today by calling During these procedures, your doctor will insert a tiny tube into your artery to suck out the plaque or break up the plaque atherectomy.
Your doctor may then leave behind a tiny metal structure stent that helps support the artery and increase blood flow. During this surgery, your doctor will remove arteries from other parts of your body and replace the blocked artery.
If blockages remain untreated, you could experience serious health complications like a stroke, aneurysm, or heart attack. If you were diagnosed with arterial blockages, now is the time to get healthy. Though there is little you can do to unclog arteries, you can do a lot to prevent additional buildup.
A heart-healthy lifestyle can help you lower your levels of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol. It can also help you be healthier overall. Healthy lifestyle changes are especially important if you have a procedure to remove plaques or bypass a heavily clogged artery.
Read this article in Spanish. HDL cholesterol removes extra cholesterol and plaque buildup in your arteries. Here are six other exercises that can help improve your levels too. A stent is a tube that your doctor inserts into a blocked passageway, such as a blood vessel, to keep it open. We explain what healthy cholesterol levels are for adults and children. Also, learn about lifestyle changes and medications to help lower your…. Beer, liquor, and wine have different effects on your cholesterol levels.
However, how much and how often you drink has a bigger impact than what you…. Learn about tips for having a heart-healthy diet and what the research says about the effects of alcohol, calcium, sugar, and caffeine on your heart. Discover 28 ways to power up, wind down, and have fun — all in the name of a healthy heart.
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