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Can arterial plaque be removed with diet?

Eating specific foods cannot cleanse plaques out of the arteries, but a healthful diet can help manage and prevent heart disease. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to thickened or hardened arteries. This is a condition known as atherosclerosis.

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A person’s arteries can become clogged when plaques build up inside them, reducing blood flow. Eating specific foods cannot cleanse plaques out of the arteries, but a healthful diet can help manage and prevent heart disease. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to thickened or hardened arteries. This is a condition known as atherosclerosis. This article looks at how diet can help with atherosclerosis, foods to eat and avoid, and strategies for heart health. Foods to eat The following foods may help support healthy arteries. Different colored fruits and vegetables To obtain a wide range of antioxidants, someone should vary the vegetables and fruits they eat. Remembering to “eat a rainbow” is a useful way to do this. Moderating intake of starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, can help someone manage their weight and risk of cardiovascular disease. Extra virgin olive oil Someone can include extra virgin olive oil in their recipes and as a salad dressing. The flavor of olive oil can vary according to where and how manufacturers extract it. A person can sample different types to see which they prefer. Nuts Nuts are a healthful addition to a person’s diet. There are many different types of nuts to choose from, and someone can eat them as a snack or add them to salads or breakfasts. If someone is trying to maintain a moderate weight, they should be aware of their portion size of nuts, since they can be high in calories. Fatty fish Fatty fish are part of the Mediterranean diet, and the omega-3 fatty acids that they contain have anti-inflammatory properties. Fatty fish include: tuna

salmon

mackerel

herring

anchovies People can include fatty fish in their meals up to twice a week but should limit their consumption of fish with higher mercury levels, such as swordfish and marlin. Legumes, beans, and pulses The Mediterranean diet includes legumes, beans, and pulses. These contain protein, vitamins, and minerals and are a suitable alternative to meat for vegetarians and vegans. A person can purchase them precooked in tins, or soak and cook them from dry. Types to include are: black beans

split peas

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red or green lentils

Puy lentils

fava beans

kidney beans

adzuki beans

pinto beans

chickpeas

lima beans Whole grains People should eat grains in their whole, natural state. Whole grains contain more fiber than processed grains and can help balance blood glucose. Someone should be mindful of their portion size and aim to eat no more than a quarter of a plate of whole grains. People can include whole grain: bread

rice

pasta

oats

buckwheat

spelt

barley

millet

quinoa

Foods to avoid People should limit or avoid the following foods: added sugars in sodas, sweets, breakfast cereals, biscuits, and cakes

processed foods that contain trans fats, high sugar, and high salt

margarine, which may contain trans fats or hydrogenated fats

red meat

processed meats such as burgers, bacon, ham, and salami

refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white pasta, and white rice

alcohol

Other strategies Other than eating a healthful diet, someone can help prevent atherosclerosis by maintaining a healthful lifestyle that includes: maintaining a healthy weight

exercising regularly

managing stress

stopping smoking

Treating clogged arteries Doctors can prescribe medicines to treat atherosclerosis. These include: antiplatelet medication, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, to reduce blood clotting

anticoagulants, such as warfarin or heparin, to thin the blood

cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins

blood pressure medicines Sometimes, a doctor needs to perform surgery for atherosclerosis. This may include balloon angioplasty or a stent to open a blocked artery. Healthcare professionals can treat angina with a coronary artery bypass. The doctor grafts a piece of a healthy vein to an area above the blockage to allow blood to flow. When to speak with a doctor A person may not experience signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis in the early stages. However, when a major artery becomes blocked, this could lead to a heart attack or stroke. If a person has concerns about their symptoms, they should speak with their doctor or visit the emergency room in more severe cases.

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