How to Stabilize Soft Plaques in the Arteries

Plaques are buildups of fatty acids and cholesterol. Artherosclerosis develops when plaque accumulates in your arteries and causes them to harden. These plaques can also clog your arteries and restrict blood flow to your heart. This deprives your heart of oxygenate blood and a heart attack can follow. Employ several methods to eliminate arterial plaque buildup.

Things You'll Need

• Green tea
• Vitamin C supplements

Instructions

1. Lose those excess pounds if you are excessively heavy. Losing weight will help eliminate plaque buildup in the walls of your arteries. Daily exercise and a healthy diet will help you achieve an ideal body weight and help keep your cardiovascular system healthy.

2. Stay away from second-hand smoke and quit smoking. Tobacco products can cause cancer and cause plaque to build up in your arteries. Consult your physician about purchasing products that can assist you in quitting smoking. Always bring with you a clean surgical mask, so you can wear it when it's difficult to avoid areas with second-hand smoke.

3. Drink 1 cup of green tea to reduce plaque buildup. Green tea contains potent active ingredients that can help lower the amount of bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL) in your blood, and prevents your blood vessels from constricting.

4. Take one 500-mg ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplement on a daily basis. Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that may help reduce the formation of plaque. It can also help prevent the formation of many typical heart diseases. Eat foods high in ascorbic acid along with your supplements daily. Foods such as citrus fruits, broccoli and kiwi fruits are rich in ascorbic acid.

5. Perform high-impact exercises for one hour on a daily basis. Getting enough exercise can speed your blood circulation to help prevent and loosen plaque from the walls of your arteries. High-impact exercises include aerobics, running, swimming and jumping rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your physician before embarking on self-treatments for heart disease.

References

• Atherosclerosis
• "The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines," Matthew Wood, Sep 15, 1997

Resources

• Arteriosclerosis Facts