If you find that you have clogged arteries, you may feel as if the situation is hopeless. However, there are things you can do to help yourself and prevent further damage. A healthy diet and exercise can go a long way toward fighting and preventing this condition.
Start by lowering your fat intake. To prevent clogged arteries, less than ten percent of your calories should come from saturated fat, and your diet should consist of less than 35 percent fat overall, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. Others contend your overall fat intake should be less than 30 or 25 percent or more. If your arteries are already clogged, no more than seven percent of your calories should come from saturated fat. The body uses saturated fat to make cholesterol, another substance you’d do well to reduce.
Another important step in dealing with this condition is cutting cholesterol. You should ingest less than 200 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Keep in mind that one egg can provide as much as 250 milligrams of cholesterol. Start checking the labels on the foods you consume for cholesterol and fat content. You can also find helpful fat and cholesterol counts on the Internet.
Quit smoking. This is one of the most important things you can do to fight build up in your arteries. Do it right away. Delaying could take years off your life. There are medications, support groups, and numerous techniques for kicking the habit. Ask your doctor for help if you need it.
Activity is an important weapon against clogged arteries. Start exercising, with your doctor’s approval, at least 30 minutes to one hour three to four times per week. This amount of exercise is recommended by the American Heart Association. Such physical activity serves to improve cholesterol levels, make the heart stronger, and reduce blood pressure. As a side benefit, you may even shed some extra weight.
Discuss the impact and prevention of arterial clogs with your doctor. Steps taken to lower cholesterol and control high blood pressure can really help your cause. Also, controlling diabetes can help to lower your risk of developing plaque in your arteries and protect your health if you are already dealing with them. Depending on your particular case, prescription medications may be helpful.
There are some studies that suggest that certain foods may help in fighting clogged arteries. One such study suggests that pomegranate juice may prevent and slow the clogging of arteries. Keep in mind, however, that this study and many like it have not been proven yet. Still, such foods may contribute to your health in other ways and, therefore, may be worth a try.