Two Natural Solutions for Clogged Arteries
I have examined cardiovascular disease in several of my articles, with the most notable being “Fish Oils, Omega-3s, EPA and DHA: A Review of Benefits” and “More Benefits of CoQ10, Heart, Lung, and Brain Health, Cancer Prevention.” I have also noted heart disease is the leading cause of death in America because the disease is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths [1]. However, I have yet to write an article solely on atherosclerosis, the driving process behind cardiovascular mortality.
Atherosclerosis, also known as plaquing of the arteries, is when plaque builds up inside one’s arteries. Plaque is made from fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, especially if someone has high levels of these compounds, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, which causes a series of issues including coronary, carotid, and peripheral artery disease, and kidney disease, to name a few.
Though conventional medicine may claim this process is unpreventable, there are numerous peer-reviewed, research articles which claim otherwise. In this article, we will be examining two substances and their associated articles which support they can either prevent or reverse plaquing.
B Vitamins
In my article concerning the positive benefits of B vitamins, I did not focus on the link between B vitamins and atherosclerosis, chiefly because there are too many benefits to cover in one article. Nevertheless, research has shown B vitamins can be very effective in reversing atherosclerosis.
A double-blind, randomized 2005 study published in the journal Atherosclerosis gave one group of men 2.5mg folic acid (B9), 25mg vitamin B6, and 0.5mg vitamin B12 for a year and a second group a placebo. In the group who received the B vitamins, the men had significantly decreased levels of plaquing, and the placebo group either had either the same levels or greater levels of plaquing [2]. The researchers concluded, “Vitamins supplementation significantly reduces IMT [thickness of arteries] in patients at risk” [2].
Two studies illustrated vitamin B3, aka niacin, can also decrease plaquing levels and improve endothelial function [3] [4].
Further, research also shows support for vitamin B9, aka folate. A 2010 study split 103 patients into two groups: a 53-patient B9 group and a 50-patient placebo group. At the end of the 18-month study, the researchers found the B9 group has significant regression of IMT compared to the placebo group, which experiences significant IMT progression [5]. Another 2001 study had supplementary results where the researchers also supported folate supplementation [6].
To summarize, research has shown vitamin B9, B6, B12, B3, and B9 may help reverse atherosclerosis.
Turmeric
As noted in my article concerning turmeric, “Turmeric: Why isn’t it FDA Approved?” turmeric has a wide array of health benefits, and several studies illustrate how it can be effective in cases of atherosclerosis. (See reference [7] for the full list of studies.)
A 2005 study investigated curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, and its role in preventing atherosclerosis in mice. The researchers found in the mice model, curcumin inhibited atherogenesis [8].
A 2009 study published by the School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University in China found curcumin to be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease [9], and a 2012 study published by the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology in India found supplementary results saying, “curcuminoids enriched fraction can reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease” [10].
Conclusion
To summarize, research has shown many various compounds can assist in either preventing arterial plaquing or reverse it, with two of these compounds being vitamin Bs or turmeric (curcumin). If you are interested in these supplements, Healthmasters offers exceptional, high-quality options such as Healthmasters’ B Complex and Turmeric Force.
If you have any questions about any of Healthmasters’ products, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834
References:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15939064
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17076985
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17935553
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19201496
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11533600
[7] http://www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/topic/44197/focus/6063/page
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16391419
