How to Reverse Clogged Arteries Naturally

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by Sarah Daglis, ND, MS

Published October 11, 2024
Last Updated October 11, 2024

Arteries are the cardiovascular system’s superhighways, transporting blood from the heart to all our cells. Organs and tissues need oxygen and nutrients to function properly, and these muscular, tubelike structures expand and contract to push life-sustaining blood through our bodies. That’s why keeping arterial pathways clear of debris is so important.

Atherosclerosis can develop when a dangerous combination of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol), fat deposits, and other substances concentrated on artery walls restricts blood flow.¹ Over time, this buildup forms plaque that clogs arteries and triggers inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.²

Arterial blockages can happen anywhere in the body, including the brain, kidneys, legs, and neck. When plaque accumulates in the heart’s vessels, it’s known as coronary artery disease (CAD). Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 1 in 20 adults affected by CAD.³

11 risk factors for arterial plaque buildup

Genetics influence the risk of developing atherosclerosis, but lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and lack of exercise are major contributors to artery blockage.⁴ There are 11 primary risk factors for arterial plaque:

High LDL cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Smoking
Age (men over 45; women over 55)
Gender (men are most at risk)
Family history
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
A diet high in saturated and trans fats
Genetic mutations

There’s a natural approach to better heart health

Stethoscope and heart pillow on cardio diagram

The naturopathic approach for treating clogged arteries recognizes the importance of pharmaceutical or surgical interventions when needed but looks to identify root causes to prevent future cardiovascular problems. By treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, natural medicine aims to strengthen the body and promote long-term resilience.

“The naturopathic medical strategy places a much greater emphasis on nutritional and lifestyle factors,” says Dr. Daniel Chong, founder of Vital-Human.com and cardiovascular specialist at BioLounge in Portland, Oregon. “The therapeutic hierarchy in naturopathic medicine puts safer, more foundational ⁠health-promoting interventions first. If those interventions are not working, the more intense and possibly less safe solutions are employed.”

Natural treatment focuses on atherosclerosis risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood sugar issues, and obesity, while supporting lasting cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes. A multi-step plan for better heart health includes personalized nutrition, stress management techniques, regular exercise, and natural therapies to support circulation and reduce inflammation.

“In more serious urgent cases,” notes Dr. Chong, “multiple interventions of different degrees of intensity and potential for harm can be implemented at the same time. But it’s also important to be sure the foundational support is still implemented along with the more intense treatments.”

Cardiovascular tests reveal hidden signs of inflammation

When arteries are clogged, vital nutrients, hormones, and oxygen cannot effectively reach organs and cells. Tests can pinpoint inflammatory markers, such as C–reactive protein, interleukin–⁠6, tumor necrosis factor–⁠alpha, and fibrinogen, which help assess the risk for atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

“A critical part of my strategy is using appropriate tests to evaluate key cardiovascular biomarkers and imaging tools to assess each patient’s individual situation,” says Dr. Chong. “I can use those tests and tools to gauge the success of the treatment strategy and tweak that strategy based on the results.”

Making positive lifestyle changes

Healthy lifestyle modifications can markedly reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and enhance overall cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity—at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week—is vital, along with maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, improving sleep quality, controlling blood pressure, monitoring cholesterol, and staying well-hydrated.

Implementing healthier daily habits is a proven way to reduce the risk of CAD by more than 80 percent. Studies show positive lifestyle changes can also help prevent blocked arteries in the first place.⁵

“Additional evidence-based lifestyle factors to support optimal cardiovascular health should also be implemented along with dietary changes,” says Dr. Chong. “Some key factors to focus on include mitigating sleep apnea and any possible chronic dental infections.” Gum disease and heart disease risk are closely linked.

Eating better, every day

People using chopsticks to eat grain and noodle bowls with vegetables

Adopting a heart-healthy diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while minimizing saturated and trans fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, can dramatically lower the risk of cardiovascular issues and complement any necessary medical treatments.

“Thorough and aggressive implementation of an evidence-based dietary approach that works for the patient is the primary foundational strategy when treating atherosclerosis,” says Dr. Chong.

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to help reverse atherosclerosis by reducing plaque buildup. Minimizing saturated fats, meat, and dairy products is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes, including lower rates of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and heart disease.⁶^,⁷

If high blood pressure is an issue, then the DASH diet could be a good option. DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, encourages whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy and is shown to effectively lower blood pressure.⁸

Both the DASH and Mediterranean diets may slow or even partially reverse the progression of atherosclerosis. Regular consumption of good fats and whole, plant-based foods has a key role in lowering cholesterol levels, inflammation, and blood pressure, all of which contribute to clogged arteries.

Targeting healing herbs and nutrients

Dietary supplements can also enhance vascular health. Antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols are heart-boosting plant compounds that may help reverse atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol, neutralizing free radicals, and preventing inflammation.⁹ Two powerful blood pressure busters, cinnamon and garlic,¹⁰^,¹¹ can enhance blood vessel function. Omega–3 fatty acids curb cholesterol (especially LDL),¹² and turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could help slow or reverse coronary heart disease.¹³

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Footnotes

1
Mercadante AA, Raja A. Anatomy, Arteries. StatPearls. 2023;Mar 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547743/?report=reader#_NBK547743_pubdet_
2
Pahwa R, Jialal I. Atherosclerosis. StatPearls. 2023;Aug 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/?report=reader#_NBK507799_pubdet_
3
Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024;May 15. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
4
Schmidt-Trucksäss A, Lichtenstein AH, von Känel R. Lifestyle factors as determinants of atherosclerotic cardiovascular health. Atherosclerosis. 2024 Aug;395:117577. https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(24)00137-0/fulltext
5
Rippe JM. Lifestyle strategies for risk factor reduction, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2019;13(2):204-212. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378495
6
Richardson LA, Izurora K, Basu A. Mediterranean diet and its association with cardiovascular disease risk factors: a scoping review. Int J Eviron Res Public Health. 2022;19(19). https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph191912762
7
Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Gea A, Ruiz-Canela M. The Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular health: a critical review. Circulation Research. 2019;124(5). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.313348
8
Challa HJ, Ameer MA, Uppaluri KR. DASH diet to stop hypertension. StatPearls. 2023;Jan 23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482514/?report=reader#_NBK482514_pubdet_
9
Sedighi M, Bahmani M, Asgary S, et al. A review of plant-based compounds and medicinal plants effective on atherosclerosis. J Res Med Sci. 2017;22:30. https://doi.org/10.4103%2F1735-1995.202151
10
Mousavi S, Karimi E, Hajishafiee M, et al. Anti-hypertensive effects of cinnamon supplement in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60(18). https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2019.1678012
11
Ried K. Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness, and gut microbiota: a review and meta-analysis. Exp Ther Med. 2019;19(2):1471-1478. https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8374
12
Wang T, Zhang X, Zhou N, et al. Association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and dyslipidemia: a continuous dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am Heart J. 2023;12(11). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.029512
13
Cox F, Misiou A, Vierkant A, et al. Protective effects of curcumin in cardiovascular diseases—impact on oxidative stress and mitochondria. Cells. 2022;11(3):342. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fcells11030342

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