Supplements Which Help Reverse Atherosclerosis

by Webmaster, All4NaturalHealth.com

For someone who is trying to prevent or reverse atherosclerosis, what are some supplements and nutrients which may be helpful?

Tocotrienols, which belong to the vitamin E family, are powerful antioxidants found in barley, rice bran and wheat germ. By preventing the oxidation of low lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, they help in preventing or reversing atherosclerosis.

In a few ways, omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to boost cardiovascular health and to help deal with atherosclerosis and heart disease in general. Of course, omega 3 fatty acids are also known to be useful against a host of other ailments, as well as for promoting overall good health. Excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids include fish oil supplements and flaxseed oil.

Higher amounts of selenium in one's diet have been linked to lower risk of heart disease. Although it has not really been established if supplementation would help with atherosclerosis, some practitioners recommend a daily dosage of 100 to 200mcg.

A nutrient which may help with angina, or chest pains, is magnesium, as was revealed in a double-blind study. Exercise capacity as well as overall quality of life were also boosted with the use of magnesium. The dosage used in that study was 365 mg per day.

Vitamin C is one nutrient which may protect against atherosclerosis and heart disease, although the link is not yet clear. In any case, vitamin C is a strong antioxidant which protects against LDL cholesterol oxidation. LDL cholesterol oxidation, as mentioned earlier, contributes towards the development of atherosclerosis.

Broadly speaking, antioxidants protect against damaging substances in the body called free radicals. Cigarette smoke and barbequed meat are two example sources of high amounts of free radicals. By mopping up these free radicals, antioxidants like vitamin C help protect against and reverse atherosclerosis, too.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially raw and organic ones, contain a multitude of potent antioxidants, and they play a critical role in any protocol attempting to reverse atherosclerosis. Specific nutrients which may be useful include vitamin E and beta carotene.

Vitamin E, specifically, can not only protect against LDL cholesterol oxidation, but also prevent the development of heart disease, as was revealed in double-blind studies. Some doctors suggest a dosage of 400 to 800 IU each day, for the purpose of preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. In your attempt to reverse atherosclerosis, be sure to only use natural vitamin E, as synthetic equivalents of the vitamin have limited benefits.

With regard to beta carotene, however, it may not be a good idea to take isolated supplements of the nutrient, as it could have adverse effects instead of benefits. It is best to consume it in whole food form.

Homocysteine is an amino acid which is believed to be associated with atherosclerosis as well as heart disease. The connection though, has not yet been firmly established. In any case, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 as well as folic acid are nutrients which have been linked to lower levels of homocysteine, and they may thus be helpful for battling atherosclerosis.

CoEnzyme Q10, or CoQ10, was found in one particular double blind study to help prevent the progression of atherosclerosis after the occurrence of a heart attack. Other possible preventative substances include lipoic acid and resveratrol. Quercetin is yet another nutrient - this time a flavonoid, which offers protection for LDL cholesterol against oxidative damage.

Here, let me end off by stating that it is highly unlikely that the use of supplements alone can effectively reverse atherosclerosis. Instead, any natural treatment protocol which is designed to reverse atherosclerosis would have to come with an holistic and comprehensive dietary and lifestyle approach. After all, it is unrealistic to expect a few vitamin E or fish oil capsules to do the job, if one continues to indulge in meats containing saturated fats, refined foods made with hydrogenated oils, as well as cigarette smoking.

To learn more about treating and reversing atherosclerosis, as well as other aspects of the disease, read the other related atherosclerosis pages.

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Some Related Atherosclerosis Pages

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