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It’s possible that clogged arteries can cause erectile dysfunction, but there are foods that unclog arteries that you may not be aware of. Some foods may be more supportive than others, but what are the best foods to clean arteries?
Clogged arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when fatty deposits build up along the artery walls. This accumulation of fatty deposits causes the arteries to narrow, which negatively impacts blood circulation to the heart and other areas of the body.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease. In Western countries, clogged arteries are responsible for more than half of all deaths.
Before the condition becomes fatal, clogged arteries can lead to all sorts of health conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED), high blood pressure, and poor heart health. The good news is that clogged arteries are not only preventable, there are effective ways to unclog the arteries so that you can improve your cardiovascular health.
Understanding How Arteries Become Clogged
There is no single cause of clogged arteries. More often than not, people have several risk factors that increase their risk of developing the condition. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetics/family history
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to make the necessary changes to lessen your risk of clogged arteries. Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, losing weight, and moving more throughout the day can all have a profound impact on your cardiovascular health.
The Link Between Clogged Arteries and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Men who have clogged arteries not only face an increased risk of poor heart health, but are also more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. In fact, there is a strong connection between erectile dysfunction and heart disease. There is a growing amount of evidence that shows a connection between erectile dysfunction and a clogged or multiple clogged arteries in the penile arteries.
A man achieves an erection when blood travels to the penile arteries. These arteries widen and allow blood to travel and stay in the penis. But a blockage in the penile arteries can lessen or completely restrict the ability for blood to move into the penis. This can lead to partial erections or the inability to get an erection at all.
Clogged arteries in the penis may be a sign of undiagnosed heart disease. When the penile arteries are clogged, there’s an increased chance that there are clogged arteries in other areas of the body.
Remember, blood is pumped throughout the body from the heart through the arteries. When arteries are blocked by plaque or fatty deposits, the condition can make it impossible for blood to travel to the penis. This then leads to erectile dysfunction, also known as ED.
For men, ED not only ruins their confidence, it’s also a telltale sign that there’s a serious underlying health condition. Ignoring clogged arteries not only impacts sexual function, it also greatly increases the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke.
Unclogging the penile and other arteries in the body requires some important lifestyle changes. If you’re a smoker, recognize that ED is more likely in men who smoke and work to quit. If you’re overweight or obese, focus on losing weight. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, ensure that these conditions are properly managed.
Most importantly, take some time to clean up your diet. Improving your eating habits by limiting processed foods can have a huge impact on your heart health. Some foods may even unclog the arteries, which can resolve your ED once and for all.
Top Foods That Unclog Arteries Naturally
Eating a diet that mostly consists of healthy, wholesome foods offers all sorts of benefits. One benefit that many people don’t realize is that certain foods may actually unclog the arteries naturally. This protects your cardiovascular and heart health, and decreases the risk of some of today’s most deadly conditions.
Here are some of the best foods that unclog arteries to eat in order to prevent or clean clogged arteries.
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and raspberries are best. Studies show that berries reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve oxidation.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, which reduces inflammation, improves good cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Onions
Onions may protect the arteries thanks to their sulfur content. Sulfur prevents blood vessel inflammation and increases nitric oxide levels.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are chock full of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. Flavonoids decrease inflammation and protect the body against free radicals that oxidize bad cholesterol.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage decrease the risk of clogged arteries by lowering carotid intima-media thickness. These vegetables also reduce arterial calcification.
Leafy Greens
Kale, arugula, spinach, and lettuces are a good source of nitrates, which reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function. They also contain high levels of potassium, which may prevent vascular calcification.
Beans
These little bites are a fiber-rich food, which help to balance cholesterol levels. Beans may reduce blood pressure and improve artery function.
Fish
Most fish are loaded with omega-3s, which reduces the expression of cellular adhesion molecules. These are proteins that allow cells to stick to their surroundings, such as artery walls.
Other foods to add to your diet to prevent clogged arteries include:
- Avocados
- Oats
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Dark chocolate
- Spices like turmeric ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and chili
Things to Know About Erectile Dysfunction Outside of Diet
Aside from knowing the best foods to clean the arteries, it’s also important to understand the science behind ED. Eating a healthy diet is only the first step in effectively treating the inability to get or maintain an erection.
While it may seem like it, you aren’t alone if you’ve been diagnosed with ED or are considering ED treatment for erectile dysfunction. In fact, around 50% of men in the U.S. between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience some form of erectile dysfunction. It should come as no surprise that a majority of these cases are caused by clogged arteries.
It’s also important to note that ED isn’t a condition that only affects older men. In fact, around 25% of men under the age of 40 have reported severe symptoms of ED. While these men may be healthier than older men, they tend to be at a higher risk of ED because of smoking and illegal drug use.
But what’s most alarming about ED is that most men don’t seek out erectile dysfunction clinics for treatment of the condition. Many men are ashamed and don’t want to own up to the fact that they’re experiencing problems in the bedroom.
Eat a Healthy Diet, Unclog Your Arteries and Support Erectile Dysfunction Therapy
By eating a diet that includes foods that unclog the arteries, you will better protect your cardiovascular health while also offering other benefits. Get your daily dose by drinking a berry and leafy greens smoothie, or by making a filling salad with leafy greens, onions, tomatoes, and flax seeds for some crunch.
The trained medical professionals at Prestige Men’s Medical Center can provide a customized healthy living program to best support your overall health. We will tailor the plan to your unique needs, history, and circumstances so you can get the best results possible. Give us a call today to set an appointment with our expert medical staff about premature ejaculation treatment, low testosterone therapy, and ED and more.
