Strategies to prevent arterial rigidity from leading to health complications:
Have you ever felt the unwelcome stiffness creeping into your body as you age? It's not just about feeling creaky and uncomfortable - this stiffness can take a toll on your most crucial organs, particularly your heart and your brain.
Stiff joints and muscles are a bummer, sure, but stiff arteries are a whole new level of concern. They make it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently, and they increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and unfortunately, 75% of heart disease-related deaths[1].
Arteries and Memory Loss
Scientists from the University of Montreal took a closer look at how arterial stiffness might affect the brain specifically. A study by the university found that mice with rigid arteries had poorer memory and learning abilities compared to their healthy counterparts.
Their brains displayed less responsiveness to stimuli, which should ordinarily boost blood flow. So it seems that these mice's brains may not be getting the blood supply they need[2]. What's more concerning is that these same mice showed higher levels of amyloid-beta peptides in their brains - the same pesky substances that form those nasty Alzheimer's-causing plaques[2].
Prevention: Your Health, Your Choice
So, keeping your arteries flexible is imperative for your heart and brain health. Fortunately, taking good care of your arterial health is in your own hands. Here are eight crucial lifestyle changes to implement:
- Maintain balanced blood sugar levels to keep those arteries supple[3].
- Engaging in regular exercise (aerobic or even tai chi) is proven to reduce arterial stiffness[6].
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in greens, salmon, berries, and other powerhouse foods to combat inflammation[4].
- Regularly keep an eye on your blood pressure to catch any potential issues early[6].
- Kick those smoking and drinking habits, as both contribute to arterial damage and inflammation[7].
- Sip on green or black tea daily, as they're loaded with flavonoids that promote arterial flex[8].
- Try fish oil or krill oil supplements, as EPA and DHA are well-known for reducing inflammation and improving artery flexibility[8].
- And of course, keep your arteries flowing with a regular dose of "the juice that keeps them loose."
Editor's Note:
Curious about EDTA chelation therapy? Initially developed to remove heavy metals from the body, its applications now range from varicose veins to improving circulation[9]. Discover how it could potentially protect your heart and enhance your health by clicking here.
Sources:
- American Physiological Society (APS). "Stiff arteries linked with memory problems, mouse study suggests." (2016). Link
- "Explore Atherosclerosis." National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. (2021). Link
- M. Madden et al., "Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Reduces Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, and Hypercholesterolemia." Diabetes Care (2009). Link
- "How the foods you eat - and don't - keep your arteries young." The Globe and Mail (2016). Link
- "Stiff artery walls may cause high blood pressure instead of being its consequence." Asociación RUVID. (2016). Link
- "Stiff artery walls may cause high blood pressure instead of being its consequence." Asociación RUVID. (2016). Link
- "How the foods you eat - and don't - keep your arteries young." The Globe and Mail (2016). Link
- M. Madden et al., "Short-Term Aerobic Exercise Reduces Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, and Hypercholesterolemia." Diabetes Care (2009). Link
- "EDTA Chelation Therapy." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2021). Link
- Incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in greens, salmon, berries, and other powerhouse foods can help combat inflammation, which is beneficial for heart health and overall well-being, as stated in a health-and-wellness article.
- Engaging in regular fitness-and-exercise, whether aerobic or tai chi, has been proven to reduce arterial stiffness, making it a crucial component in maintaining heart health, according to research from scientists.
- As brain health is closely connected to heart health, focusing on mental-health and reducing stress levels could potentially minimize the risk of developing issues caused by arterial stiffness, as suggested by various health-and-wellness experts.
- CBD oil, a popular supplement in health-and-wellness circles, is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, making it a possible addition to your daily health regimen for promoting arterial flexibility and reducing inflammation.