The BEST Meal to Clean Out Your Arteries

Dr. Eric Berg 11/30/2023

Ever think about the bustling city within your body? You know, those trillions of microorganisms living in your gut, arteries...pretty much everywhere. It's a wild thought!

You might even feel like you're hosting an inner carnival – full of lively microbes performing vital tasks.

But here's the kicker: not all performers are friendly clowns or acrobats keeping things balanced. Some can turn into pesky tricksters causing chaos - plaque build-up in our arteries.

Fermented foods, though, could be game-changers! But how exactly?

This is where we step onto a roller coaster ride exploring arterial health and fermented food connection. Get ready to unravel microbial mysteries hidden inside us and discover dietary superheroes that help keep them under control!

The Hidden World Inside Our Arteries

There's a secret world right inside our bodies. Not in the heart or brain, but surprisingly, within our arteries. Here lies an unexpected ecosystem of microorganisms living in arterial plaque.

Microbes Living in Arterial Plaque

We often think of blood as sterile. However, research reveals that it hosts microscopic tenants like Chlamydia pneumoniae, Heliobacter pylori, and even Staphylococcus species. These little guys make their home directly inside the arterial plaque.

Have you pondered how they arrived? These microbes enter your bloodstream through different pathways, such as oral infections or gut permeability issues.

This discovery isn't just extraordinary; it has significant health implications, too. These pathogens can contribute to inflammation and exacerbate atherosclerosis - the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances on artery walls.

This 'party crasher' effect could lead to severe conditions like stroke or heart disease over time.

Gut Microbes and Their Role in Arterial Health

Microscopic tenants living within us, gut microbes, play a crucial role in maintaining our arterial health. But how? Let's dissect this relationship.

The Consequences of Destroying Gut Microbes

Eradicating these tiny beings from your body isn't a smart move. Doing so can spark inflammation locally and throughout the entire system, including arteries. This fiery response can trigger plaque formation – a grim precursor to many heart conditions.

Studies have shown that people with poor gut health often suffer more from cardiovascular diseases.

Digestive system microbiome illustration

Probiotics as Atheroprotective Agents

Fear not. Probiotics step into the scene here as potential saviors - they may help prevent artery-clogging plaque formations by balancing your inner microbial universe.

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, research suggests probiotics' effectiveness against various heart issues.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids from Fiber and Arterial Health

Your friendly gut residents convert fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs do an excellent job at regulating blood sugar levels and decreasing arterial inflammation—a double whammy for better heart health.

Evidence points out how SCFAs can potentially lower insulin resistance.

Vitamin K2 – The Unsung Hero of Arterial Health

Imagine your arteries as busy highways and calcium as reckless drivers. Without a traffic cop like Vitamin K2 to direct it, calcium can cause accidents—accumulating in the arterial walls rather than going where needed: our bones.

Vitamin K2's Role in Calcium Regulation

The role of vitamin K2 is vital but often overlooked. It helps keep our arteries clear by directing calcium towards the bones, preventing unwanted deposits that could lead to complications.

This superhero nutrient doesn't stop there; it also supports bone health and contributes to heart function. So, if you're not giving your body enough Vitamin K2, now's the time.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin K2

Finding this unsung hero isn't a treasure hunt—it’s probably on your dinner plate. Fermented eats such as sauerkraut or yogurt contain a wealth of vitamin K2. Fatty cheese and meats also provide ample amounts.

Making these foods part of your regular diet will help keep those rogue calcium particles at bay—and have you singing praises for the previously unsung hero, Vitamin-K-Too.

The CAC Test – A Predictor of Heart Failure

The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) test is a noteworthy resource for forecasting heart failure. What is the CAC test, and how does it indicate potential heart disease?

The CAC test measures calcium buildup in your arteries - an early sign of heart disease. It's like checking for rust on a car; if you find some, you know there might be more severe issues underneath.

With its non-invasive nature and ability to predict potential cardiovascular events over the years, research has shown the effectiveness of the CAC score in assessing cardiac risk.

More specifically, a high score indicates that coronary artery disease may already be present and action needs to be taken.

Studies reveal that individuals with elevated scores are 3-4 times more likely to suffer from heart attack or stroke compared with those who have lower scores.

A key benefit? The earlier detection offered by the CAC can provide crucial time for intervention strategies such as dietary changes or medication management. So remember: getting your "rust checkup" could help keep your engine running smoothly.

The Impact of Diet on Gut Microbes and Arterial Health

Discover how different types of food can affect gut microbes and, consequently, arterial health.

The Problem with Sterilized and Over-Processed Foods

Discuss how sterilized, pasteurized, and over-processed foods lack beneficial microbes and can contribute to dysbiosis and inflammation. Research confirms this damaging domino effect caused by sterile food choices.

Fermented vegetables

The Benefits of Raw and Fermented Foods

Explain how eating raw foods, especially fermented vegetables, can provide beneficial microbes and aid digestion. According to science, fermented veggies bring an army of helpful bacteria, enhancing digestion.

Conclusion

Arterial health and fermented foods are a surprising connection we've unearthed. We’ve learned about the microscopic circus in our bodies - friendly acrobats and pesky tricksters alike.

We now understand that gut microbes aren't just digesting dinner; they're also hard at work maintaining arterial health! Mess with them, and you invite inflammation, which is the precursor to plaque formation.

Our dietary superheroes are fermented foods brimming with probiotics and vitamin K2. They balance the microbial city within us while keeping calcium from causing trouble in our arteries.

The key? Choose wisely: raw, over-processed, fermented veggies instead of sterilized snacks. And remember the CAC test for early heart failure detection!

This ride has been quite an adventure. Now go forth armed with this knowledge to maintain a happy inner carnival – where your arterial health is prioritized!