Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Natural Lifestyle Changes Can Protect Arteries, Not Remove Plaque
Plaque is a buildup that can form inside blood vessels over many years.
It can raise the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Healthy habits usually cannot scrub away plaque that is already there.
However, they can slow its growth and help make it more stable.
Exercise and healthy food can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, and fitness.
Avoiding smoking and getting good sleep may also help heart health.
Garlic, turmeric, and fish-oil supplements have not been proven to remove plaque.
People with symptoms or artery disease may need medicines or procedures recommended by a doctor.
Existing arterial plaque usually cannot be completely removed through natural methods, but lifestyle changes may slow its progression and stabilise it.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can reduce cardiovascular risk.
Heart-healthy foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats, while processed foods, excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats should be limited.
There is no strong evidence that garlic, turmeric, or fish-oil supplements can clean existing plaque from arteries.
Chest pain, breathlessness, unusual sweating, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, leg pain while walking, cold feet, or non-healing wounds require medical attention.
- Who
- Dr Punya Pratap, Consultant Cardiologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, provides the medical explanation.
- What
- The article examines whether diet, exercise, and supplements can naturally remove plaque from arteries.
- Where
- The expert quoted works at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, Mumbai.
- Why
- The explanation addresses online claims about natural artery cleanses and explains how to reduce cardiovascular risk safely.
- Condition
- Atherosclerosis is plaque buildup inside the arteries that develops over time.
- Effect of lifestyle changes
- They can slow plaque progression and help stabilise existing plaque, but usually cannot completely remove it.
- Recommended habits
- Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Heart-healthy foods
- Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats.
- Limit
- Processed foods, excess salt, added sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats.
- Supplements
- There is no strong evidence that garlic, turmeric, or fish-oil supplements clean existing arterial plaque.
- When treatment may be needed
- Uncontrolled risk factors or significant artery disease may require medicines and, in selected cases, procedures.