18 Foods to Clear Your Arteries

and Protect You from Heart Attacks

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Clogged arteries pose the greatest risk of heart attack and stroke, by restricting  the blood flow throughout the body. Stress, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet are some of the major causes for the increased number of heart attacks.

1. Salmon

This fish is loaded with healthy fatty acids which help prevent and reduce triglyceride, cholesterol, and inflammation. Other healthy fish you can consume are tuna, herring, and mackerel.

2. Cheese

You have probably heard that cheese is not so good when it comes to cholesterol levels, but moderate consumption does help reduce the levels of cholesterol, and blood pressure.

3. Olive Oil

Greeks and Italians have long used olive oil as their secret ingredient to optimal health. The high amount of healthy fats present in cold-pressed olive oil help reduce cholesterol. Therefore, this oil as well reduces the risk of heart attack by 41%.
4. Green Tea
The catechins present in green tea provide calming and energizing effects. These antioxidants improve the metabolism and reduce the levels of cholesterol. Drink one or two cups of green tea a day for optimal results.

5. Asparagus

When it comes to fighting high cholesterol levels, asparagus is one of the best allies you can find. Some of the compounds it contains reduce inflammation, and prevent blocked veins. Asparagus is quite versatile so you can use it as both, main dish or side dish to noodles and potatoes.

6.Broccoli

This vegetable is packed with vitamin K, and it’s known for its ability to protect from calcium buildup in arteries. It helps reduce and maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Broccoli will give a nutrient boost to any dish, and you can also consume it as a snack.

7. Spinach

Spinach is great for building muscles, and also for cleansing arteries and reducing blood pressure. Even though it is thought that it loses most of its nutrients when cooked, spinach still contains high significant amounts of potassium and folic acid, both of which promote healthy muscle tissues and lower the risk of heart attack.

8. Turmeric

Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric which is responsible for most of its healing properties and health benefits. For example, it helps prevent overactive fat storage, and reduce inflammation. You can add it to various dishes, or take it as tea.

9. Seaweed

Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse containing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, proteins, etc. If you regularly consume seaweed, it will help widen your blood vessels, promoting your circulation and regulating your blood pressure levels. Eating seaweed on a daily basis can reduce your choletserol by 15%.

10. Whole Grain

The fiber content in whole grain flour prevents high cholesterol levels, due to its ability to bind with cholesterol preventing it from building up in arteries. Another ability of foods high in whole grain is to break down the cholesterol.

11. Avocado

This well-known healthy food provides plethora of health benefits thanks to its robust nutritional profile. The fats in avocados balance the levels of good and bad cholesterol, keeping the arteries clean. You can use it as a bread spread, or add it in salads or juices.

12. Pomegranate

Pomegranates contain phytochemicals which promote production of nitric oxide – beneficial for blood circulation. Consume this healthy fruit as a juice, or combine it in various salads.

13. Cranberries

Cranberries are loaded with potassium, thanks to which they raise the good cholesterol levels, and reduce the bad, LDL cholesterol. You can reduce the risk of heart attack by 40% if you drink just 2 glasses of cranberry juice a day.

14. Orange Juice

The abundance of antioxidants present in orange juice reduce high blood pressure, and promote healthy blood vessels. Drink just 2 glasses of fresh orange juice daily to get the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, and supply your body with the rest of the needed minerals and vitamins.

15. Persimmon Fruit

This sweet fruit is high in healthy sterols and fiber, which help reduce the bad cholesterol levels. Persimmon fruit goes well with cereals or salads.

16. Watermelon

Watermelon encourages the nitric oxide production and widens the blood vessels. Besides being the perfect snack for hot, summer days, watermelon provides many health benefits as well.

17. Nuts

The abundance of unsaturated and omega-3 fats in nuts are good for the memory, joints, and cholesterol. Almonds and walnuts are one of the best sources of healthy fats, so make sure you consume a handful of these daily.

18. Coffee

According to studies, consuming two to four cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of heart attack by 20%. On the other hand, excess caffeine can do more harm than good, such as causing stomach pains.


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Headaches

Understanding the Different Types of Headaches

Not all headaches share the same symptoms. Learn about the different types of headache and headache symptoms and who is more likely to experience each type.

By Marijke Vroomen-Durning, RN

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Most people get headaches now and then, some people more than others. Then there are those who get migraines, which are much more than “just” headaches. Migraineurs — those who get frequent migraine headaches — know their migraine symptoms all too well.

Head pain can be frightening because people often think that it could be the sign of something serious. “A person with headaches should always discuss this issue with their physician,” says Steven P. Herzog, MD, an attending neurologist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. "In turn, their physician can make a correct diagnosis of the type of headaches the patient is suffering with and whether or not they should see a headache specialist.”

What Is a Headache?

It sounds like an obvious question, but different types of headaches affect people in a variety of ways, and they generally have different headache symptoms.

·         Tension-type headaches affect almost everyone at some point. Those that happen occasionally are just that: occasional headaches. Some people, however, have tension-type headaches just about every day, and these are considered to be chronic. Headache symptoms for tension-type headaches usually include pressure or muscle tension on both sides of the head or back of the neck; the pain is usually constant, not sharp or throbbing. Many people describe them as like having a band squeezed around their head.

·         Hormone headaches are menstrual headaches that may start before your period is due or while you’re menstruating. Migraines are often associated with menstruation, and symptoms include sharp, throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and even touch.

·         Cluster headaches affect men more often than women. They are extremely intense, very severe headaches that last between 30 and 45 minutes; you can have several in one day. They usually come on with no warning, catching people by surprise. The pain is piercing and usually located on one side of the head, often around the eye. People also report teary eyes on the affected side and sinus congestion. The headaches will recur over a period of time, almost always on the same side, and are followed by a headache-free period of varying length.

·         Migraines are often put in a class by themselves because of the intensity of the pain and the overall effect they have on the body. For some people, migraine symptoms include auras, which are symptoms that occur before the pain hits. The auras can be visual (seeing lines or spots) or they can cause motor or verbal disturbances. “It’s estimated that 50 million people in the United States have migraine,” says Dr. Herzog. However, most do not have migraine with aura.

Migraine pain, usually throbbing and piercing, is generally one-sided, but can affect both sides. People often report sensitivity to light and loud noises as well as nausea during migraine attacks.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Call your doctor if the quality or type of headache symptoms change, or if you feel that you are having migraines, which may need prescription-strength treatment. Other reasons to contact your doctor include:

·         Any changes in the type of headache you usually get.

·         Headaches that don’t go away or that get worse as each day passes.

·         Headaches that occur with physical activity (including sex).

·         Headaches that happen after injury or illness.

·         Headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, signs of a stroke (such as difficulty speaking, numbness, weakness), seizures, or changes in your vision.

·         Worsening of your headache if you have to strain, as when having a bowel movement, sneezing, or coughing.

·         New headaches if you’re over 50.

Headaches are miserable, but you don’t have to suffer alone. Share your story in a discussion group or a blog. You might learn a remedy or two that you haven’t tried before.