Eating lots of fruits and vegetables containing fiber and drinking enough water helps prevent vascular inflammation, prevents atherosclerotic plaques from forming, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all tissues in the body. Arteries consist of three layers: the endothelium (inner layer), the muscular layer (middle layer), and the adventitia (outer layer). MSc. Nguyen Hoai Vu, Department of Cardiology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that atherosclerotic plaques can occur in any artery in many locations in the body, causing myocardial infarction. Eating scientifically can help prevent inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) and remove excess substances that prevent atherosclerosis.
Eat less sugar
High blood pressure and blood sugar can cause vasculitis. Dr. Vu recommends maintaining systolic blood pressure level of 110-120 mmHg, stabilizing blood sugar by eating foods low in sugar such as soybeans, brown rice, barley, avocado, chia seeds, and increasing lots of green vegetables. Limit candy, soft drinks, canned and packaged products. Do not use tobacco, alcohol or beer. People with diabetes need to comply with their doctor’s treatment regimen.
Increasing fruits and vegetables in your daily diet helps prevent atherosclerosis. Image: Ly Nguyen
Balance omega-6 and omega-3
Excess omega 6 in the body is also a cause of vasculitis. The body needs a balance of omega-3 and omega-6. People should not abuse vegetable oils, soybean oil, or canola oil to avoid excess omega-6. Eat foods containing omega 3 such as fish, especially salmon… to balance the content of these two types of omega.
Limit foods high in nitrates
Doctor Vu advises limiting foods high in nitrates such as pickles, canned dishes, soft drinks… because they easily increase calcium deposition in blood vessel walls, and at the same time supplement vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 combined with vitamin D helps calcium be absorbed better. Vitamin K2 is often found in liver, yolk, tuna, sardines…
Drink enough water
This is one of the natural and easy ways to purify the blood. Water helps eliminate all toxic substances and chemicals from the body. Drinking enough water also supports metabolism, improves mood, regulates body temperature, and promotes skin and hair health.
Prevent high cholesterol
Cholesterol deposition is also a common cause of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is found in red meat, animal organs, cheese, fried foods… Each person should control the amount of foods high in cholesterol, increase consumption of fish, fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins. D and potassium. In addition to diet, each person should exercise regularly to maintain a body mass index (BMI) at 18.5-24.9, ensuring body fat is at a normal level.