Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While we often hear about foods we should avoid to protect our hearts, it’s equally important to know which ones help clear arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Understanding the formation of arterial plaque
Arterial plaque is a mixture of calcium, protein and cholesterol. Much of this calcium comes from biofilms, veritable microbial colonies that protect themselves by forming a calcareous shell. These biofilms preferentially accumulate in damaged areas of the arteries. When the artery walls remain smooth, they cannot attach. However, when inflammation, oxidation or damage is caused by excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, omega-6 fatty acids or alcohol, conditions become favorable for their development.
Studies have also shown that oral bacteria can migrate from inflamed gums into the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of arterial plaque. In addition, an imbalance in the gut flora, known as dysbiosis, promotes high blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly through bacterial translocation into the bloodstream.
