Dietary Strategies for Healthy Leg Arteries

Diet can help improve peripheral vascular disease, a condition that disables approximately 1 million Americans each year due to clogged leg arteries.

Risks

• If left untreated, peripheral vascular disease not only can limit a person's mobility, but it can also lead to loss of a limb. People who suffer from this condition are also more likely to develop diseased arteries elsewhere in the body.

Expert Insight

• According to Phyllis Balch, certified nutritionist and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," it is important to eat plenty of foods that are rich in Vitamin E to improve circulation. Vitamin E-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, soybeans, wheat germ and whole grains.

Important Nutrients

• Nutrients such as calcium with magnesium and Vitamin D3, along with coenzyme Q10, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B12 and C are all essential for healthy circulation.

Considerations

• Unhealthy food choices can contribute to clogged arteries, especially fried foods, gravies, processed foods, red meat, salt, heated cooking oils, white flour and white sugar.

Prevention/Solution

• In addition to eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise are also essential for a healthy cardiovascular system.