As a naturopathic functional medicine biohacker and voracious researcher, I have many opinions based on my discoveries in research and experimentation since 1987. I am never giving medical advice, so don’t take any of my posts as that, but based on my discoveries in research and experimentation since 1987. I am not a doctor, so don’t take any of my posts as medical advice. I write based on what I would do for myself and my family.
Atherosclerosis is the “hardening” of the arteries from the gradual buildup of plaque inside them. Most Md’s have no idea what this is or how it is formed, thanks to the Rockefeller medical school system they studied in. Most of them will also prescribe statins based on a single test reading over 200 total cholesterol. This should be considered malpractice and result in the instant revocation of their medical license, because cholesterol changes quite a bit throughout the day and the week, so a single test is only a snapshot of a larger picture that should be investigated.
The total cholesterol number is relatively meaningless anyway. It’s the other numbers that make up that number and the types of cholesterol and fats that tell the bigger picture, along with general systemic inflammation. Then, if the underlying numbers are bleak, the next step would be an artery scan to see if plaque is even forming. Most doctors don’t do this, though. They just jumped to prescribing statins, which, in my opinion, should be prescribed to exactly zero people on the planet (based on the fact that there are zero unbiased studies showing it saves lives, but scads of examples of very nasty side effects). If you want to find out just how ignorant (and brainwashed) your doctor is, then click here to see the post that has a list of questions to ask him/her.
If you have received a scan showing that your arteries are narrowing due to plaque buildup, there are things you can do besides statins. Atherosclerosis is never caused by a deficiency in statins or any other synthetic drug, so that is not a cure. It’s also a lousy treatment. The solution is to reverse the buildup through nutritional, health, and lifestyle strategies. To address arterial plaque from a functional medicine and naturopathic perspective, we must look beyond just “clogged pipes” and focus on the root causes: chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and calcium dysregulation.
The goal is to stabilize existing plaque (to prevent rupture), reduce systemic inflammation, and optimize the body’s ability to direct calcium away from soft tissues (arteries) and back into the bone matrix. There is a TON more to say about this, and you can search more posts by going to the X Gym homepage, scrolling down to the bottom, and typing “cholesterol” in the search box. Most people won’t read big long posts, so I have boiled it down to the most important things I would do below, most of which people haven’t heard of, hence the term, “X Factors.”
Core Nutritional Strategies
Diet is the foundation of vascular repair. The primary objective is to eliminate “pro-oxidant” triggers that damage the delicate endothelial lining of your arteries.
-
Remove Inflammatory Triggers: Completely eliminate refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, corn). These cause glycation and oxidation of LDL particles, making them more likely to embed in the arterial wall.
-
Embrace Therapeutic Phytonutrients:
-
Pomegranate: Clinical studies have shown that pomegranate juice can reduce carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) by improving antioxidant status.
-
Garlic (Aged Garlic Extract): High-dose aged garlic has been shown in CT scans to slow the progression of coronary artery calcification and reduce “soft” plaque.
-
Cruciferous Vegetables: These contain sulforaphane, which activates the Nrf2 pathway, protecting the endothelium from inflammatory damage.
-
-
The “Clean” Fat Profile: Focus on omega-3 fatty acids (wild-caught fish, walnuts) to reduce the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which is often highly skewed toward inflammation in the modern diet.
Targeted Nutraceuticals & Biohacks
Functional medicine utilizes specific compounds to signal the body to “decalcify” the vasculature.
-
The K2/D3 Synergy: Vitamin D3 increases the production of Matrix GLA Protein (MGP), but MGP is inactive until it is carboxylated by Vitamin K2 (specifically the MK-7 form). Once active, MGP acts as the body’s most powerful inhibitor of arterial calcification, literally escorting calcium out of the arteries and into the bones.
-
Protocol: Maintain Vitamin D levels between ng/mL, paired with mcg of Vitamin K2 MK-7.
-
-
Nitric Oxide (NO) Boosters: Endothelial dysfunction (low NO) is the precursor to plaque. Use Beetroot powder or L-citrulline to restore vasodilation and arterial flexibility.
-
Magnesium: Acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, helping to relax the arterial smooth muscle and prevent further mineral deposition.
Strategic Physical Intervention
As an anti-aging researcher and founder of the X Gym, I advocate for efficiency and safety. Traditional long-duration cardio can sometimes increase oxidative stress and cortisol, which is counterproductive for arterial healing.
-
High-Intensity Functional Training: Short, intense sessions (like my 21-minute X Gym methods) stimulate myokines—signaling molecules from muscles that exert anti-inflammatory effects throughout the cardiovascular system.
-
Vascular Conditioning: Short bursts of high intensity improve “shear stress” on the arterial walls, which naturally triggers the release of nitric oxide and helps maintain vessel elasticity.
Lifestyle & Root Cause Management
-
Homocysteine Control: High homocysteine is like “sandpaper” on the inside of your arteries. Optimize your B-vitamin status (Methyl-B12, Methyl-Folate, and P5P) to keep these levels below umol/L.
-
Oral Microbiome: Chronic dental infections (gingivitis) are a hidden driver of arterial plaque. Ensure meticulous oral hygiene and regular biological dental cleanings.
-
Stress & Cortisol: High cortisol increases blood pressure and damages the endothelium. Incorporate box breathing or grounding to maintain autonomic balance.
References
Latest Posts
