Question: Is surgery the only way to open a blocked carotid artery?

Dr. Blaylock's Answer:

If the artery is completely blocked, then the answer is yes. In most cases the blockage is from 50 percent to 70 percent, and in that case there are non-surgical treatments that can be applied to reduce the risk of a stroke.

An increase of magnesium is of the utmost importance. Low magnesium in the diet is one of the most common links to strokes, and recent estimates suggest that 75 percent of the American public is deficient in magnesium. Raising magnesium levels in the blood and tissues does several things, including improving blood flow through the artery, preventing the formation of blood clots (the most common cause of strokes), reducing free radicals and lipid peroxidation in the lining of the artery, and reducing excitotoxicity, which can cause the free radicals to form in the arteries.

Several studies have shown that aged garlic extract can reverse atherosclerosis and thus open the artery. Avoid sugar (especially fructose and high-fructose corn syrup), high glycemic foods, and omega-6 oils.

Recent studies indicate a high intake of omega-6 oils (corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, soybean, and canola oils) plays a major role in atherosclerosis, which is the cause of the blockage. Americans consume 50 times more of these inflammatory oils than they should.

A higher intake of omega-3 oils, especially DHA, reduces the stroke risk and protects the brain at the same time. Since free radical formation and lipid peroxidation are the major causes of the damage to the artery, all antioxidants reduce the risk, especially if used in combination.

Many flavonoids, such as curcumin, quercetin, pomegranate extract, hesperidin, and resveratrol also reduce the risk. Then, add to the list a high intake of buffered vitamin C, natural vitamin E (I suggest the Unique-E brand), and alpha-lipoic acid. Ginkgo biloba protects the brain against stroke damage and improves blood flow through arteries.

Because MSG and other food additive excitotoxins can increase artery inflammation and free radical formation for prolonged periods, be diligent — avoid them. Even with surgery, one should use these supplements afterward, since recurrence of the blockage is very common with surgery alone.