Arterial plaque buildup, known medically as atherosclerosis, is a major health concern. This condition involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular waste, which can severely impede blood flow. Dr. Eric Berg advocates for a comprehensive, natural protocol centered on specific dietary changes, strategic fasting, and targeted supplementation. His approach focuses on managing the primary drivers of arterial damage, such as inflammation and high insulin levels, to encourage the body’s self-repair mechanisms.
The Foundational Diet: Healthy Ketogenic Eating
Dr. Berg identifies excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates as the primary causes of arterial damage, asserting they trigger chronic inflammation within the arterial lining. Consuming these foods leads to high blood sugar spikes, necessitating the release of large amounts of insulin. Persistently high insulin levels promote insulin resistance, a metabolic state linked to increased plaque formation and the stiffening of arteries. The core of his strategy is the Healthy Ketogenic Diet, which dramatically restricts these inflammatory carbohydrates.
This dietary framework shifts the body’s metabolism to burn fat for fuel instead of glucose, inherently lowering insulin and blood sugar levels. Minimizing insulin reduces the inflammation that initiates the arterial healing response, where plaque forms as a biological “band-aid.” The diet emphasizes high consumption of nutrient-dense, non-starchy vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium. These micronutrients support healthy blood pressure regulation and the structural integrity of the arterial walls.
The Healthy Ketogenic Diet also encourages high-quality fats, such as those found in wild-caught fish, extra-virgin olive oil, and grass-fed meats. The focus is on avoiding refined seed oils, like corn, soy, and canola, which are highly inflammatory due to their high omega-6 content and tendency to oxidize. Prioritizing healthy fats and nutrient-rich whole foods aims to create an internal environment that discourages the development of arterial plaque. This nutritional approach is the non-negotiable basis upon which all other arterial cleansing strategies are built.
Leveraging Intermittent Fasting for Arterial Repair
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an integral part of Dr. Berg’s protocol, functioning as a powerful tool distinct from the daily diet. IF involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, which further aids in lowering insulin and improving insulin sensitivity. Reducing the frequency of eating helps stabilize blood sugar and prevents the inflammatory spikes that damage the inner layer of the arteries.
A primary benefit is the activation of a cellular process called autophagy, which translates to “self-eating.” Autophagy is the body’s natural recycling system, where damaged cells, old proteins, and dysfunctional components are broken down and removed. Promoting autophagy through fasting may help the body break down the protein and cellular debris that contribute to plaque material within the arteries.
Typical fasting windows, such as the 16/8 method or “One Meal a Day” (OMAD), help the body transition into this metabolic state. Fasting encourages the production of ketones, which the heart and brain can use as a cleaner, more efficient fuel source than glucose. This shift in metabolism is thought to reduce oxidative stress and enhance the cardiovascular system’s ability to repair itself.
Key Supplements for Plaque Reduction
Beyond diet and fasting, specific supplements are recommended to target existing plaque and support arterial restructuring. One frequently cited supplement is Vitamin K2, particularly the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form. Vitamin K2’s mechanism involves calcium metabolism, helping activate proteins that direct calcium away from soft tissues, like arteries, and into the bones. This action is thought to inhibit the calcification, or hardening, of arterial plaques.
Another class of supplements promoted are fibrinolytic enzymes, such as Nattokinase and Serrapeptase. Nattokinase is derived from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food. These enzymes are believed to help break down fibrin, a protein component of blood clots and the fibrous cap of arterial plaques. Dissolving this protein matrix may support the body’s ability to keep blood flowing smoothly and reduce the risk of clot formation within narrowed vessels.
Finally, specific antioxidants and minerals are included to address underlying inflammation and oxidative stress. Aged Garlic Extract is recommended for its potent phytochemicals, which improve the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessels. This, combined with minerals like magnesium, supports the dilation of blood vessels and may reduce the stickiness of blood components.