Medically Reviewed by Joshua A. Sibille, MD

A buildup of waxy plaque in your limbs, primarily your legs, leads to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

“PAD patients commonly report pain and difficulty walking,” says McLeod Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Joshua Sibille. “PAD also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. We often treat patients with medications to prevent blood clots or surgical procedures to bypass or clear the blockages. Interestingly, new research confirms that adding daily fruits and vegetables to your diet can help reduce your risk of PAD.”

A study from the New York University School of Medicine supports the value of lifestyle changes, when dealing with PAD. Covering 3.7 million people, the analysis supported that eating three or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day may significantly lower your risk of PAD. Even people eating three servings of fruits and vegetables every 2-3 weeks saw lower odds of this vascular disease.

Other foods that comprise a healthy-eating diet include whole grains, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, soy products and beans.

Smoking, being unmarried and consuming fast food and alcohol had the opposite effect, increasing the probability of a person experiencing plaque-clogged blood vessels and PAD.

Keeping an eye on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and weight constitute important benchmarks of your efforts to improve your lifestyle.

The recent study also found geography has a bearing on PAD risks. Sadly, southern states present a riskier place to live if you are trying to avoid lifestyle and foods that clog your blood vessels.

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

Are you at a healthy weight? To check your Body Mass Index, click here.

Do you have high blood pressure?  Buy a home blood pressure monitor at your pharmacy.

Do you want to improve your diet but don’t know how?  Check out these healthy eating tips.

Do you have pain in your legs or having trouble walking?  Find a Vascular Specialist near you.

Sources include: McLeod Health, American Heart Association, US Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health