Arterial Calcification
Plaque in the Arteries & Arterial Calcification
Can You Reverse It? What You Should Know About Plaque, Enzymes, and Vitamins
At a recent family dinner, a relative mentioned getting a test that measured the amount of calcification in his arteries—and the score was high. He seemed resigned, thinking there wasn’t much he could do. I told him I know of a protocol that has reversed this in other people. A supplement of enzymes on an empty stomach two times a day and D3/K2. He was skeptical but open. I sent him the info and after looking into it he wanted it. And then so did a few others, especially after hearing this protocol might also support the body in clearing out leftover spike proteins whether from Covid or even more so the vaccine. And then I thought to make this write up to share it easily and also give some more detailed information for people to learn from if interested.
One of the most eye-opening things I learned during my nutrition training was the role of proteolytic enzymes in healing. Initially, I learned how they can help with inflammation from injuries or surgeries. But then I discovered they might also support the breakdown of fibrin and reduce systemic inflammation—which can relate to heart and artery health.
What is Plaque?
Let’s talk about what plaque actually is. It’s not just calcium—it’s a mix of cholesterol, fats, cellular debris, and, in later stages, calcium deposits. So why does calcium end up in the arteries? One contributing factor is poor calcium metabolism. When calcium isn’t efficiently directed into the bones, it can accumulate in soft tissues like blood vessels.
That’s where vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 come in. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, and K2 activates proteins that guide that calcium into your bones—keeping it out of arteries. Unfortunately, many modern diets lack K2. It’s found in natto, grass-fed dairy, and fermented vegetables—foods not commonly eaten by most people today.
Another piece of the puzzle is Magnesium. Your body needs magnesium to activate vitamin D, and it also helps regulate calcium, which is especially important when you’re trying to keep it out of soft tissues like your arteries. A lot of people are low in magnesium without realizing it, especially if they’re under stress, drink caffeine, or eat a processed diet.
You can get magnesium from leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate—but due to depletion in our soil still many aren’t getting the amount they should through food alone. I personally use trace mineral drops, which provide magnesium along with other essential minerals in a form that’s easy for the body to absorb. I just add them to my water every day.
Power of Enzymes on an Empty Stomach
While diet is the foundation of long-term health, certain supplements may help support your body’s natural cleanup processes. Proteolytic enzymes—when taken on an empty stomach—are thought to travel through the bloodstream and help break down unwanted proteins and fibrous material. Though research is still emerging, enzymes like nattokinase and serrapeptase are popular in some natural health circles for cardiovascular support.
What I Use
I personally use a combination that includes the HeartStrong enzyme blend, along with Thorne’s D3/K2 liquid drops. If you’re considering these, I always recommend talking with a healthcare provider—especially if you’re taking medications like blood thinners. But for those interested in a natural, supportive approach, this combo may be worth exploring.
If I were facing arterial calcium buildup, I would:
•Take proteolytic enzymes (like those from HeartStrong) twice daily on an empty stomach—once in the morning (waiting 30 minutes to an hour before you put anything in your stomach) and once before bed. This means 3-4 hours after your last meal. Or if it is easier to do on an empty stomach before a later dinner.
•Take a high-quality vitamin D3/K2 supplement during the day—something like 10 drops of Thorne’s D3/K2 if that dosage is right for you. Heartstrong also has their own D3/K2 if that is easier for someone.
And if you aren’t taking magnesium already it is most likely beneficial to add that in for reasons explained above. Again my favorite is Concentrace Mineral Drops.
I recommended this exact combo to my family member. He’s taking the enzymes morning and night, plus the vitamin D3/K2 during the day, and plans to continue this routine for 6–12 months before retesting his calcium score. We’ll be excited to see how it goes.
While there’s no magic pill for reversing calcified plaque overnight, supporting your body with the right nutrients, foods, and habits can absolutely make a difference. And when you understand how it works, it becomes a lot more empowering.
I am not affiliated with these brands- just sharing what I personally use and recommend.
Note on Research:
While the use of proteolytic enzymes like nattokinase and serrapeptase for cardiovascular support is gaining interest, it’s important to know that this is still a relatively new area of research. Some early studies and case reports show promising outcomes (including research cited on the HeartStrong website), but larger-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trials are still limited. That said, the mechanistic rationale—reducing inflammation and fibrin buildup—has enough basis to warrant further investigation, and many individuals have shared positive results anecdotally. I have personally seen enzymes work wonders for myself and others. As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
References
1. Vitamin K2 and Vascular Calcification
A review highlighting the role of vitamin K2 deficiency in vascular calcification and osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of adequate vitamin K2 intake.
The role of vitamin K2 in vascular calcification and osteoporosis
2.Vitamin K2 and Bone-Vascular Crosstalk
An article discussing how vitamin K2 contributes to proper calcium deposition in bones and prevents vascular calcification.
Role of vitamin K2 in bone-vascular crosstalk
3.Vitamin K2 and Arterial Calcification
A study investigating the effect of vitamin K2 on aortic calcification induced by warfarin in rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.
Vitamin K2 regression aortic calcification induced by warfarin via Gas6/Axl survival pathway in rats
4.Nattokinase and Atherosclerosis
A clinical study suggesting that daily nattokinase supplementation may help manage the progression of atherosclerosis.
A clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on carotid artery atherosclerosis
5.Serrapeptase and Nattokinase in Neuroinflammation
An experimental study indicating that serrapeptase and nattokinase may modulate factors associated with neuroinflammation in an Alzheimer’s disease model.
6.Proteolytic Enzymes in Cardiac Remodeling
A review discussing the involvement of various proteases in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets.
Role of various proteases in cardiac remodeling and progression of heart failure
Disclaimer: The information. contained herein is not to be constructed as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. These statements made have not been approved by the FDA, nor should they be taken as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician. This is for educational purposes only.