Food for blood clot prevention. 7 Powerful Diet Tips to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
How can certain foods help prevent deep vein thrombosis. What are the best dietary choices for reducing blood clot risk. Why is hydration crucial for maintaining healthy blood flow. Which beverages can make platelets less sticky and reduce clotting risk. How does garlic impact blood clot formation. Which foods should be avoided to maintain healthy circulation. What role does olive oil play in preventing blood clots.
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Silent Threat
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, typically in the lower legs or thighs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 900,000 Americans may be affected by DVT or pulmonary embolism annually. While the exact numbers remain elusive, the potential consequences of DVT are undeniably severe, ranging from serious illness and disability to, in extreme cases, death.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of understanding and preventing DVT. Dr. Chadi Alraies, a cardiologist at the Detroit Medical Center, observed a significant increase in blood clot cases during the early stages of the pandemic. He notes, “In June or July of 2020, we started to see a large number of patients coming to the emergency room with blood clots, either in the legs or lungs.” This surge was attributed to the COVID-19 virus triggering the production of antibodies that caused inflammation, subsequently resulting in blood clots.
Despite these concerning facts, there’s hope on the horizon. DVT is both preventable and treatable, with dietary changes playing a crucial role in risk reduction. Dr. Steven Masley, author of “The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up,” emphasizes that while some foods can increase the risk of blood clots, others can help prevent DVT. Let’s explore seven dietary tips that can help you fight against this silent threat.
Hydration: The Key to Smooth Blood Flow
Proper hydration is fundamental in maintaining healthy blood flow and reducing the risk of DVT. When the body is dehydrated, the heart must work harder to pump blood through vessels to the muscles, potentially increasing the risk of clot formation.
How much water should you drink daily?
- Women: An average of 91 ounces (oz) of water from all beverages and food daily
- Men: An average of 125 oz of water from all beverages and food daily
Dr. Alraies recommends “at least 1.5 to two liters a day of fluid liquid,” but cautions against carbonated or high-carbohydrate drinks. A simple way to gauge your hydration level is by checking your urine color. Clear or pale yellow urine generally indicates adequate hydration, while amber or darker colors suggest the need for increased fluid intake.
The Power of Purple: Grape Juice and Red Wine
Moderate consumption of red wine or purple grape juice can play a significant role in preventing blood clots. These beverages contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which help prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots.
Can red wine help prevent blood clots?
Yes, but moderation is key. Dr. Alraies advises, “One glass of wine a day won’t do any harm. But beyond that, it affects the liver, which is the factory for all anticoagulation and blood thinning in the body.” Therefore, while red wine can be beneficial, it’s crucial to maintain a balance and not exceed recommended limits.
Garlic: Nature’s Blood Clot Buster
Garlic has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits, and its potential to prevent blood clots is no exception. Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that garlic may help break up harmful clusters of platelets in the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation.
What’s the best way to consume garlic for maximum benefit?
- Crush raw cloves to release beneficial compounds
- Eat them raw
- Oven-roast them
- Boil for three minutes or less
It’s important to note that if you’re already taking blood thinners, you should consult your doctor about the appropriate amount of garlic to include in your diet, as it may interfere with your medication’s effectiveness.
Foods to Avoid: The Unhealthy Trio
Just as certain foods can help prevent DVT, others can increase the risk. Dr. Masley points out that the same foods that contribute to plaque buildup in blood vessels, increasing heart disease risk, can also elevate the risk of DVT.
Which foods should be avoided to reduce DVT risk?
- Unhealthy trans fats
- Excess sugar
- High amounts of salt
These foods promote inflammation in the body, which can contribute to blood clot formation. It’s crucial to read ingredient labels carefully, as these culprits often hide under various names. For instance, sugar may be listed as honey, molasses, corn syrup, or brown rice syrup, among others. Trans fats might be disguised as partially hydrogenated oil or hydrogenated oil.
Olive Oil: A Heart-Healthy Option
Virgin olive oil has emerged as a potent ally in the fight against DVT. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that consuming olive oil at least once a week reduced platelet activity in nonsmoking obese adults (those with a body mass index, or BMI over 30).
How does olive oil help prevent blood clots?
Olive oil’s beneficial effects on platelet activity suggest that it may lower the risk of blood clot formation. This Mediterranean staple is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective properties.
The Mediterranean Diet: A Holistic Approach to DVT Prevention
While individual foods can play a significant role in preventing DVT, adopting a comprehensive dietary approach like the Mediterranean diet can provide even greater benefits. This diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, including DVT.
What are the key components of the Mediterranean diet?
- Abundant plant-based foods
- Olive oil as the primary source of added fat
- Fish and poultry consumed in moderate amounts
- Red meat consumed sparingly
- Red wine in moderation (optional)
The Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats contributes to improved blood flow and reduced risk of clot formation. Additionally, the high fiber content of this diet aids in maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial for DVT prevention.
The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in DVT Prevention
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fatty fish, have been shown to have blood-thinning properties that can help prevent DVT. These essential fats work by reducing inflammation in the body and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Which foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids?
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout)
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Canola oil
Incorporating these foods into your diet can provide a natural way to thin the blood and reduce the risk of clot formation. However, if you’re already taking blood thinners, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before significantly increasing your omega-3 intake, as it may interact with your medication.
By adopting these dietary strategies, you can take proactive steps towards reducing your risk of deep vein thrombosis. Remember, while diet plays a crucial role in DVT prevention, it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity are equally important factors in reducing your risk of blood clots.
As with any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, it’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs and help you create a balanced plan for DVT prevention.
In conclusion, the power to reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis lies largely in your hands – or rather, on your plate. By making informed choices about what you eat and drink, you can significantly impact your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of this potentially life-threatening condition. Remember, small changes can lead to big results when it comes to your health. Start incorporating these dietary tips into your daily routine, and take a proactive step towards a healthier, clot-free future.
7 Diet Tips to Help Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside the body, typically in the lower leg or thigh. Although precise numbers are unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as 900,000 people in the United States may be affected by deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (when part of a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs) each year.
The bad news: DVT can lead to serious illness, disability, or, in severe cases, death.
Additionally, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a spike in the rate of blood clot patients coming into hospitals.
“I would say in June or July of 2020, we started to see a large number of patients coming to the emergency room with blood clots, either with clots in the legs, or clots in the lungs,” says Chadi Alraies, MD, MPH, a cardiologist at the Detroit Medical Center, adding that infection with the COVID-19 virus sometimes triggered the production of antibodies that caused inflammation and resulted in blood clots.
The good news: DVT is both preventable and treatable. One simple step you can take right now to lower your risk is to change your diet.
“Some foods do increase the risk for blood clots,” says Steven Masley, MD, the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. On the flip side, he says, adding certain other foods to your diet can help prevent DVT.
Below are seven dietary tips to fight DVT.
1. Drink Up to Keep Blood Flowing Smoothly
Dehydration can cause your heart to work harder to pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles, according to the American Heart Association. To stay well-hydrated, women should consume an average of 91 ounces (oz) of water from all beverages and food daily, and men an average of 125 oz, according to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine guidelines.
“I recommend a lot of hydration, at least 1.5 to two liters a day of fluid liquid,” says Dr. Alraies. “But we recommend them not to be carbonated or high carbohydrate drinks.
”
One way to gauge if you’re on track is to check your urine. If it is a pale yellow color or clear, you are probably drinking enough, per the Cleveland Clinic. If it’s amber-colored or darker, you’re probably not and should increase your daily water intake.
2. Sip Grape Juice or Red Wine to Make Platelets Less Sticky
Moderate amounts of red wine or purple grape juice daily helps keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots, thanks to powerful antioxidants called polyphenols in purple grapes, according to a review of previous studies published in the Journal of Nutrition.
Alraies stresses that wine should be consumed in moderation, however.
“One glass of wine a day won’t do any harm,” he says. “But beyond that, it affects the liver, which is the factory for all anticoagulation and blood thinning in the body.”
3. Flavor Food With Garlic to Stop Trouble Before It Starts
Garlic is thought to have many health benefits, including possibly breaking up harmful clusters of platelets in the bloodstream, according to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
The best way to reap that benefit from garlic, the research shows, is to crush the raw cloves to release their beneficial compounds, then eat them raw, oven-roasted, or boiled for three minutes or less.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about how much garlic you should eat if you are taking a blood thinner already, as garlic could interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Fats, Sugar, and Salt to Keep Circulation Moving
The same foods that in excess cause plaque buildup in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, can also increase the risk of DVT, Dr. Masley notes. That means you want to stay away from unhealthy trans fats, sugar, and excess salt, according to the American Heart Association. “These are all foods that increase inflammation,” Masley explains.
At first glance, these culprits may not be obvious in packaged foods, so study ingredient labels carefully. Sugar comes in many forms — honey, molasses, corn syrup, brown rice syrup — and you want to limit your intake of all of them, Harvard Health says.
Sugar can be listed under aliases, too — lactose, fructose, barley malt, malt powder, ethyl maltol, and fruit juice concentrate, to name just a few.
Trans fats may be hidden in the ingredient label as partially hydrogenated oil and hydrogenated oil. Check Nutrition Facts labels and choose the option with the least amount of sugar, sodium, and trans fat per serving.
5. Use Virgin Olive Oil
Consuming olive oil at least once a week reduced platelet activity in nonsmoking obese adults (those with a body mass index, or BMI over 30), a sign that this oil may lower the risk of a blood clot, according to a National Institutes of Health–funded study presented March 7, 2019, at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions.
Similarly, an earlier study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that antioxidants called phenols in virgin olive oil helped prevent blood clots.
In the study, people who consumed virgin olive oil with a high phenol content had lower levels of a substance that promotes blood clots. So a good DVT food choice would be to forgo butter and dip your bread in olive oil — the virgin kind — instead.
6. Make Leafy Greens a Routine
If you take warfarin, an anticoagulant, then foods high in vitamin K, which plays a role in forming blood clots, can interfere with your medication. “Too often, doctors tell patients to avoid all green leafy veggies,” Masley says. “Instead, eat leafy greens consistently every day.” The important thing is to eat the same amounts of vitamin K–rich foods each day to maintain a consistent level of the mineral in your body.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended average daily intake of vitamin K from foods is 122 micrograms (mcg) for women and 138 mcg for men. For reference, one cup of cooked spinach contains about 145 mcg of vitamin K.
For patients who are on novel anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban and apixaban, no such restriction is in place.
7. Limit Animal Fats in Your Diet
Masley says the saturated fats in full-fat dairy and fatty meats have also been linked with increased inflammation.
Alraies agrees. “Fatty food we eat, like burgers, deep-fried food, red meat, or a high cholesterol diet, is pro-inflammation,” he says. “It creates an inflammatory process in the body and this process can be an added risk for patients who develop blood clots.”
7 Steps to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
Long periods of immobility, smoking, obesity, and pregnancy can all increase your risk of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. Here’s what you …
By Ashley Welch
What Is Pulmonary Embolism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A pulmonary embolism, or PE, is a blood clot that breaks off and travels from one part of the body to the lungs, where it blocks blood flow.
By Ashley Welch
What I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Life-Threatening Blood Clot
The U.
S. Patient Advocate for World Thrombosis Day reflects on her experience of a blood clot and shares what she wants other young, healthy women to …
By Everyday Health Guest Contributor
What Is Venous Thromboembolism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder marked by blood clots that form in veins (blood vessels that carry blood towards your heart).
By Quinn Phillips
5 Blood Clot Support Groups
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be isolating. If you don’t know where to turn after suffering a blood clot, these social networks can help.
By Adam Meyer
13 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Pulmonary Embolism
This lung condition is often misdiagnosed and untreated. Use these questions to talk to your doctor about your risk level, prevention, and treatment.
By Diana Rodriguez
5 Blood Clot Facts Doctors Want You to Know
Potentially fatal blood clots, known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), are more likely when you’re hospitalized or part of a high risk group. Learn how…
By Aisha Langford
6 Lifestyle Tips for Life After Blood Clots
Life after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) can be stressful. Recovery can take upwards of several months and you’ll need to make…
By Ashley Welch
What Is Hospital-Associated Venous Thromboembolism?
VTE, or blood clots, is a highly preventable disorder among hospitalized patients, and there are many steps you can take to prevent it, including early…
By Aisha Langford
See All
6 Lifestyle Tips for Life After Blood Clots
Life after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) can be stressful.
Recovery can take upwards of several months and you’ll need to make sure you adhere to your doctor’s medication and treatment schedule.
After the initial recovery you’ll also need to take precautions to prevent future blood clots. This is especially important because a history of DVT may increase your risk of another blood clot, per Cleveland Clinic.
Individual risk will depend on the cause of the blood clot, says Scott Cameron, MD, a specialist in blood vessel disorders and platelet dysfunction at Cleveland Clinic.
For example, DVT patients who have a genetic mutation that puts them at higher risk of blood clots have a very high risk of recurrent DVT and will need to be on blood thinners for life, Dr. Cameron says. But for patients whose DVT is the result of a temporary risk factor, such as surgery or trauma, the risk of future blood clots is quite low.
Sometimes, the cause of a DVT is unknown. “For those patients, if they’ve been treated with a blood thinner for three to six months, the risk of having a recurrent blood clot in the next year is actually about 10 to 15 percent,” Cameron says.
“And within five years, the risk of having a recurrent blood clot is 50 percent.”
After a blood clot, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan. Generally, these six lifestyle tips will not only keep you healthy, but can help prevent future blood clots.
1. Stay as Active as Possible
One of the risk factors for DVT is inactivity, including sitting for extended periods of time, such as on a long-haul flight or being immobile after a serious injury or surgery.
“Staying active with activities like walking, biking, and swimming can help to increase blood flow in the veins of the legs,” says Geoffrey Barnes, MD, assistant professor of internal medicine and a vascular cardiologist at the Michigan Medicine Frankel Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor.
“This will help to prevent future blood clots from forming.”
If you’re new to exercise, don’t be intimidated. When it comes to preventing blood clots, everyone can reap the benefits of physical activity.
A research review published in the European Journal of Epidemiology in November 2019 concluded that regular exercise is significantly associated with lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition that includes DVT and PE, regardless of body mass index (BMI).
How much physical activity you should aim for will depend on several factors, including your age, other health conditions you have, and how long it’s been since your DVT.
Generally, during the initial recovery, Cameron recommends his patients move as much as possible. This may be as simple as getting in and out of bed and walking around.
“I tell my patients to mobilize yourself as much as you can,” he says. “Certainly, if you’re in severe pain, your body is going to tell you when it’s too much. Obviously try not to inflict pain, but you should be moving enough that you’re getting at least 1,000 to 2,000 steps per day. That will assist the recovery process.”
After you’ve recovered, talk to your doctor about an appropriate exercise plan.
For optimal heart health, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, gardening, or cycling.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity is a risk factor for DVT. According to one study of 265 participants, being overweight (having a BMI over 25) was associated with a threefold increased risk of VTE, and obesity (having a BMI over 30) was linked to a fivefold risk.
“People who are overweight or obese are at high risk of developing a blood clot because the extra weight they carry makes it harder for blood in the legs to return to their heart and lungs,” Dr. Barnes says.
Joel Garcia, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute in Florida, notes that obesity raises risk factors that can affect blood coagulation, including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. These can increase platelet activity, which increases the risk of blood clots, he says.
“It is also worth discussing that obesity sets the stage of further lack of activity and worsening venous insufficiency which may promote blood stasis in the legs and ultimately clots,” Dr. Garcia says. Blood stasis means that the blood is not flowing optimally through the body.
If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor or a dietitian about a healthy weight loss plan. The AHA advises focusing on a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, as well as healthy sources of protein like legumes, nuts, fish, and low-fat and nonfat dairy. Also limit processed foods and added sugars.
3. If You Smoke, Consider Quitting
Smoking cigarettes is a major risk factor for DVT. “Research (PDF) has shown us that tobacco smoke increases inflammation in the blood vessels, causes cholesterol build up to occur, and damages the heart and lungs,” Barnes says.
Smoking also impacts the number and quality of blood platelets, or the cells that stop bleeding by sticking together to form a clot.
According to one study, smoking increases activation of platelets by up to 100 times.
“When you have an abnormally high number of blood platelets, you have a high risk of developing blood clots, heart attack, and stroke,” Garcia says.
If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about strategies that can make it easier to stop smoking.
4. Plan Ahead for Long-Haul Flights
Long-distance travel can increase the risk of blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some research suggests the prevalence of DVT within 48 hours of flying on an airplane is between 2 and 10 percent.
However, Cameron notes that the risk only applies to long-haul travelers.
“A flight that’s less than seven or eight hours really is not a risk factor for DVT,” he says.
Part of the reason for the increased risk on long-haul flights is immobilization due to being in a tight space on the airplane. Lower oxygen levels also play a role.
“At high altitude such as what would be experienced with air travel, oxygen tension is lower,” Cameron says. “When oxygen tension is lower, established scientific data shows platelets (the cells that form blood clots) are more readily activated. This increases the risk for DVT.”
To reduce the risk of DVT on long-haul trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights, he recommends wearing compression stockings while on the plane and getting up to walk around every hour.
“When I fly, I always choose an aisle seat because it’s easier to get up and move around,” Cameron says. “If you know you’ll be taking a long flight that’s 12 hours or more, it’s important to think ahead and book early, that way you can be guaranteed an aisle seat.”
5. Stay Hydrated
Some research suggests dehydration is a risk factor for DVT.
Dehydration contributes to the development of sluggish blood flow, which may lead to blood clots, NYU Langone notes.
“Dehydration tends to worsen the formation of clots because of the inability of that blood flow to move efficiently through those veins,” Garcia says.
Staying hydrated is especially important when you’re immobile for long periods of time (such as on long-haul flights) to promote movement of blood in the lower extremities, he notes.
Garcia recommends drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day for optimal blood flow.
6. Manage Stress
Managing stress is an important part of maintaining good heart health, including preventing a DVT.
“Stress can increase blood pressure and inflammation in the body,” Barnes says. “Both of these contribute to the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke.”
Stress management techniques can look different for everybody. The AHA recommends practicing gratitude, spending time outdoors, and deep breathing to help cope with stress.
You may also want to give mindfulness meditation a try. One study of more than 61,000 people published in June 2020 in the American Journal of Cardiology found that people who meditated had lower rates of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery disease, compared with participants who did not meditate.
All of these factors can help decrease the risk of blood clots, Garcia notes.
7 Steps to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
Long periods of immobility, smoking, obesity, and pregnancy can all increase your risk of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. Here’s what you …
By Ashley Welch
What Is Pulmonary Embolism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A pulmonary embolism, or PE, is a blood clot that breaks off and travels from one part of the body to the lungs, where it blocks blood flow.
By Ashley Welch
What I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Life-Threatening Blood Clot
The U.S. Patient Advocate for World Thrombosis Day reflects on her experience of a blood clot and shares what she wants other young, healthy women to …
By Everyday Health Guest Contributor
What Is Venous Thromboembolism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder marked by blood clots that form in veins (blood vessels that carry blood towards your heart).
By Quinn Phillips
5 Blood Clot Support Groups
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be isolating. If you don’t know where to turn after suffering a blood clot, these social networks can help.
By Adam Meyer
13 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Pulmonary Embolism
This lung condition is often misdiagnosed and untreated. Use these questions to talk to your doctor about your risk level, prevention, and treatment.
By Diana Rodriguez
5 Blood Clot Facts Doctors Want You to Know
Potentially fatal blood clots, known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), are more likely when you’re hospitalized or part of a high risk group. Learn how…
By Aisha Langford
What Is Hospital-Associated Venous Thromboembolism?
VTE, or blood clots, is a highly preventable disorder among hospitalized patients, and there are many steps you can take to prevent it, including early.
..
By Aisha Langford
See All
10 foods that thin the blood and prevent blood clots
Which foods reduce the risk of blood clots:
Ginger
Olive oil
Fish
Pineapple
Chamomile tea
Cassia or cinnamon
Garlic
Red wine
Seaweed
Water
Blood is the fluid that keeps the body alive. It consists of plasma, erythrocytes (red blood cells), platelets and leukocytes. With thickening of the blood, which signals a malfunction in the body – from hypovitaminosis to stress, the heart, other organs and tissues do not receive oxygen and nutrition in time. Blood that is too thick makes the heart work harder and can lead to hypertension, blood clots, clogged blood vessels, hemorrhages, and death.
There are many foods that can naturally thin the blood and help reduce the risk of blood clots, and here are 10 of them.
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory spice that thins the blood. It contains a natural acid called salicylate. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which is recommended to drink to thin the blood, is a synthetic derivative of salicylate. For the anticoagulant effect of natural salicylates, you can regularly eat fresh or dried ginger, adding it to pastries, drinks, and a variety of dishes. But, of course, the action of this natural anticoagulant is not as effective as blood thinning drugs.
Olive oil
Consuming olive oil at least once a week reduces platelet activity due to the antioxidants contained in the oil. Studies have found that people who consumed extra virgin olive oil, which is high in phenol, had lower levels of clotting agents. Just do not expose olive oil to heat treatment – this way it loses its beneficial properties. Add it to salads, sauces, dip bread in it.
Oily sea fish can help fight blood clots. Do not be afraid of this fat – due to the high content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in it, it only brings benefits: platelets lose their ability to adhere to each other, the process of their accumulation in the vessels is suppressed, the blood liquefies and blood clots dissolve.
To achieve this effect, you need to eat about half a kilo of sea fish per week. Unfortunately, there is little hope for synthesized omega-dietary supplements – they contain modified omega-3 molecules. Whereas in fish, omega-3s are in their natural form and are also linked to other components. All this ensures their complete and consistent assimilation. After all, the quality of nutrients entering it is important for the body. Therefore, if you can not eat fish often, add natural fish oil to your diet.
Tropical fruit contains a special protein-breaking enzyme, bromelain, which is considered an effective remedy for cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Studies show that bromelain can thin the blood, break down clots and reduce their formation – include pineapple in your diet if you want to prevent thickening of the blot. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile tea
Another natural anticoagulant is touching, at first glance, chamomile, which inhibits platelet activity and prevents blood clotting.
While chamomile tea is considered fairly safe, be careful with it if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Some blood thinners are made with a substance called coumarin. Coumarin is found naturally in cinnamon. Incidentally, Chinese cinnamon or cassia has a much higher coumarin content than regular cinnamon. Add a small amount of the spice daily to your meals and drinks, but be careful if using other natural blood thinners as well.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as anticoagulant activity and reduces blood clots. The best way to reap the benefits of garlic is to crush the cloves with the flat of a knife to “release” the beneficial compounds, then eat the cloves raw or bake them quickly in the oven.
Good news! The skins of red grapes contain polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Thanks to them, drinking a moderate amount of red wine or red grape juice prevents platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.
We have always known this.
Seaweed salad, recipe here
Seaweed (aka kelp) and other types of algae are natural anticoagulants, due, among other things, to the large amount of iodine they contain. Including algae on the menu can benefit people with high blood pressure, increase vascular tone, and reduce blood viscosity.
If you don’t drink enough water, you become dehydrated, which can thicken your blood, increasing the risk of a blood clot. On average, you need to drink two liters of water a day, but no less. One way to check if you are on the right track is to test your urine. If it is pale yellow or clear, you are probably drinking enough, if it is amber or darker, then you need to increase your daily water intake.
Of course, people with certain conditions, such as congenital heart defects, may need blood thinners to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. If you have any health concerns, check with your doctor before introducing these foods into your daily diet as they may interfere with some medications.
a list of how to eat to reduce platelets and prevent thrombosis
Blood clotting increases the likelihood of varicose veins and the risk of thrombosis. Vessels begin to perform their functions with difficulty, they are blocked by the formed clots, which impair the supply of oxygen to our organs. And this is a sure way to a stroke. Negative effects can be naturally reduced by including foods that thin the blood and prevent blood clots in the menu.
Tags:
Proper nutrition
Products for proper nutrition
blood and vessels
Pxhere
“Good” blood clots appear all the time in our blood. This is part of the body’s self-regulation system, which comes into action even with minimal damage to blood vessels. Plasma proteins bind to platelets and form a clot that prevents blood from flowing out. It works until the tissue recovers, after which the clot dissolves. Conversations about the prevention of thrombosis arise when there are malfunctions in the blood coagulation system or problems with blood vessels.
Then “bad” blood clots can grow and become a blockage in the blood flow, leading to serious health problems.
Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Against this background, reports of sudden death of people of different ages look sad. A person can communicate, do the usual things, suddenly his face turns pale, he suffocates and loses consciousness. Then the doctors explain that a blood clot that clogged a vessel in the brain led to the tragedy. Every fourth inhabitant of the Earth dies from diseases associated with the formation of blood clots. And every second person has little idea of the reasons for their occurrence. And also that there are products that thin the blood and help eliminate blood clots.
Factors affecting platelets
The cells that play an important role in the blood clotting process are called platelets.
These platelets are formed in the bone marrow and protect the body from bleeding, respond to vascular damage by forming blood clots. The norm in an adult is considered to be from 200 to 400 thousand units / μl. In addition to the fact that you can use products that thin blood clots in the vessels and, conversely, thicken the blood, there are a number of other parameters that affect the number of platelets.
- Time of day when blood was taken for analysis.
- Age and life stages (lower during menstruation, changes during pregnancy, in adolescents during puberty).
- Genetic predisposition and congenital feature.
- Serious physical activity leads to an increase in the value.
- Viral and infectious diseases, fever.
- Taking certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight contribute to an increase in the number of plates.
ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW
If you test to determine the level of platelets every day, the indicators will constantly differ.
But the main thing is that they do not go beyond the norm.
What threatens an increased level of platelets
Platelet control is prescribed to prevent thrombosis. It may be needed when taking certain drugs, when the patient’s capillaries burst for no reason, the nose often bleeds, or you need to be examined for the presence of a disease. There are three types of platelet-related disorders:
- thrombocytosis – elevated level
- thrombocytopenia – low level
- thrombocytopathy – qualitative inferiority of platelets when their number is normal, but their properties are changed
require consultation doctor. It is important to timely introduce into the diet products that thin the blood and prevent blood clots. With an increase in the value to 600-800 thousand U / μl, the risk of arterial thrombosis increases. The number of cells can increase with severe stress, inflammatory processes (acute rheumatism, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis), acute blood loss, dehydration, general poisoning.
Also due to dysfunction of bone marrow stem cells.
First of all, the danger of the condition lies precisely in the appearance of blood clots, which lead to heart attacks (a vessel in the heart) and strokes (in the brain). Thromboembolism can affect any organ – the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, spinal cord. If part of the organ has lost blood, then it dies almost immediately. The result is disability or death. Primary thrombocytosis poses a particular threat with a high risk of plaque formation on the veins. Therefore, doctors pay such close attention to the prevention of thrombosis.
According to the observations of specialists, especially often problems with blood clotting began to be fixed after the coronavirus, when thrombotic complications are not uncommon. In addition, various diseases can occur in the body, including malignant neoplasms.
Anti-Clot List
Only a doctor can prescribe medication and other types of treatment for high platelets.
It will also help you adjust your diet. Diet planning should take into account individual food intolerance and the needs of the body. For now, we will tell you which foods thin the blood and help dissolve blood clots. Check with your doctor before adding them to the menu.
Tomatoes
Tomato juice contains vitamins A, C, E, B2, B3, iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, fluorine and other important micro and macro elements. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, which contributes to the normalization of cholesterol levels, and rutin, which strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Lycopene has an antioxidant effect on all organs, has a positive effect on the prostate gland and prevents the formation of tumors. It is best to use not only tomato juice from blood clots and plaques (many people prefer it while traveling by plane), but also dried products. To do this, the tomatoes need to be stewed over low heat with a small amount of oil.
Turmeric
Products containing curcumin are ideal for thinning blood clots.
Its content is great in this bright and popular spice, equally useful in the form of powder, extract and tablets. Its therapeutic effect extends to the vessels, skin, psyche, appearance. The substance acts as an anticoagulant, lowering the activity of the blood coagulation system, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Due to this, regular consumption of turmeric helps protect the body from the formation of blood clots, as it reduces the risk of platelets joining together. And in diabetes, the spice is used to combat spikes in blood sugar.
Pomegranate
The fruit itself, like the juice from it, has a beneficial effect on the level of hemoglobin in the blood. This is due to the presence of anthocyanins in it. Useful substances of pomegranate actively saturate the blood with oxygen and contribute to the removal of toxins from the body. It also belongs to products that prevent the formation of blood clots and plaques, since it reduces the risk of rupture of blood vessels, improves blood circulation and thins the blood.
As a result, its rejuvenation occurs, blood pressure decreases, the development of atherosclerosis is reduced to a minimum, and cerebral circulation is also stimulated.
Laminaria
Laminaria kelp not only improves the functioning of the digestive system with the help of fiber. It stimulates the intestinal muscles, removes toxins and radionuclides from it. But also seaweed is a natural anticoagulant, because it contains a lot of iodine. Such foods are good against blood clots because they reduce blood viscosity, benefit people with high blood pressure, and increase vascular tone and elasticity. Almost all seafood can bring excellent service in this regard, so they must be included in the menu.
Persimmon
When the colors of summer are left behind and cold November reigns in the yard, do not pass by sweet fruits with an astringent taste. Persimmon contains antioxidants, it regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland.
And it was not for nothing that we added it to products that prevent the formation of blood clots in the vessels. The fruits contain flavonoids that thin the blood, strengthen blood vessels and stabilize cholesterol levels. Persimmon does not allow blood to stagnate, increasing the outflow. Therefore, it should be included in the diet if a tendency to varicose veins or rosacea is detected.
Raspberry
The berry contains substances that reduce capillary fragility and allow it to be considered a natural antibiotic. Raspberries contain a lot of anthocyanins – plant components and pigments responsible for the color of many fruits and berries. Their use is an effective prevention of atherosclerosis associated with vasoconstriction and a decrease in blood flow due to the deposition of cholesterol and some fractions of lipoproteins in the lumen of the vessels. For these unique properties, we have included raspberries in products for blood thinning and rescue from blood clots.
Just a handful of fruits allows you to deliver anthocyanins to the vessels located on the periphery. And not every dish on our table can do this!
Flaxseed oil
Understanding the question of which products protect against blood clots and help cleanse blood vessels, we cannot but mention those that contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Like flaxseeds, oil is made up of a combination of organic fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. All of them affect lipid metabolism in the body, stimulating the breakdown of fats. They are responsible for the density of blood. Flaxseed oil reduces cholesterol levels and prevents the appearance of blood clots, restoring the elasticity of blood vessels. It is necessary in the diet of those who are recovering from a heart attack or stroke, which is especially important for older people with problems of the cardiovascular system.
Garlic
The plant is famous for its powerful antioxidant effect and anti-inflammatory effect.
They will also help to find out what products clean blood vessels from blood clots. Garlic reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, protects blood vessels and the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. If you eat it raw, you can reduce the number of platelets. All this is due to the content of allicin – a natural blood-thinning agent. In order for it to form, you need to crush the cloves with the flat side of the knife and let it lie down for about 10 minutes. Just do not eat too much garlic, especially on an empty stomach, it irritates the mucous membranes.
Red wine
The drink got into the products that thin the blood and dissolve blood clots due to the content of polyphenols in the skin of red grapes. We are talking about high-quality dry wine, which should be consumed in small quantities no more than twice a week. It contains tannic acid tannin, which does not allow the product to oxidize. When it enters the body, it thins the blood, makes the vascular walls elastic, prevents platelets from sticking together, and increases hemoglobin in the blood.
Therefore, wine is recommended for the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as cancer. You can also drink red grape juice.
Coffee
Good news for coffee lovers who prefer a natural black drink. The fact is that flavors, impurities and preservatives are added to soluble powders. Chemical debris contributes to the accumulation of toxins in the blood and disrupts the cleansing system of the liver and kidneys. And the addition of sugar, cream and drinking a drink with dessert increases the level of glucose, cholesterol and makes the blood thicker. It is natural coffee that has cardioprotective properties, supporting the work of the heart and toning blood vessels. It is advisable to stop at three cups a day and remember that the drink has a diuretic effect. In order not to provoke dehydration, you need to drink a glass of water 30 minutes after each cup.
Prevention of thrombosis: diet and lifestyle rules
Doctors usually prescribe blood thinners, especially if the situation looks serious after the test.