Certain foods contain active ingredients that promote good blood circulation, fluidifying it and promoting the good condition of the blood vessels.
When you suffer from cardiovascular diseases such as permanent atrial fibrillation, thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, the risk of new blood clots increases. Also infection with the COVID-19 virus can favor them in complicated cases. To prevent clots, doctors prescribe blood thinners for patients, but these drugs can cause a variety of dangerous side effects such as internal bleeding, blood in the stool and urine, vascular obstructions, and as a result, heart attacks, strokes, and strokes. , especially if they are mixed with other medications.
Of course, food cannot substitute for medicines prescribed by the doctor. But they can help the body and perhaps reduce the dose, always under professional control. Patients should never abandon or change anticoagulant therapy.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TOO THICK BLOOD?
Often the cause is lifestyle and diet. Lack of exercise, for example, causes blood to flow more slowly in the veins, which can cause platelets to accumulate on the walls of the vessels and increase the risk of thrombosis. The most frequent causes are:
- Lipid metabolism disorder.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism, tumors, or autoimmune diseases.
- Consumption of oral contraceptives and hormones.
- Coagulation disorders.
- Sedentary lifestyle (also due to being bedridden).
- Smoking (constricts blood vessels and damages blood vessel walls at the same time).
- Unhealthy diet with a lack of nutrients.
- High homocysteine levels.
- High blood pressure.
NATURAL MEASURES TO PREVENT THICK BLOOD
The best preventive measure is to exercise daily. It helps to get up regularly at work, take a walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and play sports. Movement stimulates the speed of blood flow.
Diet also plays an important role. A balanced diet rich in nutrients with carbohydrates, proteins and good fats (extra virgin olive oil, avocado, etc.) prevents deposits from accumulating in the vessels where blood clots can form. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
In normal doses, the combination of two or more natural products does not produce side effects. In case of doubt you should always consult your doctor. For healthy people, on the other hand, a diet with anticoagulant foods is not a problem, since natural remedies generally have a positive effect on health and, therefore, also on blood flow.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF NATURAL BLOOD THINNERS
Profits
- Natural blood thinners not only keep the blood flowing, but also support the entire metabolism with their nutrients.
- Since it is difficult to overdose, there are very few or no side effects.
- Natural anticoagulants can prevent blood that is too thick in healthy people.
Disadvantages
- Natural blood thinners are not a substitute for a doctor or medical treatment.
- Natural blood thinners do not work right away, but they must be consumed regularly over a long period of time.
FOODS TO THIN THE BLOOD
CINNAMON
You can consume cinnamon to inhibit blood clotting. In the form of extracts at high doses such as cinnamon distillate or cinnamon essential oil, the anticoagulant effect is multiplied. You can take a maximum of two drops of pure essential oil daily, diluted in honey or olive oil, always under medical supervision.
BROMELAIN
The enzyme bromelain is obtained from pineapple. It is a natural alternative since it prevents the formation of blood clots, reduces blood clotting and protects the heart.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
They can be consumed as dietary supplements or in the form of high-quality oils such as hemp oil and flaxseed oil, crushed flax seeds, or whole walnuts.
NATTOKINASE
The nattokinase enzyme obtained from fermented soybeans is anticoagulant and prevents blood platelets from clumping together. Since it is an isolated enzyme, an incorrect dose can lead to excessive thinning of the blood.
GOJI BERRIES
They are also considered a natural blood thinner. In combination with pharmaceuticals, you should be careful because mixing the two ingredients can promote blood clotting instead of inhibiting it.
OLIGOMERIC PROANTHOCYANIDINS (OPCS)
OPCs are found particularly in red wine and grape seed extract and in cocoa. It is obtained from grape seeds or the skin and skin of the fruit. The antioxidant protects blood vessels from free radical penetration, calms swelling and ensures better blood flow. You can buy OPC in pharmacies.
CAYENNE PEPPER
The ingredient capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper, promotes blood circulation, has a vasodilator and anticoagulant effect. It is better to eat raw cayenne pepper in juices or salads than in supplement form. Again, if you are taking medication, it is advisable to discuss the dosage with a doctor.
NETTLES
Scientists have discovered that nettles have a relaxing effect on blood vessels. This medicinal plant prevents excessive blood clotting, which helps to thin the blood. However, we are not talking about the green leaf, but about the infusion of nettle, which has been tested in studies.
WHITE HAWTHORN
Hawthorn flowers and leaves contain flavonoids and procyanidins, which are good for blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. It thins the blood and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Hawthorn can be taken as a tincture, as an extract or as an infusion.
BASIL
In basil leaves there is vitamin K that has an anticoagulant effect. Other vegetables like broccoli and kale also have a positive effect on thinning the blood. It is advisable to consume vegetables and green leafy vegetables regularly.
KIWI
Kiwi and pineapple contain the enzyme bromelain, which has a positive effect on thinning the blood. Eating kiwi and pineapple regularly can help keep your blood flow healthy.
ONION
Onions are also used as home remedies to thin the blood and have anti-inflammatory and strengthening effects on the heart and immune system. Eating half an onion a day can have a significant positive effect.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil has been shown to have a positive effect on our blood vessels. It promotes blood flow, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and therefore also reduces the risk of strokes.
According to studies, consuming olive oil daily leads to lower platelet activity and better blood clotting values. Therefore, by consuming olive oil regularly, you can prevent thrombosis and strokes.
TOMATOES
Processed and standardized tomato extract has practically the same effect on our platelet aggregation as salicylic oil acid (aspirin). If you consume this food regularly, you can achieve up to a third of the effect of aspirin, completely naturally. The active ingredient ensures healthy blood circulation.