Hypercoagulability is a condition in which the blood becomes thicker and stickier than normal. This blood thickening is caused by an abnormality in the blood clotting process. When the blood becomes too thick, it negatively affects the circulation of oxygen, hormones and nutrients in the body, which further result in nutritional deficiencies, hypoxia, heart attacks, strokes, etc. When one has thick blood or experiences frequent blood clots, they should consult a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe certain blood thinning medicines and also advise a diet change to the patient. Hypercoagulability is medically treated with blood thinning medications known as anti-coagulants. Heparin and Coumadin are the two most common prescription anti-coagulants. How can blood thickness be reduced, naturally? Can Eating Certain Foods Help Lighten Thick Blood? Read on to get answers to these questions.
Can Eating Certain Foods Help Lighten Thick Blood?
The nutrients present in certain foods are excellent natural blood thinners. Animal-based omega-3 fatty acids, such as Krill oil, cod liver oil and fish are the best natural blood thinners. These foods provide the body with powerful and easily absorbable amounts of DHA and EPA fatty acids that help lighten blood by reducing the blood thickness effectively. Although plant-based Omega-3 sources are not as easy to absorb as their animal based counterparts, these foods too are effective in thinning the blood. Sesame seeds, Flaxseed oil, nuts and avocados are excellent sources of plant based Omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin B6 helps to control blood clotting and Vitamin E is a potent anti-coagulant. Sweet potato, many types of whole grains, and legumes contain good amounts of vitamin B6; while spinach, almonds, avocado and wheat germ are loaded with Vitamin E and help to lighten thick blood. Berries and dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, cherries, cranberries, etc. are rich in antioxidants and these foods help to thin the blood and keep the cardiovascular system in good shape.
Foods and spices like turmeric, chilli powder, oregano, cinnamon, dill and cayenne pepper, which contain high levels of salicylates, help to keep blood thickness in check. Ginger too helps to naturally lighten thick blood, decrease inflammation, strengthen the cardiovascular system and keep heart ailments at bay. Gingko biloba is another powerful blood thinning herb, which is known to improve blood flow in the tissues and organs of the body and eliminate stagnant blood. Water is also an excellent natural blood thinner which helps to prevent blood clotting as well. People who do not drink optimal amount of water everyday are more prone to hypercoagulation.
Which Foods Must Be Avoided to Prevent Thickness of Blood?
Just like foods which are natural blood thinners, there are other foods which thicken the blood. Foods which contain vitamin K promote blood coagulation and help to heal cuts and wounds. However, when on the mission of thinning their blood, one should strictly avoid these foods. Broccoli, green leafy vegetables, kale, spinach, and turnip greens are examples of such Vitamin K rich foods. The RDI of Vitamin K is 80 mcg and most of these foods contain way more than this recommended amount in just a single serving.
Final Take
Many foods have natural anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulation and blood thinning properties. So, when trying to thin their blood, some patients choose to go the natural way. Instead of resorting to medication, these individuals opt to include judicious amounts of these foods in their diet. These foods not only help to reduce the thickness of the blood naturally, but also save the individual from the harmful side effects of synthetic medication. One should however, avoid having too much of these foods as excess consumption can cause the blood to become extremely thin or light and lead to bleeding or hemorrhagic stroke in the brain.
So, if the doctor allows this course of action, they will ask the patient to get their blood tested regularly. These tests are ordered to monitor and check whether the clotting properties are diminishing and if the blood is thinning optimally or not. Depending on the test results, the doctor can make adjustments in the treatment regime if they feel the need. Along with these foods, exercising regularly is also a natural way of blood thinning, as it improves the blood flow to organs and decreases the chances of blood clotting.
Also Read:
