When you are injured and blood flows constantly, the body stops the blood flow, by forming a clot. This helps to prevent blood loss. But when blood clots when it is moving within the body, it could be dangerous. Blood clots usually are formed inside the veins, and can be very dangerous. If stored in your brain, you could suffer from a stroke, if lodged in your heart; you could suffer from a heart attack or cause lung problems if lodged in your lungs.
Reasons for this blood clot could vary from hereditary to lifestyle issues. Patients prone to blood clots are often prescribed anticoagulants like aspirin as it prevents the blood from clotting. Aspirin contains salicylates, a natural substance that acts as a natural blood thinner. Salicylates are found in many preservatives and flavorings. However there are a number of natural ingredients that act as natural blood thinners. Lets have a look at the foods that are natural blood thinners.
Omega 3 fatty acids are great blood thinners. Make sure you eat fish that’s rich in fatty oils like salmon. That is probably the reason why a number of doctors recommend adding Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. Indian food is full of herbs and spices that have salicylates. Thus they are known as warming spices. They increase the blood circulation, by thinning the blood. Common among these are turmeric, ginger, curry powder, onion, cinnamon and thyme.
Turmeric manages to thin the blood by restricting the activity of an enzyme called fibrinogen. Ginger not only acts as a natural blood thinner, but also prevents the blood platelets from sticking to each other. In fact there are studies to prove that ginger is more effective than aspirin in preventing blood from clotting. Onion is also a very good natural blood thinner. Like Ginger, Onion too keeps the blood from clotting and prevents platelets from sticking it to each other.
Among the fruits that are high in salicylates are raisins, prunes, cherries, cranberries, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, tangerines and oranges. Vitamin E is also believed to be a good blood thinner. This is a fat soluble vitamin that protects essential fatty acids and prevents the breakdown of tissues.
Nuts like Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and pistachios, legumes like chick peas, lentils, cereals like wheat, rice and oats are very good source of vitamin E. Red wine is also said to be an effective natural blood thinner. Food rich in Iron is also believed to be an effective natural blood thinner.
In general, food high in vitamin K, like lettuce should be avoided if you are someone who is prone to blood clots. But remember a complete avoidance of food high in vitamin K can lead to increased blood loss, and even conditions like hematuria (blood in the urine), hemorrhages and even heavy periods in women. This can get particularly serious in you have met with an accident and the body is unable to clot blood properly.
If you have been prescribed anticoagulant drugs, make sure to take the natural blood thinning food in moderation, or else you would only end in a hemorrhage.
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