Fortunately, nature has given us more than a dozen clotting factors to keep us from bleeding to death. However, there are certain conditions that predispose us to have hypercoagulable blood that cannot be changed, such as pregnancy, cancer, the use of medications such as birth control pills, smoking, our genetic makeup, etc. However, there are conditions that can be reversed or reduced considerably through below natural methods. Learn what they are by reading the Steps below.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Be active
Any activity that involves the action of skeletal muscles is very good at preventing blood clots from forming. The energy we expend when we do physical activity 30 minutes a day, five to seven times a week, is equivalent to spending 600 to 1200 calories a week.
Exercise doesn't always have to be boring. There are several activities that are not only fun but also useful to prevent the appearance of clots. These include walking, jogging, swimming, aerobic activity, playing a sport or cycling. For the American Heart Association, performing these activities for about 30 minutes a few days a week (preferably every day) will give you very favorable results
Step 2. Do some specific exercises after a long period of immobility
Performing specific movements to prevent blood clots from forming in your veins during a long trip or after major surgery is a good idea to keep your blood flowing.
- Start by rotating your ankles clockwise and counterclockwise, then flex and extend your ankle joint. Then you can do the same with the knee joint. End with flexion and extension of the hip joint.
- Wearing compression stockings also facilitates venous circulation.
Step 3. Take a supplement
People who do not get enough omega 3 should consider using a supplement to make up for that fatty acid deficiency. It can be found in the form of fish oils and flaxseed oil. Taking about 500 mg of this supplement is enough to provide the body with the amount of omega 3 it needs.
However, if you have ever experienced a complication due to the formation of a blood clot (such as a heart attack), double the dosage (ie 500 mg twice a day) for beneficial results
Step 4. Keep your body hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids always helps a lot. A dehydrated body is an unlubricated body, where blood cells are forced to stick together to form clots. A well-hydrated body creates regular blood flow, which eliminates any clot or plaque that may form.
If you are taking blood thinners, be aware that alcohol can also interfere. Therefore, avoid episodes of heavy alcohol consumption. The most recommended in these cases is to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages by drinking a glass of red wine a day
Part 2 of 2: Changing Your Diet
Step 1. Consume dark chocolate without guilt
This novelty will please chocoholics a lot. Researchers at the John Hopkin’s Institute have found that eating two tablespoons of dark chocolate helps prevent clots.
- Dark chocolate contains a metabolite called a flavonoid, which helps keep the blood thin, working in a similar way to aspirin. They are natural phytochemicals that can be found in plants. However, you must be careful with the intake of ingredients that accompany chocolate, such as butter and sugar.
- Vitamin E is also full of flavonoids. Avocados, spinach, almonds and peanuts are good sources of vitamin E.
Step 2. Use garlic and turmeric
These spices have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has the power to decrease inflammation and keep it under control. Inflammation is one of the main causes of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
- Curcumin is great for the heart as it can reduce artery fat deposits by about 26%.
- Regular consumption of garlic helps to unclog the arteries. It keeps blood pressure under control and prevents clots from forming.
Step 3. Consume pomegranate and grapefruit
Pomegranate contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, protecting arteries from damage. This antioxidant-rich fruit stimulates the body to produce plenty of nitric oxide, which in turn allows for uninterrupted blood flow and keeps arteries clear.
Grapefruit contains pectin, which is a soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol. This also minimizes the chances of atherosclerosis
Step 4. Consume more blueberries, grapes and cherries
See why:
- Eating blueberries, which are rich in potassium, helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and raise HDL (good cholesterol). In addition, the risk of developing heart-related diseases is reduced by 40%.
- Red grapes are an excellent source of lutein, which is a carotenoid that reduces the chances of arteriosclerosis. This also prevents/reduces the possibilities of thickening of the carotid artery in the neck region.
- Cherries have 17 elements that help clear the plaque that clogs the arteries. They also have fiber that is beneficial for lowering cholesterol.
Step 5. Get plenty of vitamin K
Patients who are taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin should regularly consume foods rich in vitamin K, as these foods interact with this medication. Eating a large portion of foods rich in this vitamin one day and not consuming anything the next can cause a wide variation in blood prothrombin time.
- Prothrombin is an indicator of how long it takes the blood to clot. The test to monitor this time is called PT INR. For patients on Warfarin therapy, the goal is to maintain this level within a range of 2 to 3 units.
- Vitamin K-rich foods include leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, mustard, kale, turnip greens, broccoli, Roman lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and canola and soybean oil.
Step 6. Consume apple and watermelon
Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps keep the arteries clear. They are great sources of potassium and magnesium, which are able to prevent and even reverse hardening of the arteries.
Watermelon is a very good food for the heart. The consumption of this fruit produces nitric oxide, which can unclog and also improve the functioning of blood vessels. It also successfully lowers blood pressure levels
Step 7. Consume plenty of pineapple and kiwi fruit
Bromelain is an enzyme present in pineapple. It destroys clots and also has the property of dissolving/disintegrating fibrin, which is responsible for platelet aggregation. This enzyme dissolves fibrin from blood clots by stimulating the production of plasmin. It also helps to prevent platelets from sticking to the endothelium (wall of blood vessels).
Kiwi fruit also has properties that reduce blood clotting. It is enriched with nutrients and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, copper, magnesium and fiber. It also helps to unclog the arteries, breaking down the fats that accumulate in the blood. This fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties
Step 8. Look for foods rich in salicylates
Salicylates are compounds that inhibit clot formation. They are found in abundance in many herbs and spices such as thyme, turmeric, ginger, paprika, cinnamon and cayenne.
- They can also be found in fruits such as cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, plums, raisins and grapes.
- In addition, they are also found in beverages such as green tea, wine, honey, vinegar and apple juice.