Natural methods may be the best way to reduce the risk of blood clotting. Recent studies suggest that a change in lifestyle that includes a diet high in power foods that thin the blood and fight clots is the best medicine for people who have experienced previous blood clots and people who have never had a blood clot.
Blood Clotting
When a blood vessel is injured it bleeds. A mass of matter - blood cells and other components - form to help stop the bleeding. This mass is sometimes compared to a scab.
Blood clots become dangerous when the blood vessel is broken. If this occurs, the blood platelets become tacky or sticky and mound together. This mound of sticky platelets stops the blood.
Most blood clots are not dangerous. They form and prevent the body from losing too much blood. When their job is done they dissolve and the body heals. Blood clots are dangerous when they occur in healthy blood vessels. Blood clotting can also be dangerous if they do not dissolve after stopping the bleeding in a broken vessel.
The most severe blood clot is the embolism. This type of blood clot causes the blood flow to become blocked. It can lead to fatal consequences. Embolisms can occur in blood vessels or arteries. For example, an embolism in the brain will cause cerebral damage. An embolism in the coronary artery may cause a heart attack.
Blood Clotting and Food
Different factors lead to blood clotting. Genetics and medical conditions can play a role in the development of blood clots. While a person cannot control these factors he can control others such as his diet. A person's diet can have a big effect on whether or not blood clotting will happen.
Cholesterol and saturated fats, the two big 'no-no's in the food world, lead to blood clotting in the blood vessels and arteries. A person who eats foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats puts himself at a high risk for heart disease. The American Stroke Association has more information on the effects of bad cholesterol on blood clots.
Nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, and fish are important for a heart healthy diet. It is important to design a diet that includes a balance of nutrients and antioxidants to prevent blood clotting.
To reduce the sticky-ness of platelets add some hot sauce to your egg whites. Hot sauce, hot peppers, onions, ginger, and cayenne all work to keep blood platelets from becoming sticky and massing together.
Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. These wonder-nutrients lower cholesterol and are extremely heart friendly. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to eat at least 2 portions of cold water fish like salmon or tuna every week.
Flaxseeds are another source of omega-3s. Certain omega-3 fatty acids are found in plants, not fish. This is true with flaxseed. Soluble fiber and omega-3s help reduce cholesterol.
Soy is a mega power food according to many doctors. It is a great way to reduce bad cholesterol and heart disease. The FDA now includes 25 grams of soy protein daily as a part of a low cholesterol, low saturated fat diet.
Chocolate is the new kid on the block. Scientists are discovering the blood clot busting powers of dark chocolate to the delight of chocolate lovers everywhere. In addition to chocolate fresh fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and potatoes all prevent cholesterol oxidation that would otherwise lead to blood clotting.
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