Blood Thinning Foods – updated article with new information
A blood thinner is something that prevents the platelets in the blood from forming clots. A blood thinner is also referred to as an anti-coagulant. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are cells in the blood which are colorless and which make the blood clot. They clump together to prevent blood loss by creating plugs when holes in blood vessels form.
There are many blood thinning foods available in your local food store. However, it is important to remember that they may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, if you were prescribed anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications, you probably should not take in too many blood thinning foods in addition to the drugs, as they may cause serious complications or damage to your health.
If you want to make your blood thinner, the main thing to do is decrease your fat and protein consumption. Also, it’s important to take salicylates, which are aspirin-like substances. They are necessary because they prevent the absorption of vitamin K, which plays a huge role in the blood clotting process. Blood coagulation and iron also seem to have a yin-yang relationship. People who have iron deficiency anemia have an increased platelet count.
There are many blood thinning foods rich in salicylates. They include various flavorings and spices, such as cinnamon, oregano, paprika, licorice, turmeric, ginger, peppermint, thyme, dill, cayenne pepper, and curry powder. Cayenne pepper has also been shown to decrease blood cholesterol levels. Most fruits are also rich in salicylates. The ones that stand out include raisins, grapes, oranges, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, tangerines, cranberries, and prunes. Some other foods that have an abundance of slicylates are chewing gum, wine, peppermints, honey, vinegar, orange juice, broccoli, cider, avocados, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, wild carrot, cabbage, wild lettuce, and nuts.
Some other blood thinning foods include olive oil, onions, garlic, tree ear, and jicama. Pomegranate juice is also an excellent blood thinner. Research was conducted which showed that pomegranate juice promotes blood flow through the body to the heart. It also decreases the amount of plaque in the arteries, lowering the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, and at the same time increasing “good” cholesterol levels.
Vitamin E is another wonderful natural blood thinner. It is a vitamin that is fat-soluble, so it helps prevent the essential vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the cells. It also stops the body tissues from breaking down. Vitamin E can be found in various food groups, such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and peanuts, vegetable oils like canola, peanut, corn, sesame, sunflower, cottonseed, palm, and rice bran oil. Vitamin E is also found in lentils, chickpeas, rice, wheat, oats, and northern beans. Oil that has been extracted from wheat germ is also a wonderful source of vitamin E. For the original story, and further information on blood thinning foods, click here
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The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.
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13 Responses to “Blood Thinning Foods – updated article with new information”
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9 Sep 2010
Provexis plc (PXS.L), the life-science business that discovers, develops and licenses scientifically-proven functional food, medical food and dietary supplement technologies today announces an update on the human trial comparing the effects of its Fruitflow® anti-thrombotic functional food technology with aspirin. Fruitflow® is designed as a dietary supplement which will inhibit several pathways of platelet aggregation without side effects. Aspirin is a drug which targets one specific platelet aggregation pathway, and is not recommended for use by the population at large for cardiovascular disease prevention partly due to its well known side effects including gastric bleeding. In addition, a significant percentage of users show some resistance to its effects. In the current trial, Fruitflow® showed up to 28% reduction from baseline platelet aggregation occurring through three different biological pathways, while aspirin showed up to 60% reduction in one of these pathways, but no effect on the other two. The broader antiplatelet effect of Fruitflow® reflects the Company's aim to provide a daily dietary supplement with a significant effect on blood flow, but without suppressing platelet aggregation completely. The trial compares the effects of both Fruitflow® and aspirin on a single dose basis over a five hour time course. At this stage around 40% of subjects have completed the trial, which will continue until the end of the year. The trial is being carried out by Provexis at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, part of the University of Aberdeen, with independent statistical analysis by BIOSS.November 7th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I am 40, and have been taking warfarin for the most part of 23 years, different mgs. over time. now I take 2.5 mgs. and have for some time, I eat vitamine K foods a few times per month for the nutrients, and have no troubles, My hair is falling out as well, you can see a little scalp if i don't pull my hair back, but, It's also down to my behind, which makes it fall out. But any way, I would like to consider changing over to a proper diet, instead of continuing the medication, I believe it has caused other health conditions , like, hydrenitis, it;s miserable! and needs to go! I also have acute degenerative ostio arthritis, crones desease, {in long remission,due to surgery} hep. C , ostio perosis, and just quit smoking 2 years ago. Health wise, and diet wise I am a catch 22. I also have food and med allergies, Milk, garlic, cranberries, pork{yukki anyway!} opiates , and codine. Now what diet should I be on????? if you have answers, I want to hear them, DR. Thank you Ms. Phelps.July 17th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I have recently had my second Life Threatening DVT in 10 years. I am now on Warfarin for the rest of my life and I am 38. I too have a problem with hair loss on Coumadin. But I have a great Hair dresser and she did some research and here is what she found. Hair should have a deep conditioning treatment every 1-2 months depending on how much hair you are loosing. Also, there is a product out there sold at most salons called Nioxin. I started using this about 2 weeks after I started using the coumadin and my hair stopped falling out. I know when it is time for another deep conditioner, when the hair starts coming out again. But for me...this has really worked. I am up to 20mg of coumadin a day. I am starting to work on natural foods that can help lower the amount of coumadin I am taking. I hope this helps.February 12th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Diana - I was on warfarin for 6 months last year after developing DVT. I also developed significant hair loss and thinning as well as urticaria. The hair loss and urticaria (specifically dermatographia in my case) were caused by the warfarin. All of the symptoms went away after the warfarin treatment ended. Natural interventions are usually less harsh than chemical ones but I would not suggest that you stop the warfarin but you may be able to achieve a lower dose by adding blood thinning foods to your diet but you need to do it consistently. Blood clots are life threatening so stopping the warfarin could cost your life. I am very fortunate that my boyfriend was wonderfully supportive and when my hair was at it's thinnest he simply said to me..."dear bald is so much better than dead". My hair has filled in and all of the side effects of the warfarin went away within a few weeks after treatment ended. Hang in there and try to focus on lowering your warfarin dose by increasing your intake of natural blood thinning foods. Always consult your doctor before you make health changes. DHJuly 18th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Please help me with blood thinning foods. I am taking, 5mg - 7.5 - 10mg warfarin for 3 years now. My spine is in a very bad condition due to a previous low back injury and scolioses. It is very painfull and I heard that the medication can worsen the pain? Is it adviseable to stay this long on warfarin?July 27th, 2010 at 2:49 am
i would also like to know if ther our any foods to replace blood thinner such as warfarinJuly 18th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I have been taking 4mg of warfarin for 3 months, due to developing a pulmanry embolisam. but my hair is falling out. is this a side effect, if so, would i have this problem with natural blood thining foods.July 11th, 2009 at 3:01 am
I am very fond of green beans and also want to know whether it is a blood thinning food? How much may one have as a portion? Thank you for your help. It is the first time that I am using your website. MaxieJuly 27th, 2010 at 2:39 am
just google salicylate foods. whole list, topped by peppers and olives. sounds like the mediterranean diet. wasn't that where it all started, the cardio stuff? what makes our doctors such stupid believers. they must be invested in bayers.May 6th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
i want to know what foods to eat instead of taking pills thinner wife lizJuly 18th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Is there any truth to Green Beans as a Blood Thinner and if so, how much and how often? Thank you for any help. TJApril 4th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Actually, all types of alcohol thin the blood. This is why a drink or two a day (any kind) is often recommended to keep the heart functioning well. More than this can thin the blood dangerously. Given that too much alcohol also eventually raises the blood pressure, bursting a blood vessel with resultant haemorrage due to extreme thinning of the blood caused by consistent alcohol consumption over a period of years, is a real danger and can result in death. In the final analysis, a clot in the brain can be less life-threatening than a brain haemorrage. I must add that I'm not a medical practitioner and you should confirm this with your doctor.May 26th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Based on my personal experience, I've observed that red wine also works as a blood thinner.January 14th, 2009 at 1:16 pm