More Ways to Thin Your Blood
While we have looked at blood thinning foods, there are other ways besides food to thin your blood. Diet is essential and foods rich in Vitamin E, such as almonds and peanuts, as well as foods full of salicylates, such as curry powders and cayenne pepper, are a definitely a great place to start for natural blood thinners. However, when your diet is not enough, here are some other options to help you with your blood disorder.
1.Aspirin
Ask any doctor and they will often recommend a regimen of aspirin. If you suffer from or are especially prone to blood clots, taking aspirin daily can significantly help thin your blood and prevent you from having further blood clots. Aspirin can also prevent heart disease and protect your heart from other cardiovascular conditions. Aspirin thins the blood by decreasing the ability for blood cells to stick together in your blood stream. Its anti platelet effect lasts until your body produces one to replace it which ranges from seven to ten days. For the appropriate dosage of aspirin consult your doctor. Aspirin can be easily purchased anywhere from your local drug store and supermarket to even gas stations.
2.Prescription Blood Thinners
For individuals who have either suffered a stroke or are extremely at risk for a stroke, prescription blood thinners are often prescribed. Some of the most popular prescription blood thinners are Coumadin, Heparin and Plavix. Coumadin, for example, works by decreasing the amount of vitamin K that is available for your body’s use. This in turn makes it more difficult for your blood platelets to clot. Like all prescription medications, there are serious side effects that should be acknowledged. The most common side effects from these medications include abnormal bleeding and easy bruising.
3.Exercise
Believe it or not, exercise actually lowers the amount of vitamin k in your blood. This explains why sitting in one place for long extended periods of time (like a car trip or an airplane) make you prone to clots. If you are prone to clots make sure that you get plenty of exercise and if you happen to be stationary for a long period of time, make sure to wear a compression stocking. While these may not be the most fashionable accessory, they can protect you for serious clots. Cardio exercise and well as Yoga are great for your circulation and for thinning your blood.
It is important to remember to eat plenty of blood thinning food along with these other options. Nothing is more essential and plays a greater role in your blood’s composition than the food you eat. Foods high in vitamin E, low in vitamin k and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and salicylates are exactly what you should be eating. Alcohol is also a blood thinner but should be used sparingly since drinking in excess creates health hazards that outweigh its benefits. A glass or two of red wine can help, while binge drinking certainly will do the opposite.
For more information on thin and thick blood click here.
The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.
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 Blood Circulation 9 Mar 2011 |
