When you suffer from cardiovascular diseases such as permanent atrial fibrillation, thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, the risk of forming new blood clots. Infection with the COVID-19 virus can also favor them in complicated cases.

To prevent clots, doctors prescribe anticoagulants to patients, But these drugs can cause a variety of dangerous side effects such as internal bleeding, blood in stool and urine, vascular blockages, and resulting heart attacks, strokes, and strokes, especially if mixed with other medications.

Of course, food cannot replace medicines prescribed by the doctor. But they can help the body and perhaps reduce the dose, always under professional control. Patients should never stop or change anticoagulant treatment.

What are the causes of blood that is too thick?

Often, The cause lies in lifestyle and diet. Lack of exercise, for example, causes blood to flow more slowly in the veins, which can cause platelets to build up on vessel walls and increase the risk of thrombosis. The most frequent causes are:

• Diabetes.
• Lipid metabolism disorder.
• Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism, tumors or autoimmune diseases.
• Consumption of contraceptives and oral hormones.
• Coagulation disorders.
• Sedentary lifestyle (also due to being bedridden).
• Smoking (constricts blood vessels and damages blood vessel walls at the same time).
• Unhealthy diet with lack of nutrients.
• High homocysteine ​​levels.
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Medications.

Natural measures to prevent thick blood

The best preventive measure is to exercise daily. It is useful to get up regularly at work, take a walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and play sports. Movement stimulates the speed of blood flow.

Diet also plays an important role. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet with carbohydrates, proteins and good fats (extra virgin olive oil, avocado, etc.) prevents deposits from accumulating in the vessels where blood clots can form. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.

In normal doses, the combination of two or more natural products does not produce side effects. If in doubt you should always consult your doctor. For healthy people, however, a diet with anticoagulant foods is not a problem, since Natural remedies generally have a positive effect on health and, therefore, also in the blood flow.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural anticoagulants

Benefits

• Natural anticoagulants not only keep the blood fluid, but also support the entire metabolism with their nutrients.
• Since it is difficult to overdose, there are very few, if any, side effects.
• Natural anticoagulants can prevent blood that is too thick in healthy people.

Disadvantages

• Natural anticoagulants are not a substitute for a doctor or medical treatment.
• Natural blood thinners do not work immediately, but must be consumed regularly over a long period of time.

Foods to thin the blood

Cinnamon

You can consume cinnamon to inhibit blood clotting. In the form of high-dose extracts such as cinnamon distillate or cinnamon essential oil, the anticoagulant effect is multiplied. You can take a maximum of two drops of pure essential oil daily, diluted in honey or olive oil, always under medical supervision.

Bromelain

The enzyme bromelain is obtained from pineapple. It is a natural alternative since it prevents the formation of blood clots, reduces blood clotting and protects the heart.

omega-3 fatty acids

They can be consumed as dietary supplements or in the form of high-quality oils such as hemp oil and linseed oil, crushed flax seeds or whole nuts.

Nattokinase

The enzyme nattokinase obtained from fermented soybeans It is an anticoagulant and prevents blood platelets from clumping together. Since it is an isolated enzyme, an incorrect dose can cause excessive blood thinning.

Goji Berries

They are also considered a natural anticoagulant. In combination with pharmaceuticals, you should be careful because the mixture of the two ingredients can promote blood clotting instead of inhibiting it.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC)

The OPCs It is particularly found in red wine and grape seed extract and in cocoa. It is obtained from grape seeds or the peel and skin of the fruit. The antioxidant protects blood vessels from the penetration of free radicals, calms swelling and ensures better blood flow. You can buy OPC in pharmacies.

cayenne pepper

The ingredient capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper, promotes blood circulation, has a vasodilating and anticoagulant effect. It is better to eat raw cayenne pepper in juices or salads than in supplement form. Again, if you are taking medication, it is advisable to discuss the dosage with a doctor.

nettles

Scientists have discovered that Nettles have a relaxing effect on blood vessels. This medicinal plant prevents excessive blood clotting, which helps thin the blood. However, we are not talking about the green leaf, but about the nettle infusion, which has been tested in studies.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn flowers and leaves contain flavonoids and procyanidins, which are good for blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. Thins the blood and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Hawthorn can be taken as a tincture, as an extract or as an infusion.

Basil

In the basil leaves there are vitamin K which has an anticoagulant effect. Other vegetables such as broccoli and kale also have a positive effect on blood thinning. It is advisable to consume green leafy vegetables regularly.

Kiwi

Kiwi and pineapple contain the enzyme bromelain, which has a positive effect on blood thinning. Eating kiwi and pineapple regularly can help keep blood flow healthy.

Onion

Onions are also used as home remedies to thin the blood and They have anti-inflammatory and strengthening effects on the heart and immune system. Eating half an onion a day can have a significant positive effect.

Olive oil

Olive oil has been shown to have a positive effect on our blood vessels. Promotes blood flow, has an anti-inflammatory effect and therefore also reduces the risk of strokes.

According to studies, consuming olive oil daily leads to lower platelet activity and better blood coagulation values. Therefore, by consuming olive oil regularly, you can prevent thrombosis and embolism.

Tomatoes

Processed and standardized tomato extract has practically the same effect on our platelet aggregation as salicylic acid (aspirin). If you consume this food regularly, you can achieve up to a third of the effect of aspirin, completely naturally. The active ingredient ensures healthy blood circulation.