Foods and herbs for blood thinning and thrombosis prevention

Symptoms indicating blood thickening

Doctors identify 8 main signs indicating problems with blood circulation:

• Periodic tingling in the limbs. They are often accompanied by a feeling of numbness. This is a key sign that blood does not penetrate well into the capillaries. As a result, the hands and feet are constantly cold, with a bluish tint.
• Gradual deterioration of vision and hearing. Problems with blood supply affect the key senses of perception of the world around us. Another sign is tinnitus.
• When cuts occur, the blood flows slowly and is dark in color.
• Drowsiness, frequent yawning. Due to problems with blood circulation, the body experiences oxygen starvation. Sleep becomes restless, anxious, intermittent. Even while awake, you feel a loss of strength, lethargy, and fatigue. This condition is also called chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Unreasonable muscle pain, weakness in the body. The pain syndrome is often localized in the back of the head, shoulders, and upper back.
• Labored breathing. It is difficult for the heart to pump viscous blood, which causes arrhythmia, which causes shortness of breath.

provokes arrhythmia, which causes shortness of breath. If you experience one or more signs, you should consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. You will need to undergo tests and other studies as directed by a specialist.

Advantages and disadvantages

Signs of varicose veins

With varicose veins, it is vital to monitor blood viscosity indicators. This is a key point in the treatment and prevention of the disease.

The main signs of varicose veins are:

• pain in the legs when walking, at rest;
• visual changes in the skin - hyperpigmentation, the appearance of vascular networks, bulging dilated veins;
• tired legs at the end of the day.

Ignoring the symptoms of varicose veins is fraught with serious consequences. The pathology often develops into phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. But to thin the blood in the early stages of the disease or for prevention purposes, it is not at all necessary to use expensive medications. There are a number of natural food products that successfully cope with this task.

How is the “thickness” of blood determined?

To measure thickening, specialists use a device called a viscometer. It measures the speed of movement of the substance in the vessels, and then compares this indicator with the speed of movement of distilled water. For measurements, blood and water are taken in equal quantities at identical temperatures.

It is considered normal if blood flows 4-5 times slower than water, and its relative density (depending on the number of red blood cells) remains within the range of 1.050-1.064 g/cm3. This value determines the amount of salts, proteins and formed elements in the plasma.

Hematocrit (the volume of red blood cells in 1 liter of blood) differs depending on gender and age. For women, the norm is 37-47%, for men - 40-54%, for newborns - approximately 20% more than for adults, and 10% more than for older children.

As for laboratory viscosity indicators directly, the norm is considered to be from 4 to 5.5. This parameter directly depends on the number of red blood cells in the plasma: the more there are, the stronger the viscosity.

In addition to the viscometer, immunoelectrophoresis (determines what proteins are in the plasma) and immunochemical study (counts the number of proteins) are also used to diagnose blood thickening.

Signs of thrombosis

Thrombosis and thrombophlebitis are similar to varicose veins in symptoms, but have completely different origins. Varicose veins are not inflammatory in nature, while thrombosis is an inflammation of the venous walls. The main signs of the disease are:

• burning, bursting pain;
• swelling, especially in the ankle area;
• darkening of the skin, the appearance of red stripes in the affected area;
• chest pain;
• feeling of lack of air.

Thrombosis does not always have pronounced symptoms. Patients often confuse it with signs of fatigue and do not take any action. This can lead to harmful consequences, including death.

Risk factors

The main reasons that cause blood thickening, as well as increasing the risk of developing varicose veins and thrombosis, are:

• Hormonal imbalance. Due to disruption of hormone production, the system that controls blood clotting suffers.
• Obesity. Excess weight increases the risk of cardiovascular formations 10 times. There is enormous pressure on the body, as a result of which the blood suffers.
• Taking inappropriate oral contraceptives. They affect the balance of hormones in the body, as a result of which blood clotting indicators are disrupted.
• Smoking. Regular intake of nicotine into the body constricts blood vessels, which causes thrombosis, varicose veins and other pathologies of the vascular bed.
• Taking a number of medications. You should not take pills without a doctor’s prescription - this can lead to serious disruptions in the body, including the circulatory system.
• Chronic stress, anxiety. The increased release of adrenaline into the blood significantly narrows the patency of blood vessels, which can provoke the formation of blood clots.
• Insufficient fluid intake. For normal functioning of the body, you need to drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day (indicators vary depending on the individual characteristics of each person). Water is directly involved in all biochemical processes and affects blood clotting.

Nutrition plays an important role. An unbalanced diet leads to a lack of vitamins, microelements and nutrients in the body that are involved in the process of blood formation and are responsible for regulating its viscosity.

Fully or partially limited products

In case of thick blood, the following is limited or excluded:

• consumption of saturated fats (cooking fats, lamb, pork, beef);
• fatty varieties of pork, duck, goose, smoked meats and sausages;
• all types of broths, fried foods;
• fatty cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese, butter, cream;
• sweet pastries, sugar, puff pastry and pastry products, cakes, pastries with cream;
• black tea, green tea, coffee;
• salt;
• buckwheat;
• legumes (mature legumes are allowed in limited quantities);
• kidneys, liver (beef/pork), brains;
• white bread;
• all types of cabbage, radishes, turnips, radishes, watercress;
• dill, basil, parsley, coriander (greens);
• blueberries, chokeberries, mulberries, dogwoods, lingonberries, blackberries, viburnum;
• pomegranate juice, light grape juice.

vitamin K first : green leafy vegetables, green tea and black tea, kale, cilantro, beet tops, chard, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, asparagus, kiwi, green beans, cauliflower cabbage, soybeans, walnuts, eggs, pork liver.

Cereals include buckwheat and whole grain bread. Green peas, beans, asparagus, cucumbers, soybeans, green onions, avocado, papaya, and green tomatoes contain this vitamin in much smaller quantities. Meat, eggs, dairy products, cereals, root vegetables (potatoes, beets) contain negligible amounts of it.

Decoctions of the herbs nettle, St. John's wort, yarrow, valerian, and corn silk help thicken the blood.

Table of prohibited products

Why is it necessary to thin the blood during thrombosis?

Blood viscosity is a vital indicator. If there are problems with it, a number of serious pathologies may develop, including thrombosis, varicose veins and even stroke. Blood clots can partially or completely close the vascular bed, limiting blood flow and causing necrosis and gangrene. Blood clots slow down the supply of oxygen to various organs. Also, increased blood viscosity can lead to coronary artery disease or thromboembolism of the heart and lungs. This is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate treatment.

What promotes thickening

High blood viscosity syndrome can manifest itself as an inherited genetic disease. As a rule, such people have a tendency to more active thrombus formation. More often, hypercoagulation syndrome is secondary in nature, that is, it develops under the influence of external or internal factors.

Risk factors:

1. Aging. As most people age, the blood vessels become stiffer and more calcified, which impairs the flow of blood through them. Upon reaching the age of 50, it is recommended to monitor blood rheology, and for this purpose, medications are prescribed to maintain its fluidity.
2. Overweight. Obesity is accompanied by metabolic disorders in the body, due to which the blood can become more viscous, and atherosclerotic changes are observed in the vessels.
3. High cholesterol. Lipoproteins always increase the proportion of the thick component.
4. Smoking. Cigarette smoke contains substances that increase the risk of blood clots and affect the density of the substance in the blood vessels.
5. Alcohol abuse. Alcoholic drinks contribute to rapid and severe dehydration of the body. Scientists have calculated that the ratio of alcohol consumed and the liquid it removed from the body is 1:4. Therefore, if the hydrobalance is not restored in time, the share of the liquid part in the vessels decreases.
6. Bed rest for a long time. Post-surgery, as well as some health problems, may force a person to remain in bed. Over time, inactivity leads to impaired blood flow and stagnation of blood, which ultimately causes blood to thicken.
7. Severe hypothermia or burns. Extreme temperature effects lead to severe stress, dehydration, and impaired hematopoietic function, which also increases the risk of hypercoagulation syndrome.
8. Organ transplantation, surgery on blood vessels or their injury, installation of implants (valves, dialysis shunts, venous catheters, etc.). Any impact on the heart or vessel walls leads to the formation of irregularities, and this increases the risk of increased blood clot formation.
9. Inflammation. Any inflammatory process, especially if it is chronic, provokes an increase in the number of leukocytes, fibrinogen, proteins and cholesterol. When there are too many of these components, the blood becomes viscous.
10. Physical inactivity. Experts use this term to describe a sedentary lifestyle. The causes of thickening in sedentary people are associated primarily with impaired blood flow in the vessels.
11. Taking hormonal contraceptives. Hormone-based drugs often lead to increased thrombus formation, which changes the density of the substance in the vessels.
12. Pregnancy. As the fetus matures, the uterus increases in size and puts pressure on the pelvic vessels. This leads to blood stagnation and excessive blood clot formation.
13. Toxin poisoning. Poor environmental conditions, eating food contaminated with heavy metals, and radiation can also contribute to hyperviscose syndrome.
14. Microorganisms. Most diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and some parasites are accompanied by fever and the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. And this is another factor that causes thickening of fluid in the veins. In this case, the degree of thickening depends on the nature and intensity of exposure to the toxin or parasite.
15. Stress. During stress, the body releases hormones that cause vasoconstriction, causing blood circulation to slow down. If the stressful condition is chronic, the blood tends to thicken.

Products that thin thick blood

If you have thick blood, there are certain foods that should be included in your diet.

Fruits and vegetables

• Garlic. A powerful antioxidant with a whole range of beneficial properties. Relieves inflammation, promotes the resorption of blood clots, stabilizes blood viscosity. Must be consumed fresh.
• Tomatoes. They contain the substance lycopene, which reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the body.
• Persimmon. A long-known anticoagulant that thins the blood, prevents the formation of blood clots, and reduces cholesterol levels in the body. Contains a lot of antioxidants that cleanse the digestive system.
• Cabbage. Can be consumed both fresh and fermented. Contains vitamins B and C, which normalize metabolism and improve blood quality.
• Pomegranate. Rich in potassium, necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Protects the walls of blood vessels and prevents their stretching.

Berries

• Raspberries. The berries contain the same active ingredient as aspirin. Only tablets have a negative effect on the body, but raspberries do not. Eat it fresh, as part of jam, or drink decoctions from the leaves.
• Blueberry. Rich in flavonoids, which have a beneficial effect on the condition of the walls of blood vessels.

Herbs and spices

• Ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, celery. They contain coumarin, which effectively thins the blood and prevents the development of thrombosis.
• Mint. It has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and contains salicylates that affect blood clotting.
• Oregano. Add a pinch of crushed leaves to dishes when cooking to help the body regulate blood viscosity.
• Paprika. It has a warming effect, accelerates metabolism, has a positive effect on the condition of the blood, and prevents the formation of thrombosis.
• Liquorice. It is used as a medicinal and prophylactic agent for varicose veins, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis.
• Thyme. Like mint, it is rich in salicylates, which help the body control water balance.

Drink

• Water. We consist of 90% of it, and the body vitally needs normal water balance.
• Green tea. Contains a lot of antioxidants that prevent cardiovascular problems. It has a diuretic effect, resulting in the removal of waste and toxins from the body. It is better to drink tea in the morning, because it contains caffeine.

Other useful products

• Fatty fish. Contains a lot of useful substances that prevent the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques.
• Seaweed and other seafood. A high concentration of iodine not only normalizes blood viscosity, but also has a beneficial effect on vascular tone.
• Honey. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the blood and prevents the formation of blood clots. Because It is high in calories, the permissible consumption rate is 1 tablespoon per day.
• Linseed oil. Contains healthy vegetable fats that restore the elasticity of vascular walls.

Authorized Products

The diet for thick blood includes:

• Replacing meat products with fish and seafood and providing the body with a sufficient amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in sea fish. The basis of the weekly diet should be fish and seafood dishes. Give preference to fatty sea fish - salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines, saury. It is enough to include 100-150 g of fish in the diet 3 times a week. A useful addition would be seaweed, which can also be eaten dried.
• Introducing omega-3 fatty acids into the diet in the form of flaxseed, olive, rapeseed, mustard, nut, and sesame vegetable oils, which should be consumed in their natural form and not in heat-treated form.
• Include at least 200 g of fresh fruits and 400 g of vegetables daily. You can eat red grapes, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, red peppers, cucumbers - they contain a small amount of vitamin K.
• Strawberries, gooseberries, cranberries, raspberries, cherries, beets, onions, garlic, citrus fruits (lemons come first), apples, prunes are rich in salicylates.
• Prepare a side dish for meat and fish from carrots, zucchini, and eggplant. If you use potatoes, it is better in the peel and baked form.
• To vegetable salads, add herbs, bran, fenugreek, sesame and flax seeds, ground in a coffee grinder.
• Vegetable soups, cabbage soup, beetroot soup, borscht. Eliminate meat broths and do not fry soups.
• Eating low-fat meat and poultry - it is enough to include them in the diet 2 times a week.
• Turkey meat is healthy (it contains very little fat).
• Rye and bran bread. It is better to add flax seed, bran or sesame to homemade baked goods.
• Low-fat milk and fermented milk products. Use sour cream and cream only in dishes. You can include up to 4 eggs in your weekly menu.
• Eating oatmeal, corn, pearl barley, wheat and brown rice. Porridge can be cooked with water or milk.
• The most important feature of the diet of people prone to blood thickening is sufficient consumption of high-quality drinking water. With limited intake of water into the body, blood thickening is observed.
• Herbal teas (licorice, hawthorn, hazel leaves, sweet clover, sage) with lemon, ginger tea, citrus juices, any still water are useful. The amount of liquid you drink should be 1.5-2 liters per day.

Table of permitted products

Blood thinners

There are a number of blood thinners available. They are divided into two types:

• Anticoagulants that prevent the formation of blood clots. The most popular are Heparin, Warfarin, Edoxaban.
• Anticoagulants that control platelet production. The most famous drug is Aspirin, all the others are its variations.

You cannot take pills without a doctor's prescription. Although they are sold over the counter, they should not be taken unless indicated as they can have serious consequences.

Additional recommendations and prevention

Taking medicinal herbs and healthy foods alone will not make a global difference to your blood clotting situation if you are overloading your body and ignoring other principles necessary to maintain health.

It is extremely important to change your approach to nutrition. You should exclude harmful foods from your diet - fried, spicy, salty, flour, sweet. It is better to bake dishes in the oven or steam them.

Another point is moderate physical activity. Many people today lead a sedentary lifestyle. You need to be in the fresh air for at least half an hour a day, walk a lot. If your schedule allows and you want to, go to the gym, dance hall or swimming pool.

You should also give up bad habits. Alcohol and cigarettes have never made anyone healthier. Many people consider proper nutrition expensive, but much more money is spent on unhealthy foods and bad habits. Your health is only in your hands! And when the first alarming symptoms appear, indicating problems with the cardiovascular system, you need to consult a doctor.