Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening. Another cause is an imbalance in the blood clotting system. Specific diseases include lupus, inhibitors, deficiency in protein C or S or antithrombin, or mutations in Factor 5 or prothrombin. Cancer can also cause blood thickening.
Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body's process of making clots. Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke.
Water helps to thin the blood, which in turn makes it less likely to form clots, explains Jackie Chan, Dr. P.H., the lead study author. But don't chug your extra H2O all at once. "You need to drink water throughout the day to keep your blood thin, starting with a glass or two in the morning," adds Dr.
Natural Aids in Thinning Blood
Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric. Meanwhile there are fruits that can aid in blood thinning.
While doctors can't cure polycythemia vera, they can recommend treatments to improve blood flow. Physical activity can help promote proper blood flow through your body. Other steps to take include: frequently stretching, especially of your legs and feet to promote blood flow.
Magnesium might slow blood clotting. Taking magnesium along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage. Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.
Foods to avoid are :
As vitamin K is known to have blood thickening properties. Leafy green vegetables like Leafy greens like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and lettuce. Green tea: It has a good amount of vitamin K content in it. Cranberry juice while being on blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding.
British Heart Foundation: Understanding blood clots
Typically risk factors for blood clotting include surgery, cancer, and pregnancy. The findings from one small study, however, imply that a nutrient found in eggs and meat may also increase the risk of blood clotting.
Green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are high in vitamin K, as well as Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Both these concepts are myths. Lemon juice or slices in hot water will neither thin your blood, not make you lose weight. Lemons will contribute a bit of vit C to your diet.
In short, yes. High cholesterol — combined with other factors — can contribute to the formation of blood clots in your legs. High cholesterol can also increase your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of your arteries, narrowing them and limiting blood flow.
Exercise builds plasma. Just one vigorous workout expands plasma 10 percent by the next day. This thins blood in a healthy way. Exercise daily and the plasma pool stays high, giving you the fluid blood of an athlete.
Nassar says that taking a magnesium supplement every day likely isn't unsafe for most people. Just be sure you're not taking too much magnesium. The maximum dietary allowance for most adults is around 400 mg or less.
Side Effects and Warnings
According to MayoClinic.com, zinc may increase bleeding risk; hence, people suffering from bleeding disorders or taking medications that may increase bleeding risk should be wary of using zinc supplements and consult their health care providers regarding adjusted dosing.
Thick blood often produces no symptoms. The first sign may be a blood clot, or a person may experience symptoms related to the underlying health condition. A person may wish to consider testing if they: develop a blood clot of unknown origin.
Drinking caffeine-filled beverages can lead to “sticky blood,” and an increased risk of a blood clot according to a leading Consultant in the UK. The likes of coffee and other caffeine favourites can dehydrate the body, making the blood become a thicker consistency - leading to slower blood flow.
Let's flesh out the story a bit. There is a growing body of science that confirms that dark chocolate does indeed provide health benefits. Dark chocolate thins the blood and performs the same anti-clotting activity as aspirin.