What foods contribute to blood thinning and thickening, is it possible to do without treatment.
- Why does blood thicken?
- Top 9 Blood Thinning Foods
- What foods thicken the blood
- Expert commentary
Victoria Eliseeva, nutritionist, endocrinologist of the Family clinic network;
Galina Kudryasheva, dermatologist, nutritionist, specialist in preventive anti-aging medicine.
Why does blood thicken and is it necessary to thin it?
The ability of blood to clot is a protective function of the body that helps stop bleeding from cuts and injuries. When blood vessels are damaged, blood clots appear in them, preventing blood loss.
Blood itself consists of plasma, the liquid base, and the cells it carries around the body. Plasma can become too thin if there is a deficiency of red blood cells, and too thick if there is an excess of them. With increased viscosity, blood circulation is difficult.
If the blood becomes too thick, the resulting clots can be dangerous. Many diseases contribute to their formation, including coronavirus infection, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders and some types of cancer.
Only a doctor can determine whether a person has problems with blood clotting, find the causes and prescribe medications based on tests. In some cases, serious treatment is necessary, but sometimes it is enough balance your diet and reconsider your lifestyle.
What foods thin the blood: TOP-9
People with certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, need to take blood thinners on a regular basis to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. These medications come in two forms: antiplatelet drugs, which prevent blood clots from forming, and anticoagulants, which reduce blood clotting.
Some products have similar properties, but it is important to consider the conditions of their absorption by the body and consult a doctor if taking medications. Sometimes blood-thinning products interfere with the healing effect or enhance it, which can also worsen the health condition.
1. Water
Before you update your grocery shopping list, consider drinking regime. Sufficient amount of clean water is the primary factor of blood health, the plasma of which is 93% water. Research confirms that proper water balance affects the reduction of the risk of coronary heart disease, even in the elderly, smokers and those suffering from hypertension (1).
In addition, you should avoid drinks that reduce the body's hydration – first of all alcohol. The less fluid in the organs and cells, the higher the risk of blood clots.
2. Foods rich in vitamin E
Vitamin E — a natural anticoagulant (2). Its overdose is possible only when taking dietary supplements, so it is better to concentrate on natural products rich in this substance. Most vitamin E is found in vegetable oils and nuts (especially pine nuts, peanuts and almonds), salmon, as well as in vegetables and fruits — broccoli, kiwi, mango, avocado and bell peppers. Vitamin E should be combined with vitamin K to avoid the risk of bleeding.
Galina Kudryasheva recommends eating fish to thin the blood: “Fatty fish – varieties such as salmon, mackerel and sardines – are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce blood viscosity and protect blood vessels from inflammation.”
Omega-3 is also found in vegetable oils, which help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol.
3. Dried fruits and nuts
Combination of vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Walnuts, raisins, prunes, and dried cherries are especially effective (3). Keep in mind that nuts and dried fruits are very high in calories, so they should be consumed in moderation.
4. Berries
Many berries thin the blood and have an antithrombotic effect. (4). If possible, add blackcurrants, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, viburnum and blackberries to your diet. These berries also contain a lot of vitamin C and are good for the immune system. Some types of berries – viburnum, cranberries, cherries, blueberries – can increase hemoglobin levels due to the content of tannins – phenolic compounds of plant origin.
5. Fruits and vegetables with salicylates
Salicylates are substances that reduce blood clotting and can prevent thrombosis (5) They are found in abundance in cucumbers, tomatoes, dill, apricots, dates, melon, red grapes, tangerines, nectarines, kiwi, watermelon, plums, green and red grapes, mango and passion fruit.
6. Spices
The spice has many health benefits: it can lower LDL cholesterol, boost immunity, and speed up metabolism. It also helps thin the blood due to its high levels of salicylates. (6) Try adding cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry, dill, ginger, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme, garlic and turmeric to your usual dishes. This will not only diversify your usual diet, but also maintain the health of your heart and blood vessels.
Cover — also an anticoagulant. It is important to remember the measure, since an excess of the spice can lead to liver dysfunction. Chinese cassia, containing coumarin, has the same effect as cinnamon, but is a more powerful remedy. Ginger contains salicylate, the basis for the production of acetylsalicylic acid. It is also abundant in cayenne pepper.
Galina Kudryasheva notes that Ginger contains gingerol, which improves circulation and prevents clotting.
7. Garlic
Victoria Eliseeva also says that garlic is good for thinning the blood, so the American Academy of Family Physicians even advises stopping taking garlic powder and the product itself 7-10 days before any surgery.
8. Med
You should be especially careful with this product due to the risk of increasing blood glucose levels. This can cause microdamage to the walls of blood vessels, which contributes to the formation of blood clots. However, honey contains many salicylates, water-soluble vitamins, including vitamin C, and 30+ minerals. (7).
9. Pomegranate juice
Victoria Eliseeva says that pomegranate juice has several beneficial properties in terms of reducing blood viscosity:
- lowers blood sugar levels;
- lowers the level of “bad” cholesterol;
- contains a large amount of iron, which increases hemoglobin;
- reduces blood viscosity and dissolves clots.
It is not recommended to consume more than half a medium pomegranate per day or 50 ml of juice. Depending on the concentration of juice, its daily norm should not exceed 200 ml per day. When consuming pomegranates, as well as other products with a high ability to thin the blood, it is necessary to refuse anticoagulants in any form.
What foods thicken the blood
If the blood is too thick, in addition to adding products from the previous list, it is worth considering eliminating or limiting the amount of substances that contribute to its thickening. First of all, pay attention to Vitamin K in the diet – it prevents blood thinning (8). Vitamin K1 is abundant in green leafy vegetables, especially cabbage, spinach, parsley and broccoli, and K2 is found in animal products: chicken, pork, hard and soft cheeses, egg yolk.
You should also avoid frequent consumption of starchy foods – potatoes and rice, which contribute to an increase in glucose levels, causing the blood to become more viscous.
An important factor in maintaining the health of the circulatory system is adequate physical activity. Training, everyday activities and even regular walking prevent the risk of thrombosis, forcing the blood…
