If you have a blood clotting tendency, your diet may be able to lower your chances of developing blood clots. Anticoagulant foods are also beneficial for those who are on bed rest, since long periods of inactivity increase the likelihood of clots. This also applies to pregnant women, who are more prone to blood clots due to increased blood flow. If you take anticoagulant medicine, consult your doctor before taking supplements that prevent blood clots.
About Blood Clots
Blood clots can be serious when left untreated. If blood clots get loose and travel to a major organ, such as the lungs, they may even cause death. Blood clots are most common in persons who are immobile for long periods of time. Other causes of blood clots include obesity, varicose veins, blood clotting genetic conditions and surgery. Blood clots commonly develop in the legs. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain and warmth on the site of the clot.
Nutrient Supplements
One key to preventing blood clots is to maintain healthy blood volume. When blood volume is too high or inconsistent, there is a higher chance of clotting. This is why pregnant women, who have much higher blood volume than non-pregnant women, often experience blood clots. According to the Thrombophilia Awareness Project, protein, B-vitamins, folic acid and magnesium all contribute to healthy blood flow. Although these nutrients are found in foods and should be obtained from diet whenever possible, you might also want to take a supplement to ensure adequate intake.
Anticoagulant Foods
Garlic and ginger have been used as anticoagulants since ancient times. According to the American Cancer Society, recent studies have shown that garlic may reduce the chances of developing blood clots and may even prevent stroke and heart disease. Ginger is another anticoagulant food. Its ability to inhibit blood-clotting enzymes is comparable to that of aspirin, according to Vitamin Research Products. Grape juice and turmeric, a spice often used in Indian cooking, are two other common anticoagulant foods.
Herbal Supplements
Some herbal supplements may also help to reduce the likelihood of developing clots. Ginkgo biloba, for example, contains terpenoids, which dilate blood vessels and lessen blood stickiness. This increases circulation, which reduces the clotting tendency. Ginseng is another herbal supplement that lessens the chances of clotting. It also functions by making the blood less sticky and less prone to stick together. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using either ginseng or ginkgo biloba.
References
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots
- Thrombophilia Awareness Project: Midwifery Conference Handouts
- American Cancer Society: Garlic
- Vitamin Research Products: Ginger, Turmeric and Other Natural Anti-Coagulants
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- Cebu Doctor's University: Ginseng
