For many people, thick blood, or blood that clots too easily, can put them at risk of cardiac complications or a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, if you have an artificial heart or atrial fibrillation, or have had a recent stroke or heart attack, your physician might suggest you take anticoagulants to thin your blood. If your condition is severe, you may need to be prescribed medications like Coumadin; however, in many cases your physician may recommend an aspirin a day or supplementation with fish oil.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is exactly what it sounds like. It is the oil from the flesh of fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout and sturgeon, and is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to the National Institutes of Health, each 3.5-oz. serving of one of these fish provides one gram of omega-3. Fish oil found in supplement form is often combined with various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and vitamins A, B, C, D and E. Fish oil works as a natural blood-thinning agent, but is also used to lower high triglycerides, ease joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis and lower blood pressure.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a medication that is sold over the counter or by prescription. According to the National Institutes of Health, aspirin is used as a pain reliever and reduces inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus and other rheumatologic conditions. It is used to reduce fever and relieve pain from headaches, colds, toothaches and menstrual periods. Aspirin is a salicylate and works as a blood thinner in preventing clots and is taken as a preventive measure by patients who have suffered previous strokes.
Benefits of Aspirin and Fish Oil
A low dose of aspirin is often prescribed for its blood-thinning properties, but its ability to relieve pain and fever is an added benefit in these cases. Fish oil, in addition to its natural blood-thinning properties, has many additional health benefits such as lowered triglycerides, a type of fat in the bloodstream; treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus; as well as reducing blood pressure. A 2011 study published in the "Journal of Pharmacy Practice" looked at fish oil as it relates to cardiovascular health. It showed that the benefits of fish oil included anti-platelet activity, lowering of triglycerides and total cholesterol, an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; it improved the morbidity rates and mortality in patients with heart failure. A 2011 study published in "Orvosi Hetilap" showed the connection with the supplementation of cod liver fish oil and a reduction in vitamin D deficiency and risk for autoimmune disease.
Precautions and Considerations
While both aspirin and fish oil provide blood-thinning properties and other health benefits, there are considerations that need to be addressed. Before adding either option to your regular diet, consult with your physician as each can interact with other medications and create a greater risk of thinning the blood too much. If your physician does recommend fish oil or aspirin for blood thinning, discuss your regular diet with your doctor. Some foods high in vitamin K, such as kale or spinach, act to thicken the blood and will counteract the fish oil and aspirin. If you have a seafood allergy, you need to consult with your physician before taking fish oil supplements. Because they are made from fish, many people can experience an allergic reaction to the supplements.
References
- American Heart Associatio; Anticoagulation; February 14, 2011
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; February 24, 2011
- MedlinePlus; Aspirin; March 16, 2011
- "Journal of Pharmacy Practice"; Fish Oil: What Is the Role in Cardiovascular Health?; BE Brinson and S. Miller; June 6, 2011
- "Orvosi Hetilap"; Cod Liver Oil. A Natural Vitamin D for Preserving Health; J. Feher et al.; Febraury 27, 2011
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