Thick blood has a higher tendency to clot and puts you at increased risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. If you are at risk, your doctor may prescribe you some specific medications, known as blood thinner, to prevent these health problems from occurring. Some foods can also make your blood thinner, although their effect is usually not as strong as medications. If you currently take blood thinners, consult your doctor before making changes to your diet or taking supplements because certain foods can interfere with your medications.
Cold-Water Fatty Fish
Cold-water fatty fish, which includes herring, salmon, tuna, halibut and mackerel, are the most concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can protect the health of your heart and other organs by reducing inflammation. Try to eat fish at least twice a week, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Omega-3 fats also have a blood thinning effect and should be used with caution if you are currently taking prescribed blood thinning medications.
Olive Oil and Nuts
Vitamin E has the potential of thinning your blood and could increase your risk of bleeding if you are currently taking blood thinners, especially if taken as a supplement form. Although foods rich in vitamin E can have a slight effect on the thickness of your blood, vitamin E-rich foods are less likely to be problematic. The best sources of vitamin are found in olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil, as well as in nuts, seeds and their butters.
Garlic
Many people consume garlic on a daily basis because they believe it can help prevent cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and reducing coagulation. Taking garlic supplements is not recommended if you are receiving therapies to reduce the thickness of your blood because your blood could become too thin and you risk bleeding. However, including some garlic in your foods on a regular basis could contribute to prevent your blood from being too thick and prone to clot.
Alcohol
Although alcohol has the ability to make your blood thinner, it should be consumed with moderation and with the advice of your doctor, especially if you are susceptible of developing or currently diagnosed with heart problems. The current recommendation is to limit your alcohol intake to no more than one to two drinks a day, whether your drink is a 12-oz. bottle of beer, 5-oz. glass of wine or 1.5-oz. serving of spirit or hard liquor, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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