Thin blood doesn’t really mean that your blood is lacking cells and is any thinner; rather, it infers that your blood platelet cells don't readily stick together and initiate the process of coagulation, which is also known as blood clotting. Some medications, such as Coumadin, inhibit the function of vitamin K, which is essential for clotting. Chlorophyll contributes to normal blood clotting because it's a rich source of vitamin K. Supplementing with chlorophyll may affect blood thinning medications, so consult with your doctor before embarking on a supplemental regiment.
Thin Blood
Your blood consists of about 55 percent plasma, which carries nutrients, hormones and carbon dioxide, and about 45 percent cells, according to the book “Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach.” Cells within the blood include red blood cells, which carry oxygen, white blood cells, which are the main cells of your immune system, and platelet cells. Platelets cells are needed for blood clotting and wound healing, but are dependent on certain nutrients -- especially vitamin K-- to function properly. Your blood is considered “thin” when the platelet cells don't congregate and form clots.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is used by your body to catalyze glutamic acid into gamma-carboxyglutamic acid, which causes platelet cells to become “sticky” when there's an injury to a blood vessel, according to the book “Human Biochemistry.” Platelet cell congregation initiates the coagulation cascade, which is the process of clot formation and wound healing. Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but some foods and medications inhibit its function, which leads to heavy bleeding with cuts, nosebleeds and menstruation, easy bruising, longer healing rates and increased risks of anemia due to the loss of red blood cells.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in all green plants and the main compound responsible for photosynthesis, which is the process of converting certain frequencies of sunlight into usable forms of energy. Chlorophyll is composed similarly to human blood and is functionally analogous as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chlorophyll is rich in vitamin K and is the most common form of vitamin K found over-the-counter. Supplemental chlorophyll is available in tablet, capsule and liquid forms.
Natural Blood Thinners
Chlorophyll isn't a natural blood thinner, but other foods can be, especially those containing salicylate compounds, such as nuts, most spices and some citrus fruits. Foods rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids also inhibit the blood clotting process. Some green foods can also thin your blood, but it’s not due to the chlorophyll. According to the book “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine,” spirulina and some other plant-based foods contain a compound called phycocyanin, which prevents blood platelet aggregation. If you're on a medication containing warfarin, such as Coumadin, ask your doctor for a list of foods to avoid.
References
- Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach; Dee Silverthorn and William Ober
- Human Biochemistry; Charles Dreiling
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K Overview
- Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine; Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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