Blood thinner meds have contributed to a significant reduction of blood clot formation, that’s for sure. They reduce coagulation and lower the risk of blood clotting.
These meds are known as antiplatelets and anticoagulants. Even though blood thinners don’t really change or thin out the blood’s viscosity, they can avert clotting and this is vital for the protection from heart attacks and strokes.
In addition to meds, there are also effective natural blood thinners. These substances help lower the blood’s formation of clots. The substances range from supplements to spices, for example, Ginkgo biloba and ginger.
But, there are so many others that can help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks when added to your diet.
What Is the Reason for Blood Clots?
Blood clots or thrombuses are gel-like masses that are created when the components of the blood like fibrin and platelets combine and become solid inside a blood vessel.
A blood clot forms when the coagulation balance is disrupted. Clots start to form inside the blood vessels and this causes an obstructed blood flow. A blood clot significantly increases the risk of severe health problems like strokes, pulmonary embolism, and heart attacks.
The risk of blood clots is higher in people with certain medical issues like atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
There are other contributing factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, genetics, surgeries, hormones, age, gender, and trauma.
Natural Blood Thinners That Help Lower the Risk of Blood Clots Naturally
- Turmeric
For a long period of time, people have used turmeric for medicinal and culinary purposes. Its active ingredient known as curcumin has anti-inflammatory characteristics as well as anticoagulant or blood-thinning ones.
Always use it with caution if you combine it with blood-thinning medications.
To use it, add the spice to soups and dishes, combine it with warm water to prepare a nourishing tea, or opt for supplements in capsule form.
Whichever option you choose, always consult your physician first!
- Garlic
In a 2018 study done with mice, garlic was found to possess an anti-thrombotic property that may help avert blood clotting.
In another 2020 review, garlic supplements lowered blood pressure and had a mild antithrombotic effect on individuals with high blood pressure.
To use it, add it fresh or dried in savory meals, add chopped garlic to bread dough prior to baking, or add it via capsules as a supplement.
- Cayenne pepper
Rich in salicylates, cayenne pepper is said to help with blood thinning, though science hasn’t backed up its blood-thinning characteristics yet.
If you wish to add it to your diet, you can use it to spice up stews and soups, sprinkle it on top of eggs or other dishes, or consume it in supplement form with prior consultation with your physician.
- Ginger
This anti-inflammatory spice may be of aid in the prevention of blood clotting. According to a 2015 literature review, ginger may be effective at this by lowering thromboxane, a hormone that causes platelet aggregation.
Ginger is also rich in salicylates, substances that give the blood thinning characteristics of aspirin.
To use it, add it dried or fresh in savory and sweet dishes, chop and steep it in boiling water to make tea, combine it with homemade juices and smoothies, and opt for supplements in consultation with your doctor!
- Cassia cinnamon
Cinnamon has coumarin which has blood-thinning properties. And, warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, comes from coumarin.
When you consume cinnamon in small amounts, you can support the activity of other natural blood-thinning agents.
Additional research is necessary. Also, higher doses of cinnamon rich in coumarin taken long-term increase the risk of liver damage so you need to be cautious!
To add cinnamon to your diet, combine it with other spices in savory meals, or consume them in supplement form in consultation with your physician.
- Ginkgo biloba
In a study, ginkgo biloba was found to contain compounds effective at blocking thrombin which is an enzyme that causes blood clotting.
It’s a popular herbal supplement that’s given to people with memory issues and blood disorders.
More research is needed to learn more about its effects on blood clotting. This extract comes in tablet and capsule form, but always consult your physician before you start taking it.
7. Bromelain
The enzyme of pineapples may possess anti-inflammatory characteristics and it may play a role in the prevention of heart diseases.
In a study from 2016, bromelain added to samples of blood elevated the time needed for the blood to clot. But, injecting the bromelain in a small number of laboratory mice didn’t have the same effect so additional research is pivotal.
If you wish to consume it, add pineapple to your regular diet and consult your physician about bromelain supplements and whether you would benefit from them or not.
Sources: