In most cases, when we fall sick or encounter any health issue, we opt for prescribed medications and drugs.
Do you know that several natural foods and herbs can actually trigger the healing process when consumed properly?
Some of them actually work as blood thinners and prevent blood clotting. But sometimes, when blood thickens too much – a condition called Polycythemia vera – it leads to health complications, including blood pressure. That’s why it is important to know how to keep the blood pressure in control by consuming natural foods and medicines together.
In order to know what green vegetables thin your blood and what fruit you should take to accelerate your blood thinning process, read today’s post in full.
Do Green Vegetables Thin Your Blood?
People suffering from the blood-thickening condition, Polycythemia vera, may require blood-thinning drugs to reduce stroke or heart attack risks. It’s important to take prescribed drugs to avert further complications.
Before you opt for natural remedies, consult your doctor and figure out if it is suitable for you or not.
If you want to get rid of Polycythemia vera, you must use vegetables and fruit that do not contain vitamin K, because vitamin K is a coagulant that triggers your blood to get thick by creating clots. That’s when Warfarin comes in handy which prevents the formation of blood clots in your body.
Green vegetables affect the quality of your blood depending on what vegetables you consume. Many vegetables contain a greater amount of vitamin K. For instance, one cup of Kale gives you 1054 mcg of vitamin K and a Brussels Sprout cup serves you with 156 mcg. Some green vegetables contain a lower amount of vitamin K. For instance, a cup of lettuce provides 13 mcg of vitamin K, and a cup of peas contains 36mcg of Vitamin K.
Natural Foods that help in thinning your Blood
If you’re dealing with multiple health problems, and – at the same time – concerned that you have been taking foods with high vitamin K content, it’s better to change your daily diet.
But as we have suggested before – it is important to ask your doctor prior to changing your diet routine. Because blood-thinning drugs are much more effective than any other natural remedy.
Natural foods that prevent your blood from thickening include:
- Vegetables: broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions
- Tree nuts: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, and pistachios
- Fruits: grapes, pineapple, grapefruits, berries, and pomegranates.
- Fish: herring, salmon, mackerel, trout, and albacore tuna
- Drinks: cranberry juice, grape juice, green tea, and pineapple juice
- Garlic
- Dark chocolate
Read on for some additional and useful information on natural blood thinners.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an antiseptic spice that is used as traditional medicine. A study conducted in 2012, concluded that curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric that acts as an anticoagulant (a substance that prevents blood clotting). It inhibits components that activate coagulation cascading and reduce the risk of clot formation.
Dong Quai
A Chinese herb that is also known as the female ginseng helps in reducing blood thickening. According to a report, Dong Quai actually lengthens the time of blood clotting (prothrombin time). This is because ‘coumarin’ that is also found in cinnamon, acts as an anticoagulant
Bromelain
Bromelain is actually an enzyme that is extracted from pineapple. It is considered as an effective remedy for patients suffering from high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
The enzyme prevents clot formation and blood thickening due to its inflammatory properties. Also, if someone is experiencing blood-related disorders, then consuming the bromelain enzyme will help in breaking down blood clots.
Take away
Several natural foods and ingredients may be effective in reducing blood clotting. But none of them work as effectively as the prescribed drugs do – for patients suffering from blood-related issues.
It is important for people, who use blood-thinning medicines, to consult their doctors and physicians before they switch to any natural remedy. Otherwise, the consequences may lead to blood getting too thin, thereby increasing the risk of heavy internal bleeding.