Blood circulation in the human body ensures the normal functioning of all organs and systems. Cells cannot live without nutrients and oxygen; it is blood that is one of the "connecting threads" that bind the entire body into one. Many factors influence the increase in viscosity and increase blood clotting.
The blood becomes thick with a lack of fluid, with inflammatory processes in the body, deficiency of vitamins and trace elements, intoxication, problems with metabolism. This is not the whole list of causes of thick blood in the bloodstream. Thickening of the blood provokes stretching of the walls of blood vessels, the formation of blood clots and associated diseases. Let's look at blood-thinning foods, and what products and vitamins or minerals will help reduce blood viscosity.
Why blood thickens and why thin it
The state of the cardiovascular system primarily depends on the state of the blood. If it hardly flows through the vessels, accumulates, stretching the walls of the vessels, an additional load on the heart is created, and the organs do not receive the necessary amount of nutrition. That is, the main function of the blood is disturbed: transport. Blood cannot thicken just like that, certain reasons contributed to this.
Causes of blood clots:
- Lack of fluid in the body – when there is a shortage of water to provide vital organs (brain, liver), the body takes it from the bloodstream, so the blood becomes more viscous. As a result, the walls of blood vessels stretch, become less elastic and brittle.
- Taking medications (uncontrolled) – in order for the medicine to be distributed throughout the body, a larger amount of liquid is required, therefore, if a person does not drink enough water, the body becomes dehydrated and the blood thickens.
- Hypoxia – lack of oxygen – when the lack of oxygen also interferes with blood circulation and transport of nutrients.
- Intoxication with dysbacteriosis – improper bowel function leads to saturation of the blood with poisons and toxins.
- Bad habits – alcohol and smoking lead to dehydration and increased blood clotting.
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Under such unfavorable conditions, the development of many diseases endangers human life.
What diseases develop due to excessively thick blood:
- atherosclerosis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- varicose veins;
- heart attack;
- angina pectoris;
- hypertension;
- ischemic heart disease.
Blood that is too viscous and thick increases hydrodynamic peripheral resistance, impedes circulation, the heart cannot cope with pumping such blood, and blood circulation slows down, which increases the risk of blockage. Therefore, it is important to take not only funds, but also products that thin the blood. This normalizes blood flow in the direction of its acceleration and facilitates the work of the heart muscle.
Substances capable of thinning the blood and reducing viscosity
When thrombophlebitis forms, blood clots accumulate on the inside of the veins. In this disease, it is very useful to use vitamin P. A number of substances belong to the vitamin P group — flavonoids that have the ability (especially in combination with ascorbic acid) to reduce the permeability and fragility of capillary vessels. Bvitamin P is found in:
- sea buckthorn,
- cherry,
- lingonberry,
- cranberry,
- hawthorn,
- rose hips,
- blackcurrant.
Flavonoids are able to strengthen blood vessels and thin the blood, facilitating its circulation through the veins. And also these substances are able to dissolve the formed blood clots and restore the elasticity of blood vessels.
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Also useful for too thick blood are coumarins found in the bark, roots and some fruits of plants. Contains coumarins:
- red capsicum,
- chamomile and clover flowers,
- celery,
- horseradish root,
- parsley.
People who are prone to persistent blood clots are prescribed lifelong aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
With atherosclerosis, the walls of the arteries lose their elasticity, become too rigid due to the settling of blood clots, fat and calcium salts.
Vitamin A is included in the necessary vitamin supplements for vascular atherosclerosis. The vitamin thins the blood and maintains its moderate viscosity. Found in parsley, tomatoes, green peas, red peppers and yellow fruits, especially persimmons.
Vitamin E can clear the bloodstream of clots. It promotes the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, and also participates in the absorption of fats.
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Blood thinners: a list of what to consume
Remember these blood thinning foods, they should be consumed regularly.
Important! Avoid excessive consumption of blood thinners and drugs specifically designed to reduce blood viscosity. Otherwise, instead of thickening, the opposite effect will occur – the blood will become too thin, leading to bleeding and a stroke.
Blood thinning products:
- water (clean, drinking, not boiled);
- green tea;
- blueberries;
- raspberry and its juice;
- tomatoes;
- celery juice;
- pepper of different varieties;
- onion;
- garlic;
- ginger root;
- sunflower seeds;
- pumpkin seeds;
- walnuts;
- olive oil;
- lemon;
- cranberry;
- wheat bran.
Do not take medications and blood-thinning products at the same time! Consult with a specialist about diet and supplementation.
To prevent any jumps in the state of the bloodstream, you should use the most diverse products from the category of useful ones and reduce the intake of semi-finished products.
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