Blood thinners or anticoagulants inhibit platelet blood cells from clotting. Natural blood thinners from dietary sources can also lower blood vessel inflammation and C-reactive proteins that can help to lower blood pressure while keeping blood flow moving strong. Those that are currently being treated for cardiovascular concerns or are hoping to manage their cardiovascular health in a more natural way can turn to natural blood thinning foods to help get the effects they need.
There are four types of natural blood thinning foods, those high in vitamin E, those that contain salicylates, those that contain natural antibiotics and those that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
| Natural Blood Thinners | Description |
|---|---|
| Salicylates |
Salicylates block vitamin K to naturally thin the blood, increasing the blood circulation thus increasing the metabolism. These are often referred to as “warming spices” because of the increase in circulation that can raise your overall body temperature. One of the most common salicylates on the market is aspirin.
|
| Vitamin E |
Vitamin E helps to prevent over-oxidization that can promote healthy bodily responses. Vitamin E rich foods include Swiss chard, mustard greens, spinach, almonds, kale, collard greens, red bell peppers, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, wheat and vegetable oils. |
| Omega- 3 Fatty Acids |
Omega-3 fatty acids can work to lower cholesterol levels and can help to distract blood clots. Fish are known for having high amounts of omega-3s. But omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in items like canola oil, flax seed oil, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. |
| Natural Antibiotics |
Long term antibiotic use has been linked to thinning of the blood. Some foods such as onions, jicama, garlic, tree ear and olive oil have natural antibiotic properties that can bring on these effects. |
There are also a number of substances that can be used as a natural blood thinner to encourage overall cardiovascular health.
| Natural Blood Thinners | Description |
|---|---|
| Water
|
Water is considered one of the most effective blood thinners available. The blood tends to thicken and clump when the body is dehydrated, so getting an ½ ounce of water for every pound of body weight each day can help to keep your blood running smoothly. |
| Alcohol
|
Alcohol consumption can aggravate and activate platelets, causing the blood to resemble that of individuals who have a vitamin K deficiency or fetal alcohol syndrome. |
| Exercise
|
High amounts of vigorous exercise will lower vitamin K levels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, vitamin K levels and hypestrogenism that can thin the blood. Those that tend to remain stationary for long periods of time, in contrast, become a risk for blood clotting. |
| Sunshine
|
Exposure to the sun can help to improve circulation and thin the blood. This is believed to be caused by the vitamin D that the body synthesizes when exposed to the sun. Ayurvedic scholars have been noting sun exposure as a means to thin the blood for many years. |
