Our blood naturally clots to save us from bleeding excessively. However, it’s also something that can increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke — a blood clot can form and cut off the supply of oxygenated blood to the heart, muscle or brain. This is why sometimes blood thinning drugs are prescribed by doctors.
Unfortunately, these drugs that help keep blood clots from forming can come with a host of side effects. Some of them are headaches, dizziness, stomach pain and jaundice. Of course there is this risk of bleeding too much when there’s a wound, which can also put the individual’s life in peril just like a heart attack and stroke can.
It’s because of the unfavorable side effects associated with the intake of blood thinning drugs why so many people are looking for some all-natural ways to ward off blood clots. Below you will come across those that are proven to help keep the blood thin to make it less likely for those dangerous blood clots to form.
But just like when trying out any other home remedy for a number of health issues, make sure that you talk to your doctor about your plan on beating blood clots naturally, especially if you are already taking blood thinning drugs — they can boost the effect of blood thinners, causing your blood to end up excessively thin.
Garlic
We all know that garlic can make anything it is added to more savory. Did you know that this very common culinary herb is an excellent thinner of the blood? If you are not fond of the taste and smell of garlic, you may simply take garlic supplements — they’re just as effective as swallowing a number of fresh garlic cloves throughout the day.
Turmeric
Curry’s characteristic yellow color is courtesy of turmeric, which you can count on if you want to keep heart attack and stroke at bay. According to scientists, turmeric has the ability to keep platelets — components of the blood involved in clotting — from coming together and forming a clot that can endanger your life.
Ginger
Since it is related to turmeric, it doesn’t come as a surprise why ginger is also very good at fending off a blood clot. Yes, this highly popular home remedy for indigestion and acid reflux is an excellent thinner of the blood, too. One of the simplest ways to incorporate ginger into your diet is by taking it in tea form.
Pineapple
There is an enzyme in pineapples that makes these tropical fruits capable of lowering a person’s risk of ending up with a heart attack or stroke, and that is bromelain. Revered for its phenomenal antioxidant properties, bromelain is said to prevent platelets from clumping together and forming a blood clot.
Oily Fish
If you want to keep your blood thin, consider including more fish in your diet. Make sure that you go for the oiliest ones that you can find because they pack the most omega-3 fatty acids — healthy fats that are capable of keeping the blood from becoming thick, which is what promotes a blood clot to form.
Avocados
Just like oily fish, avocados supply your body with omega-3 fatty acids. This only means that welcoming these fruits into your life can help in keeping your blood thin. Scientists say that avocados also contain salicylate, a chemical naturally existing in some plants that has the ability to prevent the formation of a blood clot.
Water
Are you aware that dehydration is something that can cause your blood to become thick, thus increasing the likelihood of a blood clot forming? It’s for this reason why you should drink plenty of water every day — about 2 liters or 8 cups — if you want to keep your blood thin and your risk of heart attack and stroke considerably reduced.
