Thrombosis Prevention with Nutrition

Among the various symptoms of COVID-19, thrombosis is a life-threatening condition that increases the risk of death in COVID-19 patients.

Thrombosis occurs when blood clots block your blood vessels. There are two types of thrombosis: Arterial and Venous Thrombosis. 

Endothelial cells in our body are responsible for maintaining the clotting mechanism. Once damaged by a coronavirus, they cannot function properly but promote blood clots in our bodies.

In addition, when the immune system is working to fight off coronavirus, it promotes the production of inflammatory molecules, as a side effect. The increased inflammatory molecules in our body can also activate blood clotting factors.

Who May Develop Thrombosis

People with Damaged Vascular Endothelium

Certain health issues and unhealthy habits may cause vascular endothelial damage. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic inflammation, overactive immune response, anemia, and smoking may significantly impair the vascular endothelium and result in blood components adhering to the damaged endothelial surface and thrombosis development.

        People with Coagulation Dysfunction 

Coronavirus can produce antibodies against platelets, causing the formation of blood clotting. Thrombosis consumes platelets, resulting in an overall platelet reduction.

         People with Increased blood viscosity

Blood viscosity is the measure of blood flow resistance. It can be described as the thickness, or stickiness of blood. Recent studies showed that the blood viscosity of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is relatively high.

          People with Insufficient cardio exercises

Cardio exercises such as brisk walking, running, jogging, swimming and cycling promote blood circulation. It also provides energy to the heart, the powerhouse of our entire body, and aids prevention of thrombosis. Lack of cardio exercises can lead to poor heart health and blood clotting issues.

Seven Foods for Blood Clot Prevention

For centuries, people from both the East and West learned to use food to help prevent, treat, and even reverse many chronic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine called food healing “Food Medicine”.

Certain foods can be effective for certain diseases. The following seven foods are especially helpful for blood clot prevention.

Turmeric

Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric.  It helps prevent thrombosis and ease thrombosis pain.

Garlic

The sulfur components in garlic can help dissolve blood clots. Garlic can also relax and dilate blood vessels, smooth muscles, and lower blood pressure.

Cayenne Red Pepper

Rich in salicylic acid, the spicy Cayenne Red Peppers can help promote blood circulation and prevent thrombosis. Salicylic acid can also help clear fat deposits on the blood vessels, dilate blood vessels and reduce pain.

Arjuna Bark

Arjuna Bark, famous food in India, is known for its effectiveness in treating heart disease. According to Ayurveda, the Traditional Indian Medicine, Arjuna Bark can be used to strengthen the heart and cardiac muscles and blood circulation, and improve the heart’s function to pump the blood through the entire human body.  

Arjuna Bark helps fight inflammation, prevents thrombosis, and lowers cholesterol.

Flax seeds and Chia seeds

Both flaxseeds and Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids that are helpful to reduce blood clots and promote blood circulation. 

Flaxseed can also help reduce the platelet aggregation and hardening of the blood vessel walls, while Chia seeds are natural blood thinner. Adding flaxseeds and Chia seeds to our diet will be very beneficial to our heart health.

Japanese Natto

Similar to the Chinese tempeh, Japanese Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It contains a high volume of probiotics. The rich nattokinase component in Japanese Natto can help break down prothrombin, dissolve the formed thrombus, and decrease the risk of thrombosis.

Ginger

Like turmeric, ginger is high in salicylic acid. Aspirin, a commonly recommended over-the-counter medication is synthesized from salicylic acid. Salicylic acid aids the prevention of strokes and coronary heart disease. Other foods containing salicylic acid are avocados, cherries, strawberries, and blueberries.

In addition to the 7 foods mentioned above,  combining a  balanced diet (including fish, turkey, fruits, green vegetables, oats, nuts, and beans ) with an active lifestyle including sufficient cardio exercises will benefit our heart health and help prevent thrombosis and blood vessels contraction.

Consult Your Doctor

Please keep in mind that If you have already experienced thrombosis and are taking medications, these foods cannot replace your current medications, and they may even have a synergistic effect with your current medications. Therefore, you should discuss with your doctor and follow your doctor’s guidance.

About Yang Institute

Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine focuses on Mental and Brain Health, Pain Management, Chronic Illnesses, and Aging, through the application of a holistic, natural and scientifically-based approach, while helping people depend less on the use of medications that cause serious side effects.

“ I started to follow Dr. Yang’s treatment protocol (including nutrients) religiously, and two years later, I am drug-free and symptom-free.” – Steve S