There are various methods to treat blood clots, including medications and dietary changes. Natural remedies may also be beneficial.
A healthy diet can lower your risk for blood clots, heart disease and stroke. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids in particular may help to prevent these occurrences.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that can be taken to help prevent blood clots. It may also be used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Gingko biloba contains high levels of antioxidants, which protect your body from free radicals that can harm cells and increase your risk for cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, these compounds improve blood flow to the brain and may reduce blood clots.
Research has demonstrated that dizziness (vertigo) can be reduced for people with balance disorders. Unfortunately, it does not appear to improve memory or thinking skills in elderly individuals nor reduce the risk of heart disease.
Ginkgo should not be taken if you have a history of internal bleeding or are on blood-thinning medications. Additionally, it may interact with both prescription and non-prescription drugs, so consult your doctor prior to beginning ginkgo therapy.
Leafy green vegetables
Dark leafy green vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other essential nutrients that support various bodily systems. According to the United States Department of Agriculture guidelines for adults, they should consume between one 1/2 to two cups of leafy greens weekly.
Leafy green vegetables are also packed with the nutrient vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting.
Kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, arugula, broccoli and chard are all excellent sources of this nutrient. Other foods high in vitamin K include egg yolks, some nuts, soybean oil, canola oil and certain vegetable oils.
To keep your greens fresh, rinse them under cold running tap water and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until use. Make sure to wash your hands before handling any fresh leafy greens.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an effective natural remedy for blood clots. It helps keep platelets from clumping together, thus preventing the formation of new clots.
Additionally, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce pain and swelling throughout the body. It may even be beneficial in relieving arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Add turmeric to your diet in several ways. Cook with it, sip on hot tea made from turmeric or take supplements containing this powerful spice.
Studies have demonstrated that turmeric can reduce inflammation in the body. It also prevents plaque buildup in arteries and keeps cholesterol levels under control.
Ginger
If you suffer from a condition which increases the risk of blood clots, ginger could be an effective natural remedy. It contains salicylates – naturally occurring chemicals which have been known to help prevent such occurrences.
Also, cinnamon has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties which may reduce the risk of clotting. These substances are found in various foods like cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper and garlic.
Studies have suggested that ginger may help prevent and treat blood clots, though more research is needed to determine whether it’s as effective as prescription medicines. It is especially important to consult your doctor before taking ginger as it interacts with many medications such as blood thinners and diabetes medications.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has many health benefits, one of which being its ability to prevent blood clots. This spice contains coumarin, an active compound which acts as a natural anticoagulant.
Cinnamon extracts possess powerful antioxidants, helping reduce free radical damage and slow the aging process.
This antioxidant power is believed to be due to several compounds present in bark, such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid.
Cinnamon comes in two forms, cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon (known as ‘true’ cinnamon). Cassia contains more of the compound coumarin than Ceylon, which may lead to liver damage if consumed in large amounts.