The Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Diet that Prevents Blood Clots, According to Expert

Blood clotting is a crucial biological process that keeps us from losing excessive amounts of blood. Yet, blood clots that fail to dissolve naturally can become hazardous. The danger lies in the potential for these clots to break off and migrate to essential organs, disrupting the blood flow to these areas.

These errant clots can result in severe, life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms.

However, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the probability of clot formation. One significant method is dietary management.

Sasha Watkins, a Dietitian and Chief Science Officer at Field Doctor, recently spoke to Express.co.uk on how diet can be leveraged to mitigate the risk of blood clots.

Watkins emphasizes that while dietary modifications can certainly help, they cannot replace the consideration of other major risk factors for clot formation.

“It’s important to acknowledge that while there are some foods you can eat more of, as well as others you can avoid, to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot, there are several other risk factors that can increase your risk of developing a blood clot, which outweigh any changes implemented to your diet.”

The relation between inflammation and clotting is one such factor – a reduction in inflammation can decrease the activity of the body’s natural anticoagulant mechanisms. Consequently, food that mitigates inflammation should be prioritized in the diet.

There is a need for more comprehensive research on the correlation between specific foods and inflammation. However, preliminary studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and fish, can provide protection against inflammation-associated conditions.

For individuals at an elevated risk of blood clots, Watkins suggests adopting this diet, as it’s simple and contains food items high in flavonoids.

“For those who are at a greater risk of developing a blood clot, eating foods that contain flavonoids can also be beneficial in reducing the risk of a clot – as they decrease inflammation.”

These flavonoids may help reduce clot formation as they decrease inflammation.

Specifically, Watkins suggests increasing the intake of three food categories prevalent in a Mediterranean diet:

Whole grains Nuts Fruits Whole grains can be incorporated into the diet through items such as quinoa, whole grain pasta and bread, oatmeal, and whole grain brown or wild rice.

Additionally, losing weight, if overweight, is another method to reduce the risk of clot formation.

“It’s well researched that being overweight can put you at an increased risk of clotting, so following a diet which encourages weight loss and lowering your BMI can help reduce your risk.”

Watkins also points out that risk factors for clotting extend beyond dietary habits and include physical inactivity, pregnancy, specific medications like birth control pills, and genetic predispositions.

It’s critical to remember that diet alone cannot completely negate the risk of blood clots.

The CDC outlines symptoms of a blood clot as throbbing or cramping pain, swelling, redness, warmth in a leg or arm, sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (particularly when inhaling), cough, or coughing up blood.

If you observe any of these symptoms, immediately consult with your healthcare provider.

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