Today, we’re exploring natural ways to maintain healthy blood flow and prevent unwanted clotting. This knowledge is valuable if you want to prevent heart attacks, strokes, clots related to atrial fibrillation (Afib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and more. In this video, I’ll share eight nutrients and lifestyle tips that can help prevent and dissolve blood clots and promote better circulation.
First, let’s understand how your body’s clotting process works.
When you get a cut or injury, your body has a remarkable system to stop bleeding quickly, called the coagulation system. This system mainly uses two key components: platelets and fibrin.
Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that act like natural band-aids. When you’re injured, they rush to the cut and stick together, forming a temporary plug to slow bleeding. However, this platelet plug alone isn’t enough to completely stop blood loss. That’s where fibrin comes in.
Fibrin starts as a protein called fibrinogen that’s dissolved in your blood. When you’re injured, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which forms long, sticky strands. These strands weave through the platelet plug, creating a mesh-like structure that traps more blood cells and platelets. Think of it like this: if the platelets are bricks in a dam, fibrin is the cement that holds everything together, creating a strong barrier to stop blood flow.
However, while this process serves a critical function, it can also pose serious health risks when clots form abnormally or fail to dissolve as they should. In such cases, these undissolved clots can obstruct blood flow, leading to dangerous conditions.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. This can cause swelling and pain in the affected area. The real danger arises if a piece of the clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
Related: Top 12 Ways to Quickly Improve Blood Circulation In Legs
Blood clots also play a significant role in other serious cardiovascular events. In the case of a heart attack, a blood clot can block a coronary artery, cutting off blood supply to the heart muscle. Similarly, when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks an artery, it can cause a stroke by depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
Therefore, maintaining optimal blood flow is crucial – allowing clotting when necessary but preventing it when it’s not. While blood-thinning medications are often prescribed to manage this delicate balance, they can come with side effects, such as increased risk of bleeding and gastrointestinal issues.
As a result, many people seek natural alternatives. Fortunately, nature offers many options that can effectively help regulate blood consistency with minimal (if any) side effects. In the next segment, we’ll explore these natural options in detail, starting with the first of our eight key nutrients.
As always, this information is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Remember to consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you’re already on blood thinners, or have any existing health conditions.
Our first blood flow-boosting vitamin is Number 8. “Vitamin E”.
Vitamin E plays a crucial role in blood regulation, helping to maintain fluidity and acting as a powerful antioxidant. In this capacity, it protects blood vessels from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This protective action is vital for preserving the integrity of the vascular system, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation. To boost your Vitamin E intake, you can consume nutrient-rich foods like avocados, sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach. These foods not only provide essential nutrients but also promote overall blood vessel health. For those considering supplementation, the recommended dosage of Vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams per day, though obtaining nutrients from whole foods is generally preferable.
Related: Top 20 Best Foods To Prevent Blood Clots
The next natural clot-buster is Number 7. “Nattokinase”.
Nattokinase, a potent enzyme derived from natto (a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food), is prized for its clot-preventing capabilities. This enzyme has gained attention for its remarkable ability to support cardiovascular health, particularly in the dissolution of blood clots. Nattokinase works by breaking down fibrin, the protein that forms the mesh-like structure of blood clots. This action helps promote better blood flow and reduce the risk of clot-related complications. While the recommended dosage can vary, a common regimen is around 100 mg twice per day.
Interestingly, nattokinase is often combined with serrapeptase, an enzyme derived from silkworm intestinal bacteria. Serrapeptase complements nattokinase with its anti-inflammatory and protein-dissolving properties. It helps reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling while breaking down non-living tissues like scar tissue, mucus, and blood clots. This combination enhances the overall benefits for cardiovascular and circulatory health.
Related: 7 Nutrients To Remove Calcium Plaque From Your Arteries
