Everything that exists exists in a constant state of balance. Sometimes that balance gets knocked out of whack.
Please note: I am not a doctor BUT because of recent events, this is what I’ve learned (and what I wish someone had explained to me 6 months ago).
What is a DVT?
A DVT, or “deep vein thrombosis,” is basically a blood clot. Heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolism…. These are all diseases caused by blood clots.
Specifically a DVT develops in a deep vein. Deep veins pump blood from the ends of your extremities (hands and feet), back to your lungs and heart for oxygenation and re-circulation. While gravity helps blood to flow down to the extremities, a complicated system of delicate valves help the deep veins pump blood back up against gravity. Since the deep veins in the legs lead straight up to the lungs, a leg DVT is a direct risk factor for a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs.
A DVT on its own is not a threat – but the threat can become deadly if a clot breaks off this larger clot and starts to travel.
At any point in time, a healthy body is in a state of stasis: creating clots and breaking down clots at a ratio relative of 1:1. If, for some reason, the body starts to build clots faster than it is able to break them down, then you’re at risk for a DVT (or a heart attack, or stroke, or pulmonary embolism, etc.).
Age, smoking and being overweight are, of course, risk factors, but SO IS BEING ATHLETIC. Athletes tend to have lower resting heart rates, which can fail to circulate blood effectively (while at rest), causing pooling of blood in certain areas and, possibly, clotting. You can have genetic risk factors or life style risk factors but the fact remains that, for whatever reason, if your body can’t break down clots as quickly as it forms them, you are then at risk.
Western medicine has a tendency to focus on fixing problems as they arise. In this regard, I lean towards an eastern approach: PREVENTION (see below). Granted, prevention isn’t always perfect either, and if you suspect you may already have an issue (redness, swelling, pain), seek a professional. And remember: symptoms vary from person to person. While one person may have the 3 classic symptoms indicating a potential issue, others may only have pain.
Treatment for existing blood clots is simple but confusing: warfarin therapy (an old-school medicine that thins the blood) is a favorite among physicians. Warfarin itself will not break down a clot – warfarin acts in such a way that it blocks the way the body metabolizes vitamin K and, theoretically, makes blood less susceptible to clotting so the body’s balance can tip towards breaking down clots faster than forming them.
The body is an amazing instrument – it *wants* to heal itself and repair damage – and if you give it the tools it needs (water, nutrients, balance, rest) it can accomplish some incredible things.
DIETARY PREVENTION
Through research I’ve discovered some foods thought to help the body by thinning the blood:
GARLIC – rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body and fight against cell-damaging free radicals, garlic works to thin the blood by decreasing blood pressure and platelet aggregation, helping the blood to flow more easily and not clump. Garlic can be used fresh, dried, aged or in oil.
VITAMIN E – Vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower and safflower; peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds; whole grains; and vegetables like spinach, carrots and avocados.
FISH OIL – Fish oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids and contains two of the most therapeutic: DHA and EPA. These essential fatty acids are readily absorbed by the body. They reduce the production of substances released during the inflammatory response, thereby preventing these substances from accumulating and sticking to the lining of arteries. This minimizes inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids act as a natural anti-coagulant by altering the ability of platelets in the blood to clump together.
SALICYLATES – found in many foods and in aspirin, this substance thins the blood by blocking the mechanism of vitamin K, a natural blood clotting factor. In addition, salicylates naturally reduce inflammation. Foods high in salicylates primarily include fruits and vegetables such as raisins, prunes, cherries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bilberries, grapes, tangerines, oranges and leafy greens. Salicylates are also present in vinegar, wine, peppermint, honey and cider.
GINGER – ginger may act as a natural blood thinner because it reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels.
AND REMEMBER: the body is trying to find a balance. If your blood is too thin, this can lead to other problems such as internal bleeding and/or bruising.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/323888-list-of-blood-thinning-foods/#ixzz24nIl96Xl
Erika Diane 