Blood clotting is a part of the normal repair process of the body when a blood vessel gets damaged. It can be serious though, if a clot forms when it is not actually needed. In medical terms, a clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains there, is referred to as a thrombus.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in particular, is a life-threatening condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of pelvis, thighs, or lower legs. Moreover, strokes and heart attacks occur when blood clots block the blood flow.
Symptoms of blood clots tend to vary depending on the type of clot its location. Still, the affected area is likely to become warm, tender, swollen and painful.
It may turn reddish-purple or pale. However, at times, blood clots may not manifest any noticeable symptoms.
The following factors tend to increase the chances of developing blood clots:
- • poor circulation
- • arrhythmia (Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter)
- • atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
- • infections
- • trauma or injury from medications given intravenously in hospitals
- • being confined to bed due to illness
- • immobility due to long journey
- • smoking
- • obesity
- • pregnancy
- • intake of birth control pills
- • cancer in the abdomen
- • increasing age (above 60 years)
Besides, they may be caused by blood clotting problems and rare blood disorders.Check out the following video explaining how exactly does a blood clot form.
How to Prevent Blood Clots
Adopt an active instead of sedentary lifestyle
Regular physical activity and a balanced diet consisting of healthy foods can help a great deal in prevent blood clots and a host of other diseases.
Consider going for full-body strength training minimum two times in a week. Avoid the accumulation of excess abdominal fat as it raises thrombosis risk.
However, keep in mind that you need to do things in moderation. Thus, indulging in excessive exercise may also be a cause of trouble as it may bring about small tears in blood vessels due to injuries.
Keep your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels under control
High blood pressure (elevated diastolic blood pressure, in particular) increases the risk of developing blood clots as it tends to cause a break in weak blood vessels.
Furthermore, it is suggested to regulate the levels of blood lipids and cholesterol because lipid-rich arterial plaques are more prone to blood clotting.
Travel smartly
If long trips are an inevitable part of your life, learn travel exercise tips for journeys that take almost four hours or more.
For instance, you can take short walks and perform sitting exercises by lifting your feet, contracting your calves, stretching your torso, and so on.
Quit smoking
Cigarette smoking has a harmful effect on arteries and smokers are likely to have coagulation abnormalities as nicotine and carbon monoxide increase clotting by elevating plasma fibrinogen.
Thus, if you are a smoker, it is recommended that you direct your efforts in getting rid of this unhealthy habit with determination.
In addition, there are certain foods that work as natural blood thinners. These fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices have anticoagulant properties that inhibit platelet cells from forming clots and reduce inflammation within blood vessels. Some such foods are:
• grapes
• cherries
• oranges
• tangerines
• tomatoes
• cranberries
• blueberries
• raisins
• chestnuts
• apricots
• avocados
• pomegranate juice
• Brussels sprouts
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• ginger
• dill
• cayenne pepper
• paprika
• cinnamon
• licorice
• turmeric
• curry powder
• alfalfa
• honey
• peppermint
• apple cider vinegar
These foods contain salicylates that help block the absorption of vitamin K, which plays a key role in the coagulation of blood.
Furthermore, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can assist in making the blood less sticky and slowing the development of blood clots (affect platelet aggregation).
Plus, they lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve cognition. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, anchovies, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, walnuts, olive oil, canola oil, and dark-green leafy vegetables are considered as good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Before adopting any sort of self-treatment, though, make sure you consult with your doctor, as it may increase your susceptibility to bruise or bleed easily.
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