Blood is the most important biological fluid in the human body. Its viscosity, composition and consistency fully indicate the state of a living organism. Thick blood is an alarm bell that may indicate the presence of serious diseases. However, you can get rid of this problem by correcting nutrition.
Causes of thick blood
There are quite a few reasons for blood thickening, namely:
- Increased fibrinogen. In fact, it is a protein that the liver makes. With an increase in its level, erythrocytes begin to transport carbon dioxide to the tissues of the body, although, on the contrary, they must remove it. As a result, blood cells stick together and blood clots appear.
- Insufficient drinking regime. This condition is typical for poisoning. The body tries to compensate for the lack of fluid due to the vascular bed, which leads to its strong density.
- Some antibacterial agents are also causing the problem. Most antibiotics, hormonal drugs, and chemotherapy require a lot of fluid.
- Stress. Emotional stress provokes the release of an increased amount of adrenaline, which negatively affects the composition of the blood.
- Pancreas problems. If the number of enzymes for the production of which the pancreas is responsible for decreases, then the blood begins to suffer, as the erythrocytes stick together.
- Improper nutrition. Lack of vitamins and some micro- and macroelements in the diet often cause problems with blood cells.
- Obesity and high cholesterol. Against the background of improper metabolism, atherosclerotic plaques often appear.
- Some diseases. In particular, we are talking about HIV, tumors, especially those with localization in the brain, hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins and others. Hereditary factors, against which blood clots appear, fall into the same category.
Bad habits also negatively affect blood quality. Tobacco, and especially alcoholic beverages, remove fluid from the body as quickly as possible, which causes the blood to thicken.
The symptoms of increased blood viscosity are often confused with those of other diseases. These include:
- muscle weakness;
- a large number of electrocytes ;
- drowsiness;
- slow blood flow when injured;
- hearing and vision problems;
- cold limbs;
- slight tingling sensation in the lower extremities.
Another symptom that patients usually do not associate with blood at all is anxiety. After all, this symptom accompanies many other diseases. On the other hand, anxiety and depression can, on the contrary, provoke blood clots.
Why reduce blood viscosity at all
In fact, there is no term “blood thinning” in medicine; doctors interpret this process as a decrease in blood clotting. It is essentially a process of increasing the amount of water in the peripheral blood. If this is not done, then the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases several times.
Ideally, the blood should circulate freely through the vessels, but in no case should it be as thick as jelly. An interesting fact is that if the blood stops flowing through the veins, then literally after 20 seconds a person loses consciousness, and after 60 seconds, breathing stops. After 3 minutes, irreversible processes begin in the central nervous system and, as a result, death.
Water for the body
Water is required for the full functioning of the body, its lack adversely affects absolutely all organs and systems, including blood. Prolonged lack of water can even lead to hallucinations and subsequently to death.
Ideally, 30 ml of pure water should be supplied per 1 kg of a person’s weight per day. We are not talking about drinks, coffee or tea, but about water. A person’s weight should also be taken into account physiological, and not real. It is calculated based on growth minus 110. The volume of liquid is approximately equal to 1.5-2 liters throughout the day.
The same amount of urine should be per day. This is the normal movement of fluid in the body. If the body does not have enough water, then the blood begins to thicken, oxygen does not get in full to the vessels, the brain begins to suffer.
But in order for water to benefit the body and thin the blood, it must meet a number of requirements, namely:
- should not have any chemical impurities;
- it should not contain heavy metal salts;
- it should be soft;
- the consistency of the water must be liquid, in no case viscous;
- the water should not contain any bacteria, fungi and other harmful microorganisms;
- its temperature should be at the level of the human body temperature.
When these rules are not followed, water simply passes through the large intestine and exits without any benefit to the body. With prolonged use of “bad” water, the body begins to ache and actually dry out.
Even if you drink good water, you must adhere to certain rules for its use. First of all, in the morning after waking up, you need to drink 1 or 2 glasses of warm water. It is desirable that it be slightly alkaline. During the day, they drink water 30 minutes before a meal, and after it only 2 hours later.
What to avoid
First of all, to avoid blood clots, do not drink water of questionable quality. It actually transits through the body, and it remains dehydrated.
Lack of vitamin C, lecithin, selenium and zinc leads to blood thickening. The lack of these elements in the body often occurs against the background of poor liver function. Increased stress on this organ is associated with the regular consumption of smoked foods, preserves, sweets and meat. The problem often arises among people who are employed in hazardous industries or live in areas with unfavorable environmental conditions.
Salt should not be neglected, because blood is essentially a saline solution. Therefore, salt all dishes, but in moderation.
Blood thinning foods for pregnancy and vein disorders
The period of pregnancy is difficult for the female body. Blood concentration and hormonal levels change. Throughout the entire time of carrying a baby, it is not recommended to use medicines, for this reason, if the problem is not so neglected, then a woman should use all the permitted products, which are given in the next section, but with the exception of spices and seasonings. They can cause placental abruption. Hot spices are also contraindicated in case of already existing varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, as they lead to the progression of the disease.
Regarding the amount of fluid, a woman should first consult a doctor. Increasing the amount of water per day can cause swelling.
Allowed Products
When contacting a medical institution, the patient is usually prescribed anticoagulants, which help to thin the blood. But, like any other medicines, they have many side effects and, with prolonged use, can cause the development of stomach ulcers. In addition to medications, it is recommended to adjust your diet and focus on the following foods:
- on vegetables, in particular cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, beets, eggplants, cabbage and zucchini;
- from fruits, lemons, citrus fruits, grapes, apricots, plums and other fruits with a high content of ascorbic acid will be useful;
- berries are almost all useful for this type of problem, in winter it is recommended to give preference to viburnum;
- fatty fish are rich in omega-3, which stabilizes blood composition and reduces cholesterol;
- give preference to seaweed and seafood, they are high in iodine and taurine, which have a positive effect on blood concentration;
- consume vegetable oils in moderation;
- eat and drink fermented milk products.
You can reduce the thickness of the blood by regularly consuming spices and herbs. Horseradish, dill, ginger, mint, garlic, cinnamon will be extremely useful. Eat honey and add ginger to your tea.
Fully or partially limited products
To get rid of the problem, you will have to completely abandon the use of alcoholic beverages, they greatly dehydrate and, as a result, thicken the blood. In addition, you will have to give up animal fats, butter and cream. They greatly increase cholesterol levels. Rich soups, especially those made from pork, are also dangerous.
Try to completely abandon any baked goods and sweets, as a last resort, reduce their amount to a minimum. Eat fruits and berries better. Replace sugar with honey.
Smoked foods and sausage are real enemies. Also, do not eat canned foods, pickled foods. It is best to avoid eating potatoes, bananas, lentils, walnuts, and mangoes. These foods are high in vitamin K, which stimulates blood clotting.
Menu. Diet
An approximate diet with increased blood density can be made as follows:
- Breakfast: oatmeal and tea with honey;
- Lunch: vegetarian soup, boiled trout and salad with vegetables;
- Dinner: Beetroot casserole and seafood salad.
As snacks, you can use fruits and juices from berries, vegetables, fruits, but not industrial production. At night, you can drink a glass of kefir. Herbal teas, for example, from sweet clover, licorice or sage, will be useful. You can add lemon and ginger to them. Don’t forget about your drinking regime.
Thickening of blood is an unpleasant condition, but it can be dealt with with the help of nutritional correction, without even using medication.