Understanding Blood Clots
Blood clotting is a natural process of healing in healthy individuals and prevents excessive loss of blood after an injury where a blood vessel is ruptured. An unnatural blood clot forms when blood clumps together within the veins and arteries and restricts blood flow to vital organs.A clot that forms in the heart or vascular system and
remains stationary is referred to as a thrombus. A blot clot that has
broken free and is circulated throughout the body is known as an
embolus.
Blood clots are made of white and red blood cells, platelets, and fibrin. When these components accumulate in an abnormal manner under specific conditions, they clump together and they either adhere to the wall of a blood vessel or float freely through the circulatory system.
Blood clots are made of white and red blood cells, platelets, and fibrin. When these components accumulate in an abnormal manner under specific conditions, they clump together and they either adhere to the wall of a blood vessel or float freely through the circulatory system.
Risk Factors
Among the most common, and most treatable, risk factors that are associated with developing thrombosis include chronically elevated blood glucose levels, hypertension, a poor blood lipid profile and excessive amounts of abdominal fat.These conditions can generally be controlled through the application of
sound nutritional principles and regular cardiovascular exercise and resistance training.
Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase a persons odds of developing dangerous blood clots. Remaining stationary in a fixed position for long periods of time allows blood to pool in the lower extremities and provides optimal conditions for the formation of fatal blood clots.
Surgical procedures, particularly involving the ankles and knees, often carry the risk of blood clots formation. Lack of blood circulation and trauma to soft tissue during invasive surgery can elevate the chances of developing thrombosis.
Along
with regular performance of physical activity and stress management
techniques, dietary considerations need to be explored.
Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase a persons odds of developing dangerous blood clots. Remaining stationary in a fixed position for long periods of time allows blood to pool in the lower extremities and provides optimal conditions for the formation of fatal blood clots.
Surgical procedures, particularly involving the ankles and knees, often carry the risk of blood clots formation. Lack of blood circulation and trauma to soft tissue during invasive surgery can elevate the chances of developing thrombosis.
Blood Clot Prevention
Along
with regular performance of physical activity and stress management
techniques, dietary considerations need to be explored. It has been
shown that certain foods can drastically reduce the risk of developing
dangerous blood clots by limiting the clotting mechanism that allows the
clumping of compounds in the blood.
Below is a list of some of the
most beneficial foods to prevent blood clots:
- Coffee
- Tomatoes
- Grape Seed Extract
- Garlic
- Olives
- Pomegranates
- Fish Oil
- Vitamin C
Reference:
Life Extension Foundation - Blood Clot Prevention http://www.lef.org/protocols/heart_circulatory/blood_clot_01.htm Date accessed: 13 October 2013
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