LIFE EXTENSION WELLNESS TOURISM TOBAGO.pdf 1

Foods that Thin Blood Naturally
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There are a number of foods and supplements that are known to thin the blood. These include foods with high
amounts of aspirin-like substances called salicylates, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E supplements, and foods
with natural antibiotic properties.
While many people that have problems with blood clots, it is important to note that blood thinning foods are not
desirable for everyone in the population. I have been an easy bleeder all of my life, so I have compiled this list so
that I know which foods to limit, in order to keep my blood from being too thin.
People taking prescription anti-coagulant drugs also need to be careful not to consume too many foods with
natural blood thinning compounds in addition to their regular medication. One of my relatives is on a prescription
anticoagulant drug for blood clots and has had eye hemorrhages from ingesting too many blood thinning foods
in conjunction with his prescription medication.
Interestingly, my relative was given a list of foods high in vitamin K so he would know what foods to limit so as
not to reduce the effectiveness of his medication. However he was not given a list of foods that have their own
anticoagulant properties, which if taken in conjunction with his medication could cause bleeding problems. He
found some information on his own about blood thinning foods after he had the two eye hemorrhages.
Blood coagulation should fall within a desirable range. If it coagulates (sticky and thick) too easily, clots can form
which in turn can lead to adverse health conditions such as heart attacks. If blood doesn't clot enough,
conditions such as bleeding from the nose aka (nosebleeds or epistaxis), hemorrhages, hematuria (blood in the
urine), heavy periods in women, and bleeding strokes may occur. If a person's blood isn't clotting enough and he
has surgery or a traumatic event like a car accident, he could have a serious problem by losing too much blood
from wounds or surgical incisions failing to clot properly.
Some of the foods that are generally thought to have natural blood thinning compounds are listed below. Please
note that this is a hodge-podge list based on information I've collected over the years based on my own
experiences, my assortment of alternative health books and internet research, so it's possible it may contain
some errors. See your doctor before you implement any diet, supplement or exercise changes, especially if you
are taking any prescription medications or have any health concerns related to coagulation.
Salicylates
One type of natural blood thinners are substances that block vitamin K known as salicylates. The most well
known of these is aspirin, but many foods, such as preservatives and flavorings, also contain salicylates or
aspirin-like substances. Some individuals are known to be aspirin or salicylate sensitive. I'm one of those
salicylate sensitive types, but I have found that I can eat more salicylates as long as I eat a balanced amount of
vitamin K foods. (Vitamin K plays an important role in the body's in blood clotting processes. The "K" in vitamin K
gets its name from the Danish word for coagulation.)
Foods that are higher in salicylates include many spices, most fruits, especially dried fruits, nuts, and also some
flavorings and preservatives.
Herbs and spices high in salicylates include:
Curry powder
Cayenne pepper
Ginger
Paprika
Thyme
Cinnamon
Dill
Oregano
Turmeric
Licorice
Peppermint