Today, we’re exploring natural ways to maintain healthy blood flow and prevent unwanted clotting. This knowledge is valuable if you want to prevent heart attacks, strokes, clots related to atrial fibrillation (Afib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and more. In this video, I’ll share eight nutrients and lifestyle tips that can help prevent and dissolve blood clots and promote better circulation.
First, let’s understand how your body’s clotting process works.
When you get a cut or injury, your body has a remarkable system to stop bleeding quickly, called the coagulation system. This system mainly uses two key components: platelets and fibrin.
Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that act like natural band-aids. When you’re injured, they rush to the cut and stick together, forming a temporary plug to slow bleeding. However, this platelet plug alone isn’t enough to completely stop blood loss. That’s where fibrin comes in.
Fibrin starts as a protein called fibrinogen that’s dissolved in your blood. When you’re injured, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which forms long, sticky strands. These strands weave through the platelet plug, creating a mesh-like structure that traps more blood cells and platelets. Think of it like this: if the platelets are bricks in a dam, fibrin is the cement that holds everything together, creating a strong barrier to stop blood flow.
However, while this process serves a critical function, it can also pose serious health risks when clots form abnormally or fail to dissolve as they should. In such cases, these undissolved clots can obstruct blood flow, leading to dangerous conditions.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. This can cause swelling and pain in the affected area. The real danger arises if a piece of the clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
Blood clots also play a significant role in other serious cardiovascular events. In the case of a heart attack, a blood clot can block a coronary artery, cutting off blood supply to the heart muscle. Similarly, when a blood clot travels to the brain and blocks an artery, it can cause a stroke by depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
Therefore, maintaining optimal blood flow is crucial – allowing clotting when necessary but preventing it when it’s not. While blood-thinning medications are often prescribed to manage this delicate balance, they can come with side effects, such as increased risk of bleeding and gastrointestinal issues.