Natural Blood-Thinning Supplements & Vitamins

The Circulatory system is comprised of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They work together to ensure the fluid flow of blood around the body that travels through blood vessels, namely the arteries and veins. Veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart while arterial vessels are responsible for carrying rich oxygenated blood away from the heart and to the rest of the body’s cells.

The lungs are where gas exchange takes place and oxygen is added to the blood before it reaches the heart by way of the capillaries. The constant flow of blood is so crucial, that one hiccup or blockage of this flow could have long term effects.

Why should you take natural blood-thinning supplements?

Natural blood thinners, also known as natural anticoagulants, are used when someone is at risk for developing a blood clot that could block a blood vessel and interrupt the blood flow in the body. An interruption of this flow could lead to heart attack, stroke and even become fatal in some cases.

Blood clots form when certain parts of your blood thicken, forming a semi-solid mass that can block the flow of blood through a vessel, usually forming in the leg, lung or heart. Factors and conditions that can cause blood clots to include obesity, poor diet, smoking, having undergone surgery, deep vein thrombosis, heart rhythm problems, heart disease or prolonged sitting and bed rest.

Atherosclerosis or narrowing of the artery is the number one cause for heart attack. This narrowing is actually a clot in the process of forming plaque, which completely blocks the coronary artery and causes the attack.

In this article, we will explore natural blood-thinning supplements, that are safe to take for preventative measures.

It is never safe to self-diagnose or take natural blood thinners along with anticoagulant medication. Always speak with a health care professional so you can undergo proper testing and determine the right treatment for you.

The 5 best natural blood-thinning supplements

1. Omega 3

Found in fatty, deep cold-water fish, Omega 3 encourages the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system which allows the body to conserve energy and focus on its internal processes and functions. It increases blood flow, protects against heart arrhythmias, dissolves clot, lowers blood triglycerides, raises HDL cholesterol and contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Omega 3 is not produced in the body and its functions are necessary for overall health. Supplementation is very important, even if you do not need blood thinners, I recommend Noor’s high potency Omega 3 formula, sourced from clean cold-water fish, available in adult soft gels and a kid’s Omega- 3 gummy formula.

2. Bromelain

This pineapple sourced enzyme is commonly taken to assist with the digestion of protein. It is also a natural blood thinner and helps lower blood pressure as well as decrease pain in angina.

According to the Library of Natural Medicine, Bromelain breaks down cholesterol plaques and prevent thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis is a disease that causes a blood clot to form and block your veins.

3. L- Arginine

An amino acid that helps the body build protein and is very common in sports nutrition supplements. L- arginine also has many other uses as it is a vasodilator, which opens (dilates) the blood vessels and allows for a better flow of blood.

It reduces platelet aggregation and enables exercise after angina (chest pain after eating due to poor blood flow). L – Arginine is abundant in fish, poultry, soy, whole grains, and beans.

4. Vitamin E

This fat-soluble vitamin is a natural antioxidant and blood-thinning supplement. It works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is the clumping together of platelets in the blood which can eventually form a clot. I recommend 400-800 IU with mixed tocopherols.

4. Herbal therapies

Botanicals were at one point, our first lines of defense in treating any sort of illness. Hawthorne berries have been known to increase blood flow, protect the blood vessels from damage and improve heart function.

Gingko Biloba improves circulation while Ginseng is common for lowering cholesterol levels and normalizing blood pressure. It is always wise to speak with a certified herbalist and receive sound recommendations for dosage forms and amounts.

5. A healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy whole foods diet is beneficial, especially if you are genetically predisposed to heart disease. Limiting one’s intake of saturated fat (red meat in particular), refined sugar and junk food will play a major role in preventing obesity and lowering cholesterol levels and eliminating other factors involved in Heart disease.

One should include foods rich in Omega 3 like fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, rapeseed (source of canola oil) and purslane, a green leafy vegetable. Garlic, onions, and cayenne contain powerful blood-thinning properties. Other foods include whole grains, legumes, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds, oyster and shitake mushrooms, ginger and turmeric.

Final thoughts

As you can see, the Circulatory system can be a very fragile one. Just one interruption in the flow of blood can potentially change your life forever. There are many conditions and lifestyle factors that can influence the fluidity of your blood, causing it to clot and cease circulation throughout the body.

Supplements for blood thinning can save lives if taken as a preventative measure. Diet and exercise also play a crucial role in keeping cholesterol levels low and our hearts strong. Take care of your body so it can, in turn, take care of you.