14 foods that prevent and dissolve blood clots

TL;DR: As we age, blood clots become a real concern (DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke). These 14 foods that prevent blood clots, from salmon and turmeric to berries, garlic, leafy greens, and a daily glass of water, help keep blood flowing and platelets from clumping. Simple changes on your plate, real changes in your circulation.

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, including an increased risk of health issues such as blood clots. Blood clots can be a serious concern, potentially leading to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or stroke.

However, there are natural ways to prevent and even treat blood clots, and they all start with what we put on our plates. Let’s dive into the world of clot-busting foods that can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant life, even as we age.

1. Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have natural anti-clotting properties. Omega-3 helps prevent blood platelets from sticking together, reducing the risk of clot formation. Aim to include salmon or other fatty fish like mackerel and trout in your diet at least twice a week.

2. Turmeric

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in blood vessels, making it less likely for clots to form. Consider adding turmeric to your curries, soups, or as a supplement after consulting with a healthcare professional.

3. Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These antioxidants help improve blood circulation and prevent platelets from clumping together. Enjoy a colorful berry medley as a snack or add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt.

4. Garlic

Garlic has natural blood-thinning properties and can help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of clot formation. Include fresh garlic in your meals, or if you’re not a fan of its taste, consider garlic supplements.

5. Leafy greens

Foods like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting. While it may seem counterintuitive, vitamin K helps regulate clotting and can prevent excessive clot formation. Maintain a balance by including these greens in your diet.

6. Nuts

Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are high in fiber and healthy fats that can improve heart health and reduce the risk of blood clots. Snack on a handful of unsalted nuts or sprinkle them on your salads.

7. Ginger

Ginger contains natural compounds that have blood-thinning effects and can prevent clot formation. Add fresh ginger to your tea, stir-fries, or soups for a flavorful and healthful kick.

8. Olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat that contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties. Use it as a salad dressing or for light sautéing.

9. Water

Staying well-hydrated is crucial to prevent the formation of thick, sluggish blood that can lead to clots. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

10. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) contains flavonoids that can help improve blood flow and reduce clot formation. Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate as an occasional treat.

11. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper also contains salicylates, and some people say including it in food can help with blood-thinning.

12. Cassia cinnamon

Cinnamon contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. Warfarin, a commonly used blood-thinning drug, is derived from coumarin. Consuming small amounts of cinnamon in the diet may help support the action of other natural blood thinners.

13. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement that people take for blood disorders and memory problems. One laboratory study found that Ginkgo biloba contains compounds that may block thrombin, an enzyme that causes blood clotting.

14. Grape seed extract

Some evidence suggests that grape seed extract may benefit people with various heart and blood conditions, including high blood pressure.

The takeaway

As we age, taking proactive steps to maintain our health becomes increasingly vital. Preventing and treating blood clots naturally through dietary choices is a wise approach. By incorporating these clot-busting foods into your daily meals, you can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous clot formation and enjoy better overall well-being.

Always check with your doctor before changing your diet if you’re on blood thinners or managing chronic conditions. If posts like this are your speed, the newsletter goes out every Friday with more of them.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you eat fatty fish like salmon?

Aim to include salmon or other fatty fish like mackerel and trout in your diet at least twice a week. The omega-3 fatty acids help prevent blood platelets from sticking together, reducing the risk of clot formation.

Why does vitamin K in leafy greens matter?

While it may seem counterintuitive, vitamin K helps regulate clotting and can prevent excessive clot formation. Foods like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with it, so the goal is balance rather than avoidance.

Which berries work best?

Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that help improve blood circulation and prevent platelets from clumping together. Enjoy a colorful berry medley as a snack or with oatmeal or yogurt.

Does hydration really affect clotting?

Yes. Staying well-hydrated is crucial to prevent the formation of thick, sluggish blood that can lead to clots. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Is dark chocolate really good for blood flow?

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) contains flavonoids that can help improve blood flow and reduce clot formation. Enjoy a small piece as an occasional treat.