A blood clot, also called thrombus, helps protect the body against bleeding during an injury for example. But it can also be dangerous when it blocks a vessel, preventing the blood from feeding the organs with nutrients and oxygen. This could lead, among other things, to a stroke, which is called thrombosis.
In addition, blood clots can also be dangerous as they can move to other parts of the body such as the lungs, for example resulting in pulmonary embolism or the brain causing stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke
There are signs and symptoms that are not wrong when it comes to a stroke.
· Difficulty articulating and understanding the words of others
· Paralysis of the face, or other limb of the body such as arms or legs
· Blurred vision
· Headache with dizziness or vomiting
· Difficulty to walk.
Causes of stroke
According to Mayoclinic, a stroke can be caused by obstruction of an artery, called an ischemic stroke, or by the bursting of a blood vessel called hemorrhagic stroke.
There are factors that can increase the risk of stroke and are related to obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Other factors are also related to age and concern people over 55 years or hormone treatments.
How to prevent blood clots?
There are ways to prevent the formation of blood clots and to thin the blood:
· Opt for a healthy diet by reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat.
· Consume more fruits and vegetables. According to Harvard School of Public Health, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
· Quit smoking because smoking increases the risk of stroke for both smokers and non-smokers (passive smoking).
· Maintain regular physical activity, such as daily walking, swimming, biking, aerobics or "cardio" for 30 minutes a day
· Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight which could also lower cholesterol levels.
· Choose foods rich in vitamin E that help oxygenate the blood.
· Focus on foods high in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant for maintaining good vascular health. The foods that contain them are kale, cabbage and citrus fruits.
· Introduce garlic into one's diet to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. In one study, garlic was recognized as an agent for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, if you have just had an operation, avoid the consumption of garlic because it has an anticoagulant effect that can cause haemorrhage. . Breastfeeding women should also avoid it as it may alter the taste of breast milk.
· Consuming turmeric and ginger can also be a good prevention against blood clots. Turmeric combined with physical exercise can help, according to a study, reduce body mass index and aortic blood pressure and prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. But if you have stomach ulcers or if you are pregnant, do not consume turmeric. As for ginger, it is to be banned after the first trimester of pregnancy.
· Proper hydration with water also reduces the risk of blood clots; Dehydration can lead to thickening of the blood. It is advisable to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
· According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, olive oil contains phenols that help prevent the formation of blood clots.
Other preventive measures
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to guard against the formation of blood clots:
· Put on wide and loose clothes
· Raise your legs from time to time for better blood circulation
· Change your position, especially when traveling by car, train or plane
· Avoid hurting your leg
· Reduce the amount of salt in your diet
The taking of any natural remedy must be following a medical consultation especially in case of taking a drug treatment.
