The thickness of your blood is referred to as its viscosity, that is its resistance to flow. In one context, blood clotting is an essential and life-saving property of blood that keeps us from losing excessive amounts of blood in case of an injury.

However, not all blood clots are necessary. Sometimes blood clots might form in the vessels unexpectedly. These clots occlude vessels and eventually build up the backflow of the blood. They’re particularly harmful if they find their way to any of the major vessels of the heart and occlude regular blood flow.

Several medications could be used to thin your blood. However, every medication comes with its list of side effects. Plus, not everyone at risk of forming unnecessary blood clots has so yet – making it difficult to diagnose them.

Demographics At Risk

While it should be noted that no one is particularly safe from developing a particular condition, certain demographics are at a higher risk of forming clots in their circulatory system.

These include:

• Obese people
• Smokers
• Alcoholics
• Diabetics (particularly type II)
• People on certain medication
• Patients who have had previous cases of stroke

Natural Blood Thinners

1.Turmeric Powder

The active ingredient curcumin in turmeric is believed to be an effective anticoagulant. However, long before curcumin was discovered, turmeric was referred to as a ‘wonder spice’ because of its numerous health benefits.

2.Cayenne Peppers

Cayenne peppers contain a high amount of salicylates. The ingredient is a natural blood thinner and improves blood circulation. However, cayenne peppers are usually suggested to be ingested in capsules rather than the whole.

3.Ginger

You’re probably familiar with Aspirin, a common anti-coagulant. The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid – salicylate. Ginger is from the same family as turmeric and was referred to as a superfood in several texts before the extent of its health benefits were scientifically studied.

4.Red Wine

An excess of anything could be bad, especially if it’s alcohol. With that being said, red wine is recommended by experts in thinning the blood. The usual ‘dosage’ would be half a glass or up to a glass a day.

5.Cinnamon

Coumarin contained in cinnamon is used as a natural blood thinner and is used in several anticoagulant medications as well. Cinnamon has a plethora of health benefits including reducing inflammation. It can therefore be used to cure or curb several ailments including stroke and arthritis.

6.Salmon

One major cause for developing unnecessary blood clots in your body is consuming a predominantly fatty diet. This increases the amount of LDL in your body and makes your blood thicker.

To counter that, the omega-3 (essential fatty acid) found in salmon lowers the cholesterol levels in your body, therefore, making it a natural blood thinner.

7.Avocados

Foods such as asparagus and avocados contain a high amount of vitamin E. Vitamin E works as a natural anticoagulant and as an anti-oxidant.

Conclusion

Blood clotting is an essential process that saves hundreds of lives. However, it can take just as many if the body clots uncontrollably. This results in several heart and circulatory conditions including strokes.

Natural blood thinners are naturally found food items and spices that help in reducing the viscosity of blood and limiting the risk of developing circulatory diseases.