Introduction
If you’re looking to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot, you may want to pay attention to your eating habits. According to physicians, certain foods can increase your risk of developing a blood clot, while others can help reduce it. In this article, we’ll discuss the foods that can secretly increase your risk of developing a blood clot, as well as the foods you should be eating to reduce your risk. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make healthier food choices. So, if you’re looking to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot, read on to learn more.
Habits Secretly Increasing Your Blood Clot Risk, Say Physicians — Eat This Not That
Blood clots can be a serious health risk, and physicians are warning that certain habits can increase your risk of developing them. While some of these habits may seem harmless, they can have a significant impact on your health. Here are some of the habits that can increase your risk of developing a blood clot, and what you should eat instead.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits when it comes to your health. Not only does it increase your risk of developing a blood clot, but it also increases your risk of developing other serious health conditions. If you smoke, it’s important to quit as soon as possible. Instead of smoking, try eating foods that are high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables.
Sitting for Long Periods of Time
Sitting for long periods of time can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. To reduce your risk, make sure to get up and move around every hour or so. Instead of sitting for long periods of time, try going for a walk or doing some light exercise. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, can also help reduce your risk.
Eating a High-Fat Diet
Eating a diet that is high in fat can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. To reduce your risk, try to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Instead, focus on eating foods that are high in healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and avocados. Eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, can also help reduce your risk.
Being Overweight
Being overweight can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. To reduce your risk, try to maintain a healthy weight. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can also help you stay full and reduce your risk.
By making a few simple changes to your lifestyle and diet, you can reduce your risk of developing a blood clot. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing a blood clot, talk to your doctor for more information.
Blood clotting—also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE)—is a necessary function in the human body for wound healing and for stopping bleeding, but blood clots can also be dangerous if they form in the wrong place and don’t dissolve. According to the CDC, 900,000 Americans a year are affected by blood clots, resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths. Here are five habits raising the risk of dangerous blood clots. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Blood clots are one of the more concerning health conditions related to the COVID-19 virus. “When you, say, fall and skin your knee, it turns your immune system on, and one of the ways your immune system reacts to an injury is by making your clotting system more active,” says Matthew Exline, MD, medical director of the medical intensive care unit at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. “It kind of makes sense that your body would say, if I see an infection, I need to be ready to clot. But when the infection is as widespread and inflammatory as COVID-19, that tendency to clot can become dangerous.”
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“Surgery is also one of the leading causes of blood clots in patients, which means those at highest risk need to be diligent in speaking to their surgeon about their elevated risks so preventive measures can be taken,” says Peter Blume, DPM, FACFAS. “The biggest recommendation you see in the airline magazines when you’re flying is to move your legs to prevent DVT, because people who sit on a long flight have a high incidence of DVT,” Dr. Blume explained. “Similarly, if you’re sitting after surgery and the blood is not moving in the calf and you’re not exercising, you could end up with a clot in your calf. Surgeons have learned over the years that getting people moving after surgery will reduce the risk of a clot causing a pulmonary embolism.”
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Spending hours sitting can greatly increase the risk of blood clots, doctors warn. “Prolonged sitting is one of the main causes for many of the conditions treated in my musculoskeletal clinic. It often results in office visits with other types of doctors as well,” says Eric K. Holder, MD, Yale Medicine. “It is so ingrained in our society now—people are stationed at desks, seated in front of computers or the TV for extended periods, constantly traveling in cars, trains, and on planes. It’s a major health problem that can lead to many chronic diseases.”
“Not exercising or moving around on occasion can lead to a more extensive blood clot,” says vascular surgeon Britt H. Tonnessen, MD.
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There is evidence that being overly stressed or anxious can lead to blood clots—there’s a reason people talk about being “frightened stiff”! “After all, we have programmes to help the population give up smoking or take more exercise. But if we want to reduce the number of heart disorders, it would make sense to improve the way anxiety disorders are diagnosed and treated,” says Dr. Franziska Geiser.
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The dangers of smoking cigarettes are well-known at this point, but did you know smoking can raise the risk of dangerous blood clots? “Smoking raises the risk of unwanted blood clots and makes it more likely that platelets will stick together,” warns the American Heart Association. “Smoking also damages the lining of the blood vessels, which can cause clots to form.”
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