Blood thinners – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, August 16, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, are medicines that help prevent blood clots.

There are different kinds of blood thinners, and each one targets a different level on the blood coagulation pathway. Some blood thinners are given orally while others can only be given via injection.

Blood thinners are prescribed to treat blood clots, or in conditions where the risk of blood clots is increased, they are given to help minimize the risk.

The drugs are often used in conditions such as:

Atrial fibrillation
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Hip or knee replacement surgery
Ischemic stroke
Myocardial infarction/heart attack
Pulmonary embolism
Unstable angina

There are four main groups for blood thinners: coumarins and indandiones, factor Xa inhibitors, heparins, and direct thrombin inhibitors.

Known health risks or side effects of blood thinners

Blood thinners may cause common side effects such as excessive bleeding. This side effect can occur in different ways, like:

Bleeding gums
Bloody or discolored urine or feces
Heavy periods
Nosebleeds
Prolonged bleeding from a cut or wound

These drugs can also cause other side effects like dizziness, hair loss, muscle weakness, and rashes.

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Anemia
Calciphylaxis
Cholesterol embolus syndrome
Elevation of serum aminotransferases
Groin hemorrhage
Hematuria
Hemorrhagic stroke
Hepatitis
Hypersensitivity reaction
Increased fracture risk (linked with long-term usage)
Intraocular hemorrhage
“Purple toe” syndrome
Respiratory tract bleeding
Thrombocytopenia
Tissue necrosis

List of organs that might be affected by blood thinners

An overdose of blood thinners may increase the risk of internal bleeding after an injury.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional, even if you don’t have external bleeding. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to blood thinners

Aniseed, celery seed, garlic, and ginger have similar effects to blood thinners. However, you must consult a medical professional before consuming these foods if you’re taking a blood-thinning medication since they might thin your blood too much.

Vitamin E- rich foods are also natural blood thinners. Certain kinds of oils, like corn, olive, soybean, and wheat germ, have vitamin E. Other sources include:

Almonds
Broccoli
Kiwis
Mangoes
Spinach
Sunflower seeds
Tomatoes

Treatment and management options for the side effects of blood thinners

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with blood thinners:

Blackstrap molasses – If you’re suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, consume blackstrap molasses. It is full of iron that can help in the production of red blood cells. Iron can also help reduce blood clots and soothe the muscles of the uterine walls, which will reduce any pain. Add one or two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to one cup of warm water or milk. Drink the mixture daily for a couple of months to ease your condition.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C-rich foods can help treat dizziness. Follow a diet high in the vitamin to prevent dizziness and vertigo. Sources include broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, green peppers, tomatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables.

Where to learn more

Summary

Blood thinners are prescribed to treat blood clots, or in conditions where the risk of blood clots is increased, they are given to help minimize the risk.

Blood thinners may cause common side effects such as excessive bleeding.

An overdose of blood thinners may increase the risk of internal bleeding after an injury.

Aniseed, celery seed, garlic, ginger, and vitamin E-rich foods have similar effects to blood thinners.

Blackstrap molasses and vitamin C can help prevent the side effects associated with blood thinners.

Sources include:

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