In the case of a blood clot, stroke, abnormal heart rhythm, or even a heart attack, the patient will usually be prescribed blood thinners. Thin the blood will prevent the above problems from happening again. With the help of medications, lifestyle changes, and doctor's advice, you can thin your blood and keep your body healthy.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Prescription Drugs
Step 1. Use coumarin class of drugs
If you have ever had a health problem that required blood-thinning medication, your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant that targets blood clotting factors. Your doctor may prescribe coumarin drugs, such as coumadin or warfarin. The second effect is to reduce the formation of vitamin K-dependent blood clotting factors. Generally this drug is taken orally once orally at the same time each day, with or with food.
Common side effects of this drug are bloating, stomach pain, and hair loss
Step 2. Recognize the side effects of warfarin
You will be closely monitored while on warfarin therapy, as this drug is known to cause internal bleeding. Your blood will be checked weekly, and the dose of your medication will be adjusted accordingly.
- Warfarin also interacts with many medications, so you should tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins, or medications you are taking. You should also watch your diet while taking warfarin, as increased intake of vitamin K can affect therapy and cause blood clots.
- While on warfarin, stay away from foods rich in vitamin K such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, spinach, chickpeas, green tea, liver, and some cheeses. Make sure to consume just one of them a day consistently. Talk about your diet while on warfarin therapy with your doctor or dietitian.
Step 3. Try another blood-thinning medication
Your doctor may prescribe other preferred anticoagulant drugs. The upside is that you don't have to have your blood checked weekly and your vitamin K intake won't affect its effectiveness. However, some doctors don't like its use because it's difficult to monitor, so if internal bleeding occurs, you can't treat it by increasing your vitamin K levels.
- Your doctor may prescribe pradaxa, which is usually taken orally with or without food, 2 times a day. Side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, and a burning sensation in the chest. Other serious side effects include bleeding.
- You may also get a Xarelto recipe. You may be advised to use this drug 1 or 2 times a day orally with food according to the condition of the body. Side effects include muscle cramps. Another serious side effect is bleeding.
- Your doctor may also suggest the use of eliquis, which is usually taken 2 times a day with or without food. A serious side effect of this drug is bleeding.
Method 2 of 3: Using Other Methods
Step 1. Use the Aspilet
If you have had a heart attack or stroke, or have certain other risk factors, your doctor may recommend taking an 81 mg aspirin tablet daily. Aspirin thins the blood by preventing blood cells from sticking together, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. However, be careful because aspirin has the risk of causing bleeding such as hemorrhagic stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you have stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or are allergic to aspirin. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen will also increase the risk of bleeding. Also tell your doctor about this before starting to take aspirin.
- Aspirin can interact with other medications such as heparin, ibuprofen, Plavix, corticosteroids, and antidepressants, as well as herbal supplements such as ginkgo, kava, and cat's claw.
- Tell your doctor all the vitamins, supplements, and medications you are currently taking.
Step 2. Exercise
Exercise is very important in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Even if you can't restore your body to the way it was before, you can prevent further complications if you start exercising during your treatment. You should do moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking for 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes each day.
Try to avoid sports that pose a risk of serious injury, complications, or internal bleeding. Ask your doctor about the activities that best match your medical history and medications you are taking
Step 3. Change your diet
Diet can also help prevent heart problems. You can adjust it with medication to thin the blood and maintain your health. Adjust your meal portions. Try using smaller plates and watch the amount of your food. A 60-90 gram serving of meat is the size of a deck of cards. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Try to replace wheat flour with whole wheat. Include good fats such as nuts, and tuna or salmon in your diet. Dairy products and low-fat chicken can also be added to your diet.
- You should eat foods low in saturated fat. Saturated fat content in your diet should not exceed 7% of total calories overall. You should also avoid consuming trans fats, by limiting their intake to less than 1% of total calories in food.
- Avoid salty, oily, fatty foods, fast food, frozen foods, and packaged foods. Frozen foods that are said to be healthy also contain a lot of salt. Also avoid frozen pies, waffles and muffins.
Step 4. Drink more water
There are studies showing that water is one of the best blood thinners that can be used. Dehydration will thicken the blood, making it clot. Drink more water every day to help thin the blood and nourish the body as a whole.
- Some doctors recommend consuming 1.9 liters per day. However, there are also doctors who use a formula of 150 ml of water for every pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds (about 63.5 kg) you should drink about 2.1 liters daily.
- Don't drink too much water. Make sure to drink plenty of water, but if you feel bloated, don't force yourself to drink more.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Consult a doctor
Problems such as blood clots, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, atrial fibrillation, and strokes are serious and life-threatening. If not treated properly, this problem is at risk of recurrence. You should see a doctor and undergo regular treatment if you experience it. Under the care of a doctor, you will be advised to take blood-thinning medications, as well as undergo a special diet to support the process.
While certain foods can thicken or thin the blood, don't try to use food alone to thin the blood
Step 2. Don't try to heal yourself
If you are at high risk or have heart problems or stroke, do not try to thin the blood yourself. Diet and home remedies alone will not be able to prevent blood clots or heart attacks. Regulating diet and exercise can only help you prevent these problems before they occur. However, once you have heart disease or certain conditions that require blood-thinning therapy, exercise and diet alone will not be enough to prevent it from happening again.
Always follow the doctor's advice in terms of diet and use of drugs
Step 3. Watch for signs of bleeding
Call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of bleeding while taking anticoagulants. Seek immediate medical attention as well when you notice symptoms of internal bleeding, bleeding, or other hidden bleeding.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience prolonged bleeding. For example, repeated nosebleeds, or bleeding from the gums, as well as menstrual bleeding that is more than normal.
- Call the emergency department immediately if you are injured or have uncontrollable heavy bleeding.
- You should also seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of internal bleeding such as red, pink, or brown urine; stools that are bright red, red streaked, or black in color; coughing up blood or blood clots; vomiting blood, or gritty vomit such as coffee grounds; headache, or dizziness, weakness or even fainting.
Warning
- Always follow your doctor's advice in using prescription drugs, dietary restrictions, or medical procedures.
- Do not use any herbal supplements without a doctor's approval. There are currently no herbal supplements that can thin the blood effectively. Tell your doctor if you take herbal supplements for other health problems. These supplements can interfere with the effects of blood-thinning medications and cause serious problems.
