Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. Deep vein thrombosis can develop if the person has certain medical conditions. It can also happen if the person doesn’t move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident, or when confined to bed.
Deep vein thrombosis can be very serious because blood clots in the veins can break loose, travel through bloodstream and lodge in lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).
Certain drinks and food helps lower the risk of getting blood clots. Let’s have a look at it..
  • Water: Dehydration can make the blood thicker and can increase the risk of blood clot. Hence, drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. 
  • Red Wine, Fruits and Vegetables:  Research suggests that drinking moderate amounts of red wine or purple grape juice can help prevent blood clot. This is because purple grapes have a substance called Flavonoids which helps prevent blood clots. This in addition to eating five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables per day can help prevent blood clots.
  • Garlic: Eating garlic regularly may help prevent blood clots since it has got blood thinning properties. In case if the person is under blood thinning medication, consulting a Doctor would help. As a natural blood thinner, garlic could interfere with blood-thinning medications.
  • Virgin Olive Oil: A study has found that the phenols in virgin olive oil can help prevent blood clots. 
  • Kiwi Fruit: A study has found that people who ate two to three kiwi per day had less platelet activity and therefore, a lower risk of blood clots. Eating kiwi helps lower cholesterol levels too.
  • Leafy Greens: Eating leafy greens regularly help prevent blood clots. But if the person is under Warfarin medication, fluctuating amounts of foods high in vitamin K, such as green, leafy vegetables, can interfere with medication. Hence, a Doctor must be consulted.
  • Limit in Animal Fats and packaged foods: Stay away from unhealthy trans fats, saturated fats in full-fat dairy and fatty meats and from all types of sugar. These are all the foods that increase inflammation.
Other than food practices, the following will also help prevent DVT:
  • Avoid Sitting Still: People who have undergone surgery or have been on bed rest for other reasons must try to get moving as soon as possible. Sitting still during car or flight travel or during work for a long time will hamper blood flow.
  • Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and lose weight.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise will reduce the risk of blood clots.

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