Michelle was in her mid-fifties when her heart began to skip beats. AFib, her doctor said. Atrial fibrillation. He handed her a prescription for blood thinners. anticoagulation
“To prevent a stroke,” he cautioned.
“But is this my only option?” she asked, holding the slip tentatively between her fingers. The pharmaceutical route wasn’t one she’d willingly traveled before.
“If you don’t take them, the risk is high,” he warned.
Fear has a potent grip. So, Michelle started the regimen. Yet, every time she swallowed that pill, a nagging thought persisted: Was there another way?
Michelle is not alone. Upwards of 6 million Americans take oral anticoagulants on a daily basis, and the vast majority want off. The encouraging news? Under the right health provider’s guidance, this option is feasible for many.
Blood Clotting 101
When we get a cut or an injury, our body jumps into action to stop the bleeding. A complex system within our blood does this, called the coagulation system. To simplify, think of it as a team of two key players: platelets and fibrin.
- Platelets: Think of platelets as tiny particles in our blood, like miniature band-aids. When bleeding, platelets rush to the scene, creating a dam or barrier to stop the flow. They also help the healing process begin. Some common medications, like aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), Effient, and Brilinta, are designed to block or limit the activity of platelets.
- Fibrin: Fibrin is a protein in our blood responsible for forming the final clot. Fibrin is like the last brick in a dam made by our blood to stop bleeding. Before it can work, it changes from “fibrinogen” to “fibrin” with the help of another part called thrombin. Some other parts ensure fibrin does its job just right without overdoing it. Some medicines, like warfarin or Xarelto, control how much fibrin works.
In a nutshell, our body has a well-orchestrated system to stop bleeding and begin healing. Some drugs can interfere with these processes when needed, often under medical advice to prevent excessive clotting or related health concerns.
Why People Take Blood Thinners
- Primary prevention for heart attack and stroke
- After a stent is placed in an artery
- Atrial fibrillation treatment
- After a heart attack or stroke (secondary prevention)
- After open-heart surgery
- After a blood blood clot such as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Mechanical artificial heart valve
The Downside of Blood Thinners
All drugs come with risks, and blood thinners are no exception. The most prevalent risk is increased bleeding, which can lead to multiple complications. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, gut problems, and an altered sense of taste.
Aspirin, a common household name, also has its shadows. While many doctors recommended it to prevent certain types of strokes caused by blood clots, it ironically increases the risk of stroke. Moreover, consistent use can lead to stomach issues like bleeding and ulcers, doubling the risk in some cases.
2018 changed the aspirin conversation. Studies revealed that for seniors over 65, daily aspirin didn’t extend life and might even heighten cancer-related deaths.
These findings led top cardiac associations to revise guidelines. Daily aspirin is no longer advised for adults over 60 who haven’t had a heart attack or stroke. The bleeding risks from regular aspirin use outweigh potential heart advantages.
(Check with your doctor before changing your pharmaceutical regimen or work with us.)
Achieving Optimal Blood Flow
Everyone desires optimal blood flow, clotting as needed, and not clotting when it is not needed. Many hope to achieve this without taking medications. Fortunately, there’s an array of natural methods to ensure optimal blood health. By following our principles of Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well, you set the stage for optimal blood flow. Some lifestyle strategies to maintain excellent blood circulation and minimize clotting risks include:
- Prioritize an Organic, Ancestral Diet: Drawing inspiration from our ancient ancestors, choose a diet centered around whole and organic foods. Minimize processed, factory-made foods, which can have adverse health impacts. Instead, cultivate a menu of fresh, organic vegetables, nuts, seeds, wild-caught seafood, grass-fed bison/beef, and free-range poultry and eggs. This ensures you sidestep the pitfalls of pesticides and artificial ingredients, making every meal a testament to natural wellness.
- Soak Up the Sun: Sunlight doesn’t just lift your spirits; it’s a boon for blood flow and clot reduction. Before embarking on long journeys—whether by plane or car—ensure your chest, brain, pelvis, and legs bask in sunlight. Travels amplify clot risks, so this is crucial. Sunlight fosters what’s known as the Exclusion Zone in arteries and veins. This is instrumental for efficient blood circulation.
- Minimize Toxins: Everything you bring into your home. Is it natural or poison? If poison, don’t bring it in. Check your house for mold.
- Stay Hydrated with Premium Water: Think of dehydration as a drought impacting your blood. Ensure it stays fluid by drinking quality water—we’re staunch advocates of the Pristine Hydro water system.
- Donate Blood: It’s an act of kindness that also benefits your health.
- Sync with Nature’s Clock: Quality sleep, synced with the sun’s natural cycle, is essential for healthy circulation. Rising at dawn and resting at dusk aligns our body’s circadian rhythms, promoting optimal hormonal balance and blood flow. In contrast, disrupted sleep can increase inflammation and stress, heightening clot risks. Embracing nature’s sleep schedule fortifies our defense against unwanted blood clots.
- Minimize Stress: Persistent stress releases hormones that can tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Over time, this can create inflammation, increasing the risk of clots. Moreover, high stress can lead to unhealthy habits, further elevating clot risks. We can enhance blood flow and minimize clotting dangers by actively reducing stress through relaxation or exercise.
- Keep Moving: Engage in regular physical activity, preferably outdoors. This bolsters your mood and ensures a healthy blood flow throughout your body.
- Seek Chiropractic Care: Regular visits to a chiropractor can enhance the brain’s regulation of your body systems, encompassing your arteries and veins.
- Take Care of Your Teeth: Inflammation leads to an increased clotting risk. And periodontal disease and infected teeth are a huge source of inflammation. See your holistic dentist.
Incorporating these strategies can set you on a path to naturally optimal blood health.
Ten Natural Supplements For Healthy Blood Flow
Many of us desire optimal blood flow and clotting without resorting to pharmaceuticals. The encouraging news is that nature offers alternatives. Numerous natural supplements can effectively regulate blood consistency. They do the job with minimal (if any!) side effects.
- Nattokinase: Nattokinase is prized for its clot-preventing capabilities. NHD has a combo product called Flow.
- Arterosil: This product, in short, keeps the inside of a blood vessel slick, like the outside of a fish. It contains an extract from a rare seaweed to support the glycocalyx and endothelium of arteries and veins.
- Berberine: Derived from plants, berberine offers natural blood-thinning properties due to its anti-thrombin and anti-platelet activities.
- Garlic: Recognized both in its food and supplement forms, garlic aids in promoting healthy blood circulation.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is beneficial in blood regulation, helping to maintain fluidity.
- Vitamin C: As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting vascular health.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid: This compound is renowned for assisting with healthy blood flow.
- Beetroot Juice Powder: Beets are celebrated for their natural aspirin-like qualities, known for blocking platelet function. Works well when added to Vessel Support, in our line-up.
- Curcumin: Beyond its culinary uses, curcumin, found in turmeric, offers properties that support healthy blood consistency. Find this inside of our OptiLipid, which could also be called OptiFlow.
- Digestive Enzymes: Packed with natural enzymes, digestive supplements can deter clot formation.
Our Protocol
In addition to Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well, we Test, Don’t Guess. Also, there are biohacking strategies to support optimal blood flow.
Supplement Strategy:
- Flow- 1 cap 2x per day away from food. Sneak in a 3rd dose per day if possible.
- Arterosil- 1 cap 2x per day.
- Heart Beet and Vessel Support 1 tsp per day added to 100 Year Heart shake mix.
- OptiLipid 1 cap 2x per day.
- Garlic Force 1 tab per day.
Next Steps
If you’re currently on a blood thinner and are considering transitioning away from it, it’s imperative to consult with professionals who understand the intricacies of such a decision.
Contact one of our experienced health coaches at NHD to discuss your options. We offer a complimentary 20-minute discovery call to help you determine if working with our team is right for you.
While every individual’s situation is unique, many can safely move away from blood thinners with the proper guidance. Our health coaches are dedicated to identifying the root cause of your health concerns and will expertly guide you through the most suitable supplemental and lifestyle regimen tailored for you.
