For many years, aspirin has been recommended for heart attack and stroke prevention. I discussed why this was wrong in my book, The Paleo Cardiologist, back in 2015. And in 2018, studies were released that ended aspirin’s reign in the pharma world for primary prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
For secondary prevention, aspirin has some short term value. If you are part of the group of people who have had a heart attack, stroke, stent or bypass, aspirin has a slight benefit for you.
The benefits are in recurrent vascular events. But here is the problem, aspirin leads to gastrointestinal bleeding. I think the risks far outweigh any benefits.
In short, thousands of factors lead to heart attacks. An aspirin deficiency is not one of them.
If you are looking to “thin your blood” with a “natural blood thinner”, here are 5 nutrition/lifestyle recommendations and 5 supplement recommendations. Don’t hesitate to grab a free coaching call and we can help you.
(Disclaimer: Do not stop aspirin until you consult with your doctor)
- Eat seafood
Seafood is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. These particles lower inflammation and improve vascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA assist the homeostasis of the coagulation system. People with the highest level omega 3 index have the lowest heart attack, stroke, and DVT/PE risk. I suggest seafood at least 3 times per week from companies like THIS one. Consider our The Whole Fish 6 caps per day for a fantastic, and easy, way to consume seafood.
- Eat sulfur
Sulfur rich foods include garlic, onions, and Brassica vegetables like broccoli and Brussels Sprouts. Sulfur keeps blood vessels slick like the outside of fish. Sulfur makes glutathione. Eggs and all other animal foods contain sulfur. Our Wild Salmon Roe is a great source of sulfur.
- Get sunshine
Sunlight to our skin releases nitric oxide (NO). This small molecule helps blood vessels to relax. When vessels are open, clotting risk is lower. People with the highest levels of vitamin D have the lowest risk of heart attack, stroke, DVT and PE. You get vitamin D from sunshine and animal/seafood.
- Get active
Physical activity / movement increases circulation and limits stasis in blood vessels. Example, sitting in a car or plane with limited mobility increases clotting risk. People who are physically active have a lower DVT risk. Get up, get outside and MOVE.
- Get away from toxins
Pesticides, phthalates, parabens, and plastics all lead to inflammation. Clotting is more likely in those who are inflamed. Unfortunately, the list of toxins, including EMF and mold mycotoxins, is endless. Avoid them. Detox them.
5 Supplement Alternative to Aspirin
- Berberine is a compound that comes from the barberry plant in Asia. Thousands of studies have been done on this supplement, including ones that show berberine’s capacity as a natural anti-platelet coagulation agent. I like 500 mg 2x per day for this purpose. Also great for lipids and blood sugar. See our product Berbe or our OptiLipid.
- Beetroot powder contains betalains that have anti-platelet capacity. Beetroot also boosts nitric oxide to support healthy blood flow. Many other components of beetroot powder serve to lower inflammation, thus promoting healthy coagulation. See our organic Heart Beet powder.
- Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from fermented soy. It is a natural clot buster and anticoagulation agent. See this article about the blood thinning effects of nattokinase. We use a combination product called Flow, 1 cap 2x per day AWAY from food.
- Garlic is well known to assist in healthy blood flow. Eat garlic. Swallow garlic supplements like our Garlic Force. 1 tab per day is good.
- The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid. The same compound is found naturally in White Willow Bark. Learn more here.
In summary, there are MANY things you can do to keep your blood naturally thin and optimally flowing, thus minimizing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and clots.
