blood clots Archives - Amazing Health Advances

FDA Restricts Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine Due to Rare but Serious Blood Clot Risk

AHA Publisher — Mon, 09 May 2022 07:00:56 +0000

News Staff via CBN News – The U.S. government has put strict limitations on the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine because of a serious health risk. Regulators took that action because of the ongoing possibility of rare, but serious, blood clots. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the shot should only be given to adults who can’t get any other vaccine or specifically request the one from Johnson and Johnson. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans get Pfizer or Moderna shots instead of the J&J vaccine. FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency decided to restrict the vaccine after taking another look at the data on the risks of life-threatening blood clots and concluding that they are limited to J&J’s vaccine. “If there’s an alternative that appears to be equally effective in preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19, we’d rather see people opting for that,” Marks said. “But we’ve been careful to say that – compared to no vaccine – this is still a better option.” The problem occurs in the first two weeks after vaccination. So if you got a Johnson & Johnson shot a while ago, and haven’t had problems with blood clots, experts say you can rest easy. CDC Recommended Other Shots As CBN News reported last December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&J’s because of the rare blood clotting condition. At that time, the strange clotting problem caused nine confirmed deaths after J&J vaccinations. As of mid-March, federal scientists had identified 60 cases of the side effect, including nine that were fatal. That amounts to 3.23 blood clot cases per 1 million J&J shots. The problem is more common in women under 50, where the death rate was roughly 1 per million shots, according to Marks. Marks said the FDA spent extra time analyzing the problem to be sure it wasn’t connected to a separate issue, such as women taking birth control medications that raise their risk of clotting. The J&J vaccine will carry a starker warning about the potential “long-term and debilitating health consequences” of the side effect. A J&J spokesman said in an emailed statement: “Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults when compared with no vaccine.” FDA Authorized J&J Shot in February 2021 The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was first authorized by the FDA in February of 2021 for emergency use for adults 18 and up. It was the first single-shot vaccine in the fight against the global pandemic. The vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The rollout of the company’s vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&J to import millions of doses from overseas. However, clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&J’s one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare risk — as long as recipients were warned. Potentially Dangerous Neurological Reaction to Shot Reported Last July As CBN News reported in July of 2021, regulators added a new warning to Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine about links to a rare and potentially dangerous neurological reaction but said it was not entirely clear the shot caused the problem. The FDA announced the warning, flagging reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis. Health officials described the side effect as a “small possible risk” for those getting the shot. The action came after the FDA and the CDC reviewed reports of about 100 people developing the syndrome after receiving the one-dose vaccine. Almost all of were hospitalized and one person died, the FDA said. To read the original article click here.

The post FDA Restricts Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine Due to Rare but Serious Blood Clot Risk appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Keep Your Arteries Free of Plaque by Eating a Handful of THIS Food Daily

AHA Publisher — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:11 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, affects an estimated 1 in 58 Americans and is one of the main drivers of morbidity and mortality. Considered a chronic inflammatory disease, it leads to a build-up of plaque inside the arteries, impairs healthy blood flow, and drives the formation of blood clots. Not surprisingly, keeping our arteries pliable and free of plaque can have enormous implications for our longevity and quality of life since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. And new research suggests that sprinkling a handful of this popular nut into your daily diet can have a promising impact. Want Better Cholesterol? New Clinical Trial Suggests a Simple Food Choice Can Help In 2017, the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel concluded that current evidence “unequivocally establishes” that LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol causes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, making it a clear modifiable risk factor to focus on in disease prevention. Of course, LDL cholesterol is not the only risk … other factors for atherosclerosis include oxidative stress from toxic exposures, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Having said that, could something as simple as snacking on walnuts every day really be an effective way to lower LDL cholesterol and, in time, help you avoid the hardening of the arteries? A recently published randomized controlled trial with two years worth of data says yes. The trial, published in the Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, found that eating 1 to 2 servings of walnuts per day (about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup, or 30 to 60 grams), which is roughly equivalent to about 15% of a person’s daily intake, can lead to a mean reduction in LDL cholesterol by 4.3 mg/dL among people with “normal” lipid profiles. An even greater improvement in LDL levels has been observed in people with high total cholesterol. 90% of the 708 trial participants completed the study. The authors add that frequent nut consumption has been associated overall with a 15% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a 23% reduced risk of lower CVD-related deaths. This study does come with one red flag: it was funded by the California Walnut Commission (CWC) and therefore had a potential conflict of interest. That said, walnuts are generally considered a safe and healthy food for anyone without a nut allergy and are an excellent plant-based source of various fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In Addition to Eating More Walnuts, Here Are Other Things You Can Do to Help Your Arteries Stay Healthier as You Age Walnuts and other nuts and seeds are healthy when consumed in moderation – but they do tend to be high in calories, so it’s essential to monitor your intake, especially if you’re trying to keep your arteries healthy. Why? Because being overweight or obese increases your risk of high LDL cholesterol, according to Mayo Clinic. Conversely, getting to a healthy weight can improve cardiovascular health and prevent atherosclerosis. You can also protect your heart and arteries by: Avoiding toxins in your food, water, personal care / household products and immediate air space. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Managing stress levels and improving sleep habits. Eating lots of chemical-free (organic vegetables and fruit) – rich in antioxidants. Exploring natural supplements that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, such as alpha-linolenic acid, fish oil, garlic, green tea, oat bran and barley. And, of course, staying well hydrated with clean water. Sources for this article include: AHAjournals.org Omicsonline.org MayoClinic.org CDC.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Keep Your Arteries Free of Plaque by Eating a Handful of THIS Food Daily appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

UVA Scientists Identify a Potential Way to Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes

AHA Publisher — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000

UVA Health via News-Medical Net – Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have identified a potential way to head off heart attacks and strokes by strengthening the fibrous caps overlying atherosclerotic plaques that naturally accumulate inside our arteries. These fatty lesions can rupture, triggering blood clots that cause disability or death. New research from the lab of UVA’s Gary K. Owens, PhD, reveals surprising new information about the makeup of the protective caps our bodies build over these lesions, and about the factors that determine their stability. The study supports recent findings that certain types of inflammation might actually help stabilize plaques. Doctors may one day be able to use these insights to strengthen the caps and prevent the plaques from rupturing. “These studies redefine our understanding of both how the caps form and what makes them strong. These studies were completed by a large team of highly talented investigators from UVA and abroad but led by three outstanding trainees from my laboratory, including co-first authors Alexandra Newman [PhD], Vlad Serbulea [PhD] and Richard Baylis [MD/PhD].” (Gary K. Owens, PhD, Head of UVA’s Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, and Member of UVA’s Departments of Molecular Physiology, Biological Physics, Internal Medicine – Division of Cardiology) Understanding Atherosclerotic Plaques Unstable atherosclerotic plaques account for the majority of heart attacks and a large fraction of strokes, making these lesions the leading cause of death worldwide. The protective caps our bodies create over these lesions act like a patch on a tire, preventing them from rupturing and triggering catastrophic blood clot formation, which, in blood vessels supplying the heart or brain, can cause a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, improving our understanding of how the cap forms is of major clinical importance. “Despite decades of research, little is known regarding the factors and mechanisms that promote formation and maintenance of a stable fibrous cap,” the UVA researchers write in a new scientific paper outlining their findings. This work from Owens and his team helps change that, offering unexpected insights into the caps’ composition and origins. Scientists have thought that the caps were derived almost exclusively from smooth muscle cells, but Owens’ findings reveal that there is a “tapestry” of different cell types involved. “For years we assumed that most of the protective fibrous cap cells were of smooth muscle cell origin because that’s what they look like under the microscope,” Newman said, adding, “Advanced techniques show us how dynamic this structure really is.” Baylis noted that “having multiple cell types contribute to the fibrous cap likely make this critically important structure more robust and resistant to plaque rupture.” Up to 40% of the fibrous cells in the cap in lab mice come from sources other than smooth muscle cells, the researchers found. In advanced human lesions, approximately 20%-25% of the fibrous cap cells came from other sources. Those other sources include endothelial cells – cells that line our blood vessels – and immune cells called macrophages, typically viewed as being pro-inflammatory and plaque de-stabilizing, that have undergone special transitions that enable them to perform plaque-stabilizing functions. The researchers went on to provide evidence that the formation of the fibrous cap is dependent on metabolic re-programming of these cells to perform processes that are essential to plaque stabilization. The findings suggest that clinicians may one day be able to treat the underlying causes of heart attacks and strokes by enhancing these transitions through novel drug therapies and dietary modifications to help ensure patients have stable caps. “Our studies unveil a potential new approach for reducing the probability of plaque rupture, which could be used in conjunction with current therapies that focus on lowering cholesterol and preventing clot formation.” (Gary K. Owens, PhD) “This paradigm-shifting study presents evidence for beneficial roles of other cell types and mechanisms driving plaque stabilization,” Serbulea explained. He added that in conjunction with previous studies from the lab, these findings provide evidence that “inflammation, often the scapegoat for heart disease, seems to reprogram endothelial cells and macrophages to help stabilize plaques.” Taking the new results in consideration with recent clinical trials such as CANTOS, TINSAL-CVD and CIRT that have shown little to no benefit of global anti-inflammatory therapies, the UVA team is urging researchers and pharmaceutical companies to rethink their approaches to preventing heart attacks and strokes. Findings Published The researchers have published their findings in the scientific journal Nature Metabolism. The research team consisted of Newman, Serbulea, Baylis, Laura S. Shankman, Xenia Bradley, Gabriel F. Alencar, Katherine Owsiany, Rebecca A. Deaton, Santosh Karnewar, Sohel Shamsuzzaman, Anita Salamon, Mahima S. Reddy, Liang Guo, Aloke Finn, Renu Virmani, Olga A. Cherepanova and Owens. Finn disclosed an interest with the Amgen biotechnology company. The work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants R01 HL132904, R01 HL136314 and R01 HL141425; a Leducq Fondation Transatlantic Network Grant; Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Training Grants 5 T32 HL 007284-41, 5 T32 HL007284- 43 and 5 T32 HL 007284-40; NIH Fellowship F30 HL 136188-04; a Small Research and Travel Grant; an Ingrassia Family Echols Scholars Research Grant; and a Harrison Undergraduate Research Award. To read the original article click here.

The post UVA Scientists Identify a Potential Way to Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Blood Clot RISK: This Unique Compound in Grape Seed Extract Helps to Protect Your Circulation

AHA Publisher — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 08:00:44 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For many, working from home is now the “new normal.” And, for millions of Americans, this means long hours seated at a desk. Believe it or not, while excessive sitting hardly seems like a dangerous activity, it actually presents a serious risk to health. In fact, the threat is so severe that health experts are now characterizing prolonged sitting as “the new smoking.” Sitting for long periods of time – whether at a desk, in a car, or on a plane – raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body (usually, in the leg). In a life-threatening complication, the clot can break loose and head for the lung, where it can cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as 900,000 Americans are affected by blood clots every year, resulting in roughly 100,000 deaths. (Sitting doesn’t look quite so safe anymore, does it?) Fortunately, a clinical study supports the ability of proanthocyanidins in grape seeds to improve blood flow and dramatically lower the risk of thrombosis. Reduce Leg Swelling With a Single Serving of Proanthocyanidins From Grape Seeds Researchers have long puzzled over the “French paradox” – the fact that people in France enjoy a 50 percent reduced risk of heart disease when compared to Americans. (And this, despite eating a fatty diet and having generally higher cholesterol and blood pressure!) Many believe that the secret lies in the French tradition of regularly consuming red wine, which is made from grapes rich in healthful polyphenols (such as resveratrol and quercetin). And, the most potent polyphenols of all are the proanthocyanidins, which make up about 90 percent of the content of grape seeds. Of course, traditionally speaking, Europeans tend to eat higher quality food (less processed) and in smaller quantities … which is quite healthy for you. Back to our point for today: research has shown that these powerful antioxidants can improve blood flow, reduce swelling and prevent blood clots – particularly after long periods of sitting. (Just what the doctor ordered for those in sedentary occupations!) In a clinical study published in the Journal of Science and Food Agriculture, researchers assessed the effects of a single 400-mg serving of proanthocyanidins from grape seeds, taken before a session of six hours of sitting. The team found that the extract reduced leg swelling and edema by 70 percent – an impressive result. Grape Seed Extract Discourages Blood Clots Through Multiple Mechanisms In an animal study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, researchers found that grape seed extract reduced the size of blood clots while protecting the endothelium, the all-important lining of the veins and arteries. It also markedly lowered levels of inflammatory cytokines, reduced the number of adhesion molecules, and discouraged blood clots by reducing the “stickiness” of platelets. In other words, grape seed extract made blood less likely to clump together and adhere to the lining of veins. Calling grape seed extract a “promising candidate” for treating deep vein thrombosis, the impressed researchers went a step further and stated that “prompt administration of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract is instrumental to thrombus (blood clot) clearance.” The News Gets Even Better: Proanthocyanidins in Grape Seeds LOWER the Risk of Heart Disease, Heart Attacks, and Strokes While blood clots in veins can cause pulmonary embolism, blood clots that form in arteries are equally dangerous – and can cause a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, proanthocyanidins in grape seeds benefit cardiovascular health as well. In addition to helping reduce the ability of blood to form clots, they have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides in the blood and fight the systemic inflammation that can trigger heart disease. Proanthocyanidins can also prevent the harmful oxidation of fats. In one Italian study, 300 mg of a grape seed product, consumed with a meal, significantly reduced the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Incidentally, an extract from French maritime pine bark – sometimes coupled with an herb known as Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) – is making researchers sit up and take notice of its remarkable ability to act against artery-clogging atherosclerosis. What is the “secret weapon” of French maritime pine bark? Researchers say it’s the high content of – you guessed it – proanthocyanidins. By the way, when sitting for long periods of time, natural health experts recommend getting up and walking around at least once an hour. If you are on a plane or train, a short stroll down the aisle can go a long way towards avoiding blood clots. Slow the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Grape seed extract prevents memory loss, improves cognitive abilities, and even reduces specific proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. With advancing age, harmful beta-amyloid proteins accumulate in the brain, impairing the ability to make new cells. Studies have shown that grape seed extracts can not only prevent, but reverse this phenomenon. In an animal study conducted at the University of Alabama, scientists found that grape seed extract normalized over a dozen different brain proteins, restoring them back to youthful levels. While more studies are needed, this research offers an exciting glimpse of the potential of grape seed extract to improve cognitive function and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. And, there’s more. Grape seed extract also has protective, anti-aging effects on the skin, and helps to maintain strong bones and teeth. As if this weren’t beneficial enough, grape seed extract stabilizes blood sugar and acts against obesity by helping to metabolize fat and reduces appetite. Natural health experts generally recommend grape seed extract amounts of 300 to 800 mg a day for eight to 16 weeks. However, don’t use grape seed extract to treat deep vein thrombosis – or any other condition – without first consulting your integrative doctor. While the name is complex, the effects of the proanthocyanidins in grape seeds are straightforward and simple. These beneficial antioxidants can promote healthy circulation while reducing vulnerability to blood clots – a very substantial health benefit indeed. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov LifeExtension.com JournalofVascularSurgery.org Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Blood Clot RISK: This Unique Compound in Grape Seed Extract Helps to Protect Your Circulation appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Yoga Helps Manage Symptoms in Atrial Fibrillation Patients, New Study

AHA Publisher — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 08:00:36 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – Atrial fibrillation (sometimes referred to as AFib) affects an estimated 2.7 million Americans, and this heart rhythm disorder increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, blood clots, and additional complications. This point can’t be overemphasized: AFib isresponsible for between 20-30% of all strokes and can significantly increase the risk of premature death. Some of the symptoms of atrial fibrillation include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, irregular pulse, racing heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms are often stressful for patients, resulting in anxiety and limiting their ability to lead normal lives. However, new research has found that practicing yoga regularly eases the symptoms associated with AFib. Got atrial fibrillation? Discover why the practice of yoga could prove to be a “lifesaver” Researchers decided to investigate whether yoga – which is known for offering many health benefits – would ease the symptoms of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. More than 500 patients were enrolled in the study, and they started with 12 weeks of no yoga, monitoring patient symptoms. Then, patients did 30-minute yoga sessions, including breathing and postures, every other day for 16 weeks. During those 16 weeks, they were encouraged to practice the breathing and movements daily at home, too. Patients recorded their symptoms and AFib episodes in a diary during both the non-yoga and yoga periods. Certain patients wore heart monitors as well to verify any atrial fibrillation episodes. Each patient completed depression and anxiety surveys as well as a questionnaire that assessed their mood, energy levels, and ability to keep up with routine daily activities. Researchers also measured blood pressure and heart rate. At the end of the study, the outcomes between the non-yoga and yoga periods were compared. The yoga period resulted in significant improvements in every area when compared to the non-yoga period. Patients only experienced an average of eight AFib episodes during the yoga period compared to 15 during the shorter non-yoga period. Researchers also observed a significant reduction in blood pressure after patients went through yoga training. Beyond AFib: Additional health benefits of yoga According to researchers, this new study shows the wide range of mental health and physical benefits for patients diagnosed with A-fib. But yoga offers additional health benefits from which anyone can benefit. Some of the science-backed benefits include: Stress reduction: Studies show yoga decreases the production of the primary stress hormone, cortisol, and significantly lowers levels of anxiety and stress. Reduces inflammation: Researchers have found that practicing yoga regularly may reduce the markers of inflammation, a significant benefit since inflammation contributes to the development of diseases like cancer heart disease, and diabetes. Boosts heart health: Multiple studies show that yoga lowers pulse rate, blood pressure, and may even contribute to helping individuals lower their bad cholesterol levels. Fights depression: According to researchers, the ability of yoga to decrease cortisol production may create an antidepressant effect. Combats chronic pain: A growing body of research demonstrates that regular yoga practice may help reduce chronic pain associated with diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The main message of this article is clear: lifestyle changes can have a profound (positive) effect on heart health and overall wellbeing. Work with a qualified healthcare provider and enjoy the rewards of a healthy lifestyle. Sources for this article include: Sciencedaily.com, Heart.org, Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post Yoga Helps Manage Symptoms in Atrial Fibrillation Patients, New Study appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Natural Blood Thinners You Already May Have in Your Kitchen

AHA Publisher — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:00:04 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Anticoagulant medications have been implicated in serious adverse reactions, with countless case reports indicating the use of these drugs can lead to hospital admission from issues like excessive bleeding. Because of their potential for harm, being aware of natural blood thinners as potential alternatives is critical. Blood clots are among the most preventable types of blood conditions. That’s because they can be prevented with simple lifestyle and dietary changes. Adding natural blood thinners to your diet and wellness routine can have a tremendous impact, without the fear of adverse side effects. What Are Blood Thinners? Blood thinners are used to prevent the development of life-threatening blood clots that can cause serious health events, like heart attack and stroke. Although blood clots are necessary to prevent blood loss during injury and to allow for wound healing, clot formation in the bloodstream can lead to dangerous complications. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to patients with certain cardiovascular conditions, like deep vein thrombosis, irregular heart rhythm and blood vessel disease. Some herbs serve as natural blood thinners because of their anticoagulant effects as well. Types/Varieties For people with certain blood or heart conditions, using blood thinners is necessary. For most Americans in these circumstances, anticoagulants are prescribed by doctors as a preventative measure. Anticoagulants or “blood thinners” are medications that are used to prevent your blood from clotting or allowing existing clots to grow. These drugs slow down the blood-clotting process. Some examples of anticoagulants include: warfarin heparin dabigitran apixaban rivoraxaban There are also antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin, that work by preventing blood cells (or platelets) from clumping together and creating a clot. Some of these medications are synthetic substances that are derived from chemicals found in natural blood thinners. Cayenne, cinnamon and ginger, for example, contain powerful compounds that are used to create anticoagulants. In some situations, using these herbs as a safer blood thinner is possible, but people with serious concerns of future heart conditions, like heart attack or stroke, must speak to their doctors before using a natural alternative to blood-thinner medications. Top 8 Natural Blood Thinners 1. Turmeric Turmeric acts as a natural anticoagulant, and it has anti-platelet effects. A study published in BMB Reports indicates that curcumin, the beneficial polyphenol in turmeric, inhibited thrombin, a protease that plays a role in blood coagulation. Researchers concluded that daily consumption of the curry spice may help maintain anticoagulant status. 2. Cayenne Pepper Cayenne contains salicylate, a natural blood-thinning agent that’s valued for its anti-thrombosis effects. On top of that, it also contains capsaicin, which is proven to possess lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties in several studies. For these reasons, cayenne is often taken in capsule form to promote cardiovascular health and blood circulation. 3. Cinnamon Cinnamon, especially cassia cinnamon, is rich in coumarin, a powerful anticoagulant that’s actually used to make warfarin. That said, research suggests that using cinnamon supplements for an extended period of time can be problematic, possibly leading to liver issues from the increased coumarin consumption. Instead of using “true cinnamon” supplements, you’re better off consuming cinnamon in your normal diet by adding it to meals and beverages. 4. Ginger Like cayenne, ginger contains salicylate, a chemical that has been studied for its ability to prevent thrombosis. Studies indicate that salicylate induces moderate anticoagulation and may prevent venous thrombosis without causing bleeding complications. The use of ginger for its blood-thinning properties is gaining popularity, as people seek more natural approaches to conventional anticoagulants. There is research cautioning users who combine oral ginger supplements and warfarin, however. Although the data on this was deemed insufficient, be sure to discuss this with your health care professional before combining treatments. 5. Garlic Consuming garlic daily may be useful for preventing thrombosis. Studies suggest that garlic works as an anticoagulant. One study evaluated the safety of using garlic extract with warfarin, a commonly prescribed blood thinner. Researchers found that garlic extract is relatively safe and poses no serious risk for patients on warfarin or oral anticoagulation therapy, as long as they are being monitored by health care professional. 6. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a natural blood thinner because of its anticoagulant effects. Studies support that vitamin E has anti-clotting activity and works as a potent blood thinner. Supplementing with vitamin E and consuming vitamin E foods can help prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Some of the best vitamin E-rich foods include avocado, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli and mango. 7. Exercise Staying active helps prevent blood clots from forming, so it’s important to move your body and exercise regularly. It is widely accepted that daily physical activity is associated with improved cardiovascular health because of its positive effects on blood pressure, blood circulation, cholesterol and insulin sensitivity. Try to add at least 30 minutes of exercise per day into your schedule. This can include any type of movement that gets your heart pumping, including up-hill walking, yoga, weight lifting and biking. Be sure to drink plenty of water while exercising to stay hydrated as well. It’s also important to avoid sitting for an extended period of time. Be sure to get up, move around and stretch throughout the day to promote blood circulation. 8. Helichrysum Essential Oil Although research on humans is limited, studies on rats suggest that using helichrysum essential oil topically has vasorelaxant effects, which means that it relaxes vessels that carry blood and may help reduce high blood pressure. How to Add to Diet It’s easy to add these natural blood thinners to your diet. They can be included in meals to add flavor and nutritional benefits. Another way to consume these herbs and spices is with tea. Turmeric tea and ginger tea can be made at home and added to your daily health routine. These herbs are also available in capsule or extract forms, but if you’re going to supplement with higher doses like this, be sure to discuss it with your doctor beforehand. In addition to adding natural blood thinners to your diet to reduce the risk of blood clots, it’s important to eat a healthy, well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing inflammation are essential, as they promote healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should eat to boost your overall health: colorful vegetables dark leafy greens fruits legumes whole grains omega-3 foods healthy fats In addition to bringing heart-healthy foods into your diet, it’s also essential to avoid foods that cause your body harm. This includes foods made with artificial sweetener, sugar and refined carbohydrates, diet sodas, baked goods made with trans fats, and excessive alcohol consumption. Risks and Side Effects Before using natural blood thinners to prevent blood clots, speak to your health care provider, and be sure that these foods and supplements do not interfere with any of your current medications. Is thin blood bad? Like all things related to health, you need a balance. Your blood can’t become so thin that it fails to form clots and you risk excessive bleeding. What vitamins or foods should be avoided when on blood thinners? This depends on what type of blood thinners you use, but it can be problematic to combine anticoagulant medications with natural blood thinners like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic and cayenne peppers. The issue is thinning the blood too much, so before supplementing with these herbs, speak to your doctor. Eating these herbs in normal food portions, however, should not be an issue. These natural options may not be as effective as blood-thinning medications, so if you’re relying on these to prevent an existing health concern, consult your doctor first to be sure it’s the right treatment method for your needs. Conclusion Natural blood thinners help prevent blood clots that can lead to serious health events like heart attack or stroke. Oftentimes, conventional anticoagulants are prescribed to prevent dangerous blood clotting, but many of these medications have adverse side effects. When it’s appropriate and advised by a health care professional, using natural blood thinners, such as cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper and garlic, has antithrombosis and anticoagulant effects, boosting cardiovascular health and overall wellness. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

The post Natural Blood Thinners You Already May Have in Your Kitchen appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Miniscule Robots Like “Magic School Bus” Could Clear Blood Clots

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 08:00:02 +0000

Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD via News Medical-Net – The team explains that pulmonary embolism could be just one of the uses of these miniature magnetically-controlled robots. There may be other uses for these including complex brain surgeries and eye surgeries and clot removal from tiny blood vessels. Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a clot forms and blocks the arteries of the lungs and this restricts the blood flow to the lungs and lowers the amount of oxygen reaching the different organs. Statistics from the National Institutes of Health show that pulmonary embolism leads to nearly 200,000 to 300,000 deaths in the United States annually putting it at number three in cardiovascular diseases right after heart attack and stroke. Pulmonary embolism can be life threatening and is usually treated by clot busting medicine or manoeuvres or surgeries. Researchers from University of Houston’s Robotic Swarm Control Laboratory and Houston Methodist Hospital, now have come up with tiny robots that could be sent to the site of the clot within the body. These robots could break down the clots and open up the blockage say the researchers. Aaron Becker, principal investigator of the study and Assistant professor of Electrical and Computer engineering at the UH Cullen College of Engineering, said in a statement, “Our lab is at the forefront of developing magnetically controlled tiny robots, and we have a strong collaborative relationship with the Methodist Research Institute. This research is motivated by clinical problems [physicians] deal with.” This project was titled, “Wireless magnetic millibot blood clot removal and navigation in 3D-printed patient-specific phantoms using Echocardiography,” and was funded by the National Science Foundation with a grant amount of $752,871. For this project the team would use tiny robots of the size 6 mm by 2.5 mm shaped like a corkscrew. Each of these robots have a small rotating swimmer with a magnet. These robots would be guided within the body to the site of the clot using magnetic waves. Ultrasound imaging would be used to locate the robots within the body and a set of electromagnets would be used to control their movements. Within the arteries they would help break up the clots and open up the blockages. Julien Leclerc, a research associate at the UH Cullen College of Engineering, explained, “It reminded me of an episode of ‘The Magic School Bus,’ where the vehicle is miniaturized and navigates inside Ralphie, a student, to find the cause of his sickness. I immediately liked the concept of using magnetic fields to control tetherless miniature robots inside a patient.” Others working on the team included Dr. Dipan Shah, chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, and Mohamad Ghosn, a research scientist with the DeBakey Cardiac and Cardiovascular Center. The team explains that pulmonary embolism could be just one of the uses of these miniature magnetically-controlled robots. There may be other uses for these including complex brain surgeries and eye surgeries and clot removal from tiny blood vessels. Leclerc said, “Using non-invasive miniature magnetic agents could improve patient comfort, reduce the risk of infection and ultimately decrease the cost of medical treatments. My goal is to quickly bring this technology into the clinical realm and allow patients to benefit from this treatment method as soon as possible.” Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary embolism is managed by a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT). Diagnosis is made initially by testing for D-dimer followed by a CT angiography imaging study. Echocardiography and/or portable V/Q scan, duplex ultrasonography are also suggested. In addition vital parameters including systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory rate, oxygen requirement etc. need to be recorded. Treatment of pulmonary embolism involves use of anticoagulant medication. Researchers have said that treatment needs to be started based on suspicion of pulmonary embolism alone even before confirmed diagnosis is obtained because of the life-threatening nature of the condition. To break down the clot thrombolytics are used as injections. Again treatment needs to start as soon as possible and immediately in cases of cardiac arrest seen in suspected pulmonary embolism patients. The clots could also be broken by inserting a catheter in a procedure called Catheter Directed thrombolysis (CDL) or Catheter Directed Embolectomy. These are necessary for patients with intermediate to high risk of pulmonary embolism say researchers. These are opted as first line of action is systemic thrombolysis cannot be chosen. The next step is Surgical Embolectomy (SPE) which involves removal or breakage of the clot by open surgery. This is tried only when systemic thrombolysis and catheter directed thrombolysis has failed or the patient is at a very high risk. Surgery is also a choice if the thrombus lies largely in the right heart and is unwieldy and big in size. In addition to the interventions hemodynamic support is provided and filters are placed within the large vein Inferior Vena Cava to prevent movement of the clot. The patients after discharge need to be followed up within 2 weeks or three months or earlier with symptoms. To read the original article click here.

The post Miniscule Robots Like “Magic School Bus” Could Clear Blood Clots appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.