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Avoid Deadly Blood Clots with Two Natural Extracts

The AHA! Team — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:27:07 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 900,000 Americans could be affected by venous thromboembolisms (blood clots) every year – with roughly 100,000 dying from them. Believe it or not, the simple act of sitting – for long periods – may be hazardous to your health. The American College of Cardiology reports that sitting at a desk for more than four hours a day increases the odds of deep vein thrombosis by a frightening 48 percent. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep in the body. In a life-threatening complication, the clot may break loose and make its way to the lung, leading to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Fortunately, recent research shows that you can combat DVT – safely and effectively – with the help of two natural extracts. Blood clots affect close to one million Americans According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 900,000 Americans could be affected by venous thromboembolisms (blood clots) every year – with roughly 100,000 dying from them. In fact, the risks of prolonged sitting are so pronounced many are calling sitting “the new smoking.” In truth, Western medicine offers few real solutions. Anticoagulant medications prescribed by conventionally trained doctors can feature serious side effects – along with the risk of hemorrhage or uncontrolled bleeding. However, recent research shows that two natural substances, French maritime pine bark extract, and nattokinase, can break down small clots before they grow – and even stop them from forming in the first place. Both can inhibit clotting, improve microcirculation in the legs, and increase the elasticity of blood vessel walls. What are the symptoms and signs of a blood clot? Unfortunately, about half the time, there are no apparent signs of deep vein thrombosis. When symptoms occur, they tend to develop suddenly – and can include swelling, fatigue, tenderness, and pain in the affected leg. Reddened skin, otherwise discolored skin, and warm skin on one or both legs can also be warning signs. A previously invisible vein that suddenly becomes visible is also a red flag that may indicate a possible blood clot. Call your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs – especially if they develop suddenly. Of course, aging can make you more susceptible to blood clots – especially when living a sedentary lifestyle. Being obese, smoking cigarettes, having surgery, and taking oral contraceptives can also raise your risk. French maritime pine bark extract: A powerful natural vasodilator Pine bark extract, also known as pycnogenol, is rich in beneficial polyphenols, including procyanidins and phenolic acids. With potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pine bark extract dilates blood vessels and reduces blood platelets’ stickiness, making them less likely to form clots. French maritime pine bark extract also increases the activity of an enzyme that generates beneficial nitric oxide in blood vessels. Several studies have demonstrated that pine bark extract is especially effective in preventing blood clots from forming after prolonged sitting. French maritime pine bark extract has also been shown to help reduce post-thrombotic syndrome, a common DVT complication in which blood collects in the affected leg and causes swelling, discoloration, and leg ulcers. In a year-long study, French maritime pine bark extract was found to be at least as effective as compression stockings in treating post-thrombotic syndrome. Not only did no new cases occur in the participants who took pine bark extract, but leg and ankle swelling was significantly decreased when compared to the compression stockings group. Researchers concluded that pine bark extract may have significant long-term protective effects following a thrombotic event. Another plus for French maritime pine bark extract is that compliance was better in the pine bark group. Researchers noted that taking the extract was not as “bothersome” to the participants as wearing the compression stockings, especially in warm weather. Nattokinase: A potent protector made from soy Nattokinase is a proteolytic enzyme made from soybeans fermented with a specific bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. It helps to prevent clotting by breaking down fibrin – the main protein found in clots – and also breaks down fibrinogen, the precursor to fibrin. It achieves this without causing side effects or undesirable bleeding. Nattokinase, combined with pine bark extract, has produced impressive results in studies. In a randomized, placebo-controlled human trial published in Angiology, passengers on a lengthy overseas flight were given either a placebo or a nattokinase and pine bark extract combination. The combination prevented each and every passenger who took it from experiencing DVTs. While there were zero DVTs in the supplement group, 5.4 percent of the passengers in the placebo group did experience DVTs. In contrast to the supplement group, passengers in the placebo group experienced a 12 percent increase in leg swelling during the flight – while supplemented passengers actually enjoyed a 15 percent reduction. The conclusion is that nattokinase and French maritime pine bark extract helped to prevent deep vein thrombosis in people who spent long periods sitting – thereby reducing the threat of sudden death from pulmonary embolism. If you must sit at a desk for prolonged periods, experts recommend getting up every hour and walking around for at least five to ten minutes to prevent blood from pooling in your legs. If interested, we suggest you discuss nattokinase and pine bark extract supplementation with your holistic healthcare provider. And, if they don’t know about these substances – find a doctor who understands the value of natural remedies. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Lifeextension.com Globalhealing.com NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Regular Dental Flossing Linked to Lower Risk of Stroke & Irregular Heartbeats

The AHA! Team — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:27:39 +0000

American Heart Association via News-Medical – Flossing your teeth at least once a week (regular dental flossing) may be linked to a lower risk of stroke Flossing your teeth at least once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025. The meeting is in Los Angeles, Feb. 5-7, 2025, and is a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health. A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases – such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease – affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions. We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior – dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits – has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.” Souvik Sen, M.D., M. S., M.P.H, study lead author, chair of the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina A structured questionnaire of more than 6,000 people The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, one of the first large-scale investigations of this kind in the U.S., assessed the home use of dental floss through a structured questionnaire of more than 6,000 people. Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Participants were asked about their status regarding high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, regular brushing and dentist visits. During the 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants were identified as having strokes, of which 147 were larger artery brain clots, 97 were heart-driven clots and 95 were hardening of the smaller arteries. Additionally, 1,291 participants were noted to have experienced AFib. The analysis found: Flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (blood clots traveling from the heart) and 12% lower risk of AFib. The associated lower risk was independent of regular brushing and routine dental visits or other oral hygiene behaviors. Increasing the frequency of flossing had a greater chance of stroke risk reduction. Flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease. Researchers were surprised by the reduction of irregular heartbeats, or AFib. AFib is the most common form of irregular heartbeat. It can lead to stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular complications. More than 12 million people are projected to have AFib in the United States by 2030, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. “Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits,” Sen said. “Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.” Study limitations Study limitations include that data were based on answers to a questionnaire, and the 25-year follow-up appears to have focused on stroke and heart outcomes only. There was no follow-up concerning flossing or other oral behaviors over the years, Sen said. “This study offers more insights into the specific dental health behaviors that may be linked to stroke risks and potential risk reduction. With further research, dental health practices could possibly be incorporated into the “Life’s Essential 8″ risk factors, which include diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids,” said Daniel T. Lackland, Dr.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association EPI and Stroke Council member and professor of epidemiology and director of the Division of Translational Neurosciences and Population Studies in the department of neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Lackland was not involved in this study. Study background, and details: The study began in 1987 and is ongoing. Of the 6,258 participants, 82% were self-reported white adults and 18% Black adults. Their average age was 62 years and 55% were women. Potential participants were excluded if they had total tooth loss, dental implants, heart disease, organ transplant, artificial joints, implanted heart valve or stent or major surgery. Source: American Heart Association To read the original article click here.

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Study Reveals Mechanisms Associated with Severe Blood Clotting in COVID-19 Patients

AHA Publisher — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 08:00:10 +0000

NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute via News-Medical – After studying blood samples from 244 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, a group of researchers, including those who work at the National Institutes of Health, identified “rogue antibodies” that correlate with severe illness and may help explain mechanisms associated with severe blood clotting. The researchers found circulating antiphospholipid antibodies, which can be more common among people with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. However, these “autoantibodies,” which target a person’s own organs and systems, can also be activated in response to viral infections and activate other immune responses. Scientists compared the blood samples to those from healthy controls and found the COVID-19 samples contained higher levels of the antibody IgG, which works with other immune cells, such as IgM, to respond to immune threats. Higher levels of IgG were also associated with COVID-19 disease severity, such as in patients who required breathing assistance. The researchers observed similar patterns, but to a lesser extent, after analyzing blood samples from 100 patients hospitalized for sepsis, which can leave the body in inflammatory shock following a bacterial or viral infection. IgG helps bridge a gap between innate and adaptive immune responses – a process that helps the body recognize, respond to, and remember danger. In normal cases, these features help protect the body from illness and infection. However, in some cases, this response can become hyperextended or altered and exacerbate illness. A unique finding from this study is that when researchers removed IgG from the COVID-19 blood samples, they saw molecular indicators of “blood vessel stickiness” fall. When they added these same IgG antibodies to the control samples, they saw a blood vessel inflammatory response that can lead to clotting. Since every organ has blood vessels in it, circulating factors that lead to the “stickiness” of healthy blood vessels during COVID-19 may help explain why the virus can affect many organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain. A query of this study was evaluating “upstream” factors involved with severe blood clotting and inflammation among people with severe COVID-19 illness. The researchers note future studies could explore the potential benefits of screening patients with COVID-19 or other forms of critical illness for antiphospholipids and other autoantibodies and at earlier points of infection. This may help identify patients at risk for extreme blood clotting, vascular inflammation, and respiratory failure. Corresponding studies could then assess the potential benefits of providing these patients with treatments to protect blood vessels or fine-tune the immune system. To read the original article click here.

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People Living at Higher Altitudes Have a Lower Risk of Stroke and Stroke-Related Death, Finds Study

AHA Publisher — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:00:41 +0000

Frontiers via News-Medical – The study is the first to examine the incidence of stroke-related hospitalization and death in people living at four different elevations in Ecuador, and includes data gathered over 17 years on more than 100,000 stroke patients. Strikingly, the study finds that people living at higher altitudes have a lower risk of stroke and stroke-related death, and that this protective effect is strongest at between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. Having the Right Altitude Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. A stroke typically occurs because of a blockage, such as a blood clot, in one of the arteries supplying blood to or within the brain. You may be familiar with some of the most common lifestyle and health factors that contribute to stroke risk, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lack of physical activity. However, there is another overlooked factor that could also affect your stroke risk – altitude. Higher altitude means less oxygen availability, so people who have lived on higher ground have adapted to these conditions. However, how this environment affects someone’s chances of developing stroke is still unclear. Anecdotal evidence suggests that short-term exposure to low oxygen can contribute to increased blood clotting and stroke risk, but the risk among people who permanently live at high altitude is not clear. Researchers in Ecuador are in a unique position to explore these phenomena, as the presence of the Ecuadorian Andes means that people in the country live at a wide array of altitudes. The main motivation of our work was to raise awareness of a problem that is very little explored. That is, more than 160m people live above 2,500 meters and there is very little information regarding epidemiological differences in terms of stroke at altitude. We wanted to contribute to new knowledge in this population that is often considered to be the same as the population living at sea level, and from a physiological point of view we are very different.” Esteban Ortiz-Prado, Study Lead Author and Professor, Universidad de las Americas Solving the Mystery The researchers studied hospital records in Ecuador from between 2001 and 2017, and assessed levels of stroke hospitalization and death among people who live at four different elevation ranges: low altitude (under 1,500 meters), moderate altitude (1,500–2,500 meters), high altitude (2,500–3,500 meters) and very high altitude (3,500–5,500 meters). The results showed that people who lived at higher altitudes (above 2,500 meters) tended to experience stroke at a later age compared with those at lower altitudes. Intriguingly, people who lived at higher altitudes were also less likely to be hospitalized or die because of stroke. However, this protective effect was greater between 2,000 and 3,500 meters and tailed off a little above 3,500 meters. So, why might living at high altitudes protect against stroke? It may be that people who live at high altitude have adapted to the low oxygen conditions, and more readily grow new blood vessels to help overcome stroke-related damage. They may also have a more developed vascular network in their brains that helps them to make the most of the oxygen they intake, but this could also protect them from the worst effects of stroke. More research is needed to identify the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, but the results may be some comfort to those who live on top of the world. To read the original article click here.

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Miniature 3D Bone Marrow Model Could Lead to Personalized Treatment for Blood Platelet Disorders

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 07:00:18 +0000

eLife via News-Medical – A new miniature 3D model of human bone marrow has been described today in the open-access eLife journal. The model may help clinicians predict which patients will benefit from a new therapy for blood platelet disorders, such as Inherited Thrombocytopenias – a group of familial disorders that inhibit the production of platelets. It could also enable further study of these disorders and give scientists a new tool to test experimental treatments. Platelets are cells that are necessary for the blood to clot and stop bleeding. Having too few platelets can lead to internal or serious bleeding after surgery or injuries, which is usually treated with therapies that cause clotting. Recent studies have shown that a drug called Eltrombopag increases the production of platelets, but not all patients appear to benefit from it. “Patients with the same apparent form of platelet disorder may respond differently to treatment with Eltrombopag,” says first author Christian Di Buduo, Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy. To help determine which patients might benefit from the drug, Di Buduo and colleagues developed a mini 3D model of human bone marrow that combines a scaffolding of silk protein and culture of patient-derived cells to recreate the human bone marrow environment where platelets are produced. “This device is a significant improvement over previous models, requiring only a very small sample of blood to recreate platelet production,” Di Buduo explains. The team then tested what happened when they added Eltrombopag to a blood sample from a patient with a platelet disorder that had previously been treated with the drug. Their results showed that the number of platelets produced in the model corresponded to how each patient had responded to treatment with Eltrombopag. The increase in the number of platelets collected from the model was comparable to the increase in the number of platelets in patients’ blood following treatment. The authors say the model could eventually lead to personalized treatment for platelet disorders by helping clinicians match patients to the best treatment. “This easy-to-reproduce system may also help scientists better understand what goes wrong in these disorders and how treatments work, as well as provide them with a new tool for testing new drugs that may lead to improved therapies in the future.” (Alessandra Balduini, Senior Author, Principal Investigator and Professor at the University of Pavia) To read the original article click here.

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Discover the “Mighty Mineral” Under-Recognized for Its Lifesaving Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:00:33 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Most people are aware that certain minerals in the body – such as calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium – play a vital role in sustaining life and health. Less “top of mind,” though, are essential trace minerals such as manganese, selenium, copper and zinc. And, although these microminerals are needed in much smaller amounts than the “Big Four,” they also serve indispensable functions in the body. Manganese, in particular, is responsible for an impressive checklist of life-sustaining functions. In fact, research has shown that this hard-working micromineral can help prevent and even alleviate a surprising range of diseases and conditions. As we take a closer look at the “mighty mineral,” the far-ranging benefits of manganese may surprise you. Manganese Works Behind the Scenes to Protect Your Health Manganese is the ultimate “wing-man” in the body, helping to facilitate the contributions of a host of other players. Specifically, it plays an important role in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, glucose and carbohydrates. In addition, manganese helps the body utilize a slew of important nutrients, including vitamin B1 (thiamin) – which helps the cells convert carbohydrates into energy – choline, which is needed for brain development, and vitamin C, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory “muscle” of the immune system. In combination with calcium, zinc and copper, manganese also supports bone mineral density. Plus, it helps to synthesize collagen, which is needed not only for healthy skin but for strong, flexible arteries. Finally, manganese facilitates normal blood clotting. The Benefits of Manganese Include a Stronger Defense Against Injury and Disease One of manganese’s important functions is to help to form superoxide dismutase, one of the body’s primary disease-fighting antioxidant enzymes. In fact, manganese superoxide dismutase is the compound’s full name. The task of superoxide dismutase is to gobble up harmful superoxide free radicals – thereby helping to fight oxidative stress, quench inflammation and slow the aging process. This antioxidant effect allows SOD to help fight a host of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, COPD, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Research has also shown that manganese is required for the activation of prolidase, an enzyme essential for wound healing. Unsurprisingly, low dietary levels of manganese have been associated with serious chronic diseases. Attention Diabetics: Discover the Health Benefits of Manganese Scientists report that manganese assists in the utilization of biotin, which helps normalize blood sugar. And, early studies have shown that the micromineral could help beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin. It makes sense, therefore, that researchers believe that manganese may help to lower elevated blood sugar levelsand help ward off type 2 diabetes, which currently affects 34 million Americans. One 2014 Korean study found that people with diabetes had lower levels of manganese than those without the condition. In another study, mice with diet-induced diabetes were given manganese supplementation for 12 weeks – with promising results. The team noted that the animals experienced improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin secretion, along with a decrease in the harmful oxidation of fats. While more clinical research is needed, these studies are encouraging. Natural Relief – Manganese Supports Healthy Bones and Joints Studies have suggested that manganese deficiency could be a primary cause of osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and subject to fracture. It turns out that manganese helps with the formation of certain hormones and enzymes that are involved in bone building. It also plays an essential role in the synthesis of glucosamine and chondroitin, essential ingredients of cartilage. And, it may help to prevent and treat another “osteo” condition – osteoarthritis. One study found that a combination of manganese, glucosamine and chondroitin for four months improved pain and function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee and lower back. Some studies have suggested that taking manganese in conjunction with calcium, zinc and copper can improve bone mass and reduce spinal bone loss in older women. Manganese May Boost Memory and Mood, Ease PMS Naturally The benefits of manganese extend to neurological functions, as well. This mineral is associated with the activity of the nerve cells of the brain, has been shown in animal studies to improve cognitive function. While more study is needed, some researchers believe that manganese can improve learning, memory and even mood in humans. And, it may even play a role in alleviating cyclical mood disturbances in women. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that premenstrual women with lower manganese levels experienced more pain, insomnia and mood-related symptoms than those with higher levels. How Much Manganese Is Enough? While true manganese shortfalls are rare in those who eat a varied, healthy diet, deficiencies can occur in people with chronic digestive disorders that limit absorption. In addition, a diet poor in manganese-rich foods can cause low levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily adequate intake for manganese is 2.3 mg for men and 1.8 mg for women. However, some natural health experts recommend 4 mg a day for maximum benefit. The tolerable upper limit for manganese is 11 mg a day. Although manganese in small amounts is vital for health, excessive amounts can be toxic. If you would like to try supplementation, make sure to discuss the matter first with your qualified integrative doctor. You can boost your dietary intake of the “mighty mineral” with whole grains – particularly brown rice, which weighs in at a whopping 2.1 mg per cup. Other good sources include raw pineapple, chickpeas, adzuki beans, pecans, almonds and dark leafy greens. As far as exceeding the tolerable upper limit by eating these foods, no worries – there is no evidence showing manganese toxicity from high dietary intake. So, in terms of vitamins and minerals, the benefits of manganese may be somewhat under-appreciated. But make no mistake: this trace mineral is far too important to be overlooked. Sources for this article include: MedicalNewsToday.com, LifeExtension.com, OregonState.Edu, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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