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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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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.

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