Clot controlling with Aspirin
Aspirin – a lifesaver or a stroke hazard?
Aspirin may do more harm than good, depending on the conditions for which it is prescribed. Aspirin reduces the stickiness of the blood, which can prevent some blood clots forming and cause others to break up without doing too much harm. However, plaque rupture is also often caused by bleeding from tiny, fragile blood vessels that grow into the plaque from outside the artery wall. If blood escapes into brain tissue it causes a haemorrhagic stroke. Aspirin could prevent some heart attacks by preventing clots from forming. However, it may trigger others by setting off bleeding in cholesterol deposits (plaque) on the walls of blood vessels close to the heart. Most heart attacks these days are due to the rupture of the plaque bundle that then exposes the cholesterol and plaque bundle to the blood inside the artery, causing severe blood clots.
In certain emergencies aspirins could be lifesaving. They help to dissolve blood clots that may reach the heart before a patient is admitted to hospital. They are good to take for a headache and help to control fever and inflammation as and when required. However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unless you have already had a heart attack or stroke, aspirin does more harm than good and should not be used for this purpose. Taking a low dose of 75 mg of aspirin every day can be risky in the long term because it irritates the gastric lining and encourages free bleeding. It also destroys vitamin C and thus collagen tissue. Clotting factors (viscosity) should be regularly monitored by your physician during the drug-weaning period. If you are on a low dose of aspirin and you take extra vitamin E and/or extra omega 3 oils – your blood might become too thin. Discuss this situation with a healthcare professional who can check your PI.
Natural aspirin – salicylic acid is abundant in food
Foods that contain salicylates (similar to aspirin) can also help to prevent blood from clotting. The early Red Indians used to chew willow bark twigs. It is one of the richest sources of salicylic acid and does not cause gastric bleeding. It is present in most of our fresh fruits, vegetables and in popular spices.
Fruits:
Raisins, Prunes, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Currants, Dates, Guava, Oranges, Pineapple, Plums and especially Strawberries
Vegetables:
Broccoli, Chilli, Peppers, Cucumbers, Okra, Spinach, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Canned Tomatoes, Tomato paste/sauce, Green Peppers, Radishes, Zucchini (Courgettes)
Spices:
Aniseed, Cayenne, Celery Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Curry, Dill, Fenugreek Powder, Garam Masala, Mustard Powder, Ginger Root, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Turmeric, Thyme, Mint, Black Pepper, Bay leaves, Basil, Caraway, Oregano, Paprika, Nutmeg.
There are many natural solutions to traditional blood thinners. Be careful if you are on blood thinners and take natural alternatives. Your blood might become too thin – best is to check your PI – discuss with your healthcare professional.
