Kiwi & Berries
Kiwi
It’s important to get plenty of fruit mixed into your diet if you want to keep deep vein thrombosis at bay. And while there are lots of fruits that are good for healthy clotting, kiwi seems to be especially beneficial if you’re susceptible to DVT. Kiwis actually lower clot risks by reducing the amount of platelet activity in the blood, which means clotting won’t occur as easily. As an extra bonus, kiwis are great for lowering cholesterol and have tons of vitamin C. Both of these things make them even more beneficial for normal blood clotting. Keeping things like cholesterol levels in check makes for a healthier cardiovascular system overall, and vitamin C has been found beneficial in controlling DVT-related clots.
Berries
Berries, of all varieties, are another great option for fighting deep vein thrombosis. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries are particularly known for their high salicylate content—which we've already seen helps prevent excessive clotting.
Vitamin C in particular is a necessity to the human body, and some types of berries tend to be very high in this nutrient. However, the relationship between blood clots and vitamin C is a bit complicated. Some studies have found that a deficiency of vitamin C can cause clotting issues, but other studies have shown that too much vitamin C can also cause blood clots to form. In any case, it’s good for the walls of the blood vessels, and if you’re concerned about heart health beyond DVT, getting plenty of vitamin C may be something to think about.
Did you know...
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.