Turmeric Is A Natural Blood Thinner - Here's What You Should Know

Some individuals are at higher risk of developing blood clots than other people. In most cases, a physician prescribes medication to prevent unwanted clotting. This medication encourages a healthy flow of blood to the heart and minimizes the risk of developing blood clots. Did you know that Turmeric is a natural blood thinner? 

Clotting of the blood occurs naturally in most people, especially when they are young. However, people can develop unusual clotting behavior in which the blood clots more than it should. If this condition is left untreated, it increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Blood thinners prevent excessive clotting, reducing this risk.

Turmeric Performs as a Blood Thinner

Research shows that turmeric delivers two important properties that reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Curcumin, a bioactive component of turmeric, is responsible for these important capabilities. It has both anticoagulant capabilities and anti-inflammatory ones. 

Curcumin As an Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation has a bad reputation for a reason. Not only does inflammation hurt, but it often causes harm to the body. When this happens, the body responds in kind by trying to heal itself. In some cases, inflammation causes blood clots to form. 

Platelets are the small blood cells that take on the role of helping the blood to clot when an injury is experienced, inflammation occurs, or a surgery takes place. The platelets attach themselves to an injured area. 

Each attached platelet releases a chemical signal to call other platelets to the site. Once the platelets are activated, their clotting factors begin the process of forming a clot. 

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties help to prevent blood clots from forming in the first place. It interrupts clot formation by stopping the body's cytokines and enzymes from causing inflammation.

Curcumin As an Anticoagulant

Curcumin's anticoagulant abilities assist in preventing excessive clotting of the blood. In fact, curcumin helps dissolve existing blood clots, preventing them from getting big enough to cause serious problems. 

The results of several studies published by the National Institutes of Health provide evidence that daily consumption of this golden spice delivers anticoagulating properties. These results suggest curcumin consumption is beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease.

Should You Take Turmeric and Curcumin with Blood Thinners?

Whether you are taking an antiplatelet or an anticoagulant for your blood clotting problems, you may need to restrict your use of certain supplements and over-the-counter medications. Your health is important, and you should speak with your physician before including any supplements in your dietary routine. 

In most cases, it is perfectly okay to ingest turmeric as part of a healthy diet. After all, turmeric is commonly used as a spice. Small amounts of turmeric should have no effect on your clotting capabilities. However,  you should not include a turmeric supplement in your daily routine until you speak with the physician who prescribed your existing antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication.

What Can Happen if You Take Turmeric with Blood Thinners?

Taking turmeric at the same time that you are taking any type of blood thinner can lead to unexpected bleeding and bruising. Large doses, in particular, are more likely to increase the results of any prescription medication or other supplements that you are taking at the same time as turmeric. It's important to find the proper dosage of turmeric to avoid any medical issues.

Can Turmeric Take the Place of Blood Thinners?

Clotting is an important process for the body. It helps heal wounds and surgical cuts by allowing the blood to coagulate and protect the open area. Unfortunately, clotting can also lead to problems if a clot breaks away and travels through the veins or arteries. A clot can block blood flow in the lungs or heart. It can rupture an artery or cause a stroke or heart attack. 

The side effects accompanying prescription medication intended to treat people with a higher than normal risk of excessive blood clotting can be unpleasant. They include headaches, dizziness, and stomach discomfort. 

Turmeric, on the other hand, produces no side effects when taken in proper dosages. Turmeric's offers anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory capabilities that can prevent blood clots from forming. It has the power to minimize the risk of serious problems by keeping clots from developing. 

Conclusion

Although certain precautions should be taken when using turmeric as a blood thinning agent, it does offer positive health benefits. When it is taken in proper dosages, turmeric has no known side effects. It minimizes inflammation within the body and reduces the risk of forming life-threatening blood clots. Speak with your physician before including turmeric in your daily routines. 

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