Blood vessels play a direct role in maintaining life because they supply oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues inside the body. When inflammation, triglycerides, and waste products accumulate in these blood vessels, the flow of blood is inhibited and exposure to various diseases increases. A thrombus is one of the factors that impede the flow of blood, and refers to a blood clot in the blood vessel. It is also called blood cake because it is formed by agglomeration of fat components and waste products inside blood vessels. When a thrombus is formed, it causes slow blood flow, excessive coagulation, damage to blood vessels, and thromboembolism. When a blood clot travels around the body due to the expression of such a thromboembolism, it blocks blood vessels in the heart, brain, and lungs, increasing the risk of diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and pulmonary thrombosis. Thrombus does not grow suddenly and it is known that very small lumps accumulate over a long period of time, so it is important to regularly implement lifestyle habits to suppress the formation of blood clots. So today, we’re going to look at several methods that can help prevent and get rid of blood clots. how to get rid of blood clots
1. Drinking enough water
The first way to help get rid of blood clots is to drink plenty of fluids. When the water inside the body falls below an appropriate level, the viscosity of the blood increases, creating an environment where blood clots easily form. Therefore, drinking 7-8 glasses of water a day can help to increase blood volume and promote blood circulation, thereby suppressing the formation of blood clots. According to a study conducted at the University of London, England, when the body loses water due to sweating from the heat, the formation of blood clots increases, which increases the risk of stroke.
2. Eat foods that help inhibit the formation of blood clots
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that dissolve blood clots is also an essential lifestyle to prevent clot formation. In particular, omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids, prevent blood from tangling and prevent the thickening of blood vessel walls, thereby minimizing the formation of blood clots. In addition, it raises the level of HDL cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, and absorbs waste products in the blood, a risk factor for thrombosis, and discharges them out of the body. Blue fish such as mackerel, saury, and sardines, nuts such as walnuts, almonds and cashews, salmon, avocado, olive oil, and perilla oil are high in omega-3 fatty acids, so it is recommended to eat them in a balanced way. In addition, various foods such as onion, garlic, ginger, seaweed, and kelp prevent platelet aggregation and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels to help suppress the formation of blood clots.
3. Controlling saturated fatty acid intake
Contrary to the various foods introduced above, meat cuts, processed meats, and fatty foods high in saturated fatty acids cause rapid accumulation of fat and sodium in blood vessels that cause blood clots, so excessive intake should be avoided. In addition, trans fat, which is solidified by adding hydrogen to fat for easy storage, is also said to cause a sharp increase in the formation of blood clots when consumed in excess. Therefore, you should also reduce your intake of foods high in trans fat, such as breads, sweets, cakes, processed chocolate, and popcorn. In addition, it is important to refrain from excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and processed foods and beverages high in sugar as they fall under the food group that causes blood clots.
4. Steady aerobic exercise
Continuous aerobic exercise is one of the important management habits to prevent the risk of various diseases and cancer, and it is also effective in preventing the formation of blood clots. If you regularly do aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, biking, or swimming, fat is burned, and as a result, fat content in the blood is reduced, which is beneficial in suppressing the formation of blood clots. When doing aerobic exercise, it is recommended to do it at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes at a time. In addition, in the case of office workers who sit for long periods of time, just getting up after a certain period of time and walking in place can promote blood circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots.
5. Refrain from smoking and excessive drinking
The habit of smoking also increases the risk of blood clots because it damages the lining of blood vessels and causes blood to clot. Smokers have twice the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction compared to nonsmokers. In addition, there is a report that the risk of cardiovascular diseases is reduced by half after about one year after quitting, so it is essential to quit smoking. Also, if you drink a lot of alcohol, it affects normal fat metabolism during the process of decomposing alcohol, causing blood clots. Here, it is said that the formation of blood clots is further amplified by high-calorie snacks eaten together when drinking. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from excessive drinking and binge drinking and to control the amount of alcohol consumed.
