Is Your Blood Too Thick?

Late last year, there was big news in the pharmaceutical world with the announcement that several new blood-thinning medica­tions were in development. The first to become available, dabigatran (Pradaxa), also was the first new oral blood-thinning medication to be ap­proved in more than 50 years. The excitement was understand­able. Millions of Americans take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin)—and the new medications are promoted as being more effective and safer than the old ones. Only time will tell if they are safer, but all blood thinners have in­herent serious risks such as the po­tential for excessive bleeding in any organ. And these medications are not indicated for relatively healthy people who want to prevent a stroke or heart attack. That’s why I want to address the problem of thick blood—which is, after all, a main condition causing the need for all these blood thinners. I will tell you how you can determine if you are at risk for thick blood and how to treat it naturally using alternative health remedies.

WHAT MAKES BLOOD THICK

One of the main ways that your blood becomes thicker than it should be involves a protein called fibrino­gen. Fibrinogen is one of several pro­teins that assist in the coagulation process. Its specific job is to generate networks of fibers that link platelets together to stop blood flow. We need adequate levels of fibrinogen to stop bleeding when we are injured. How­ever, elevated fibrinogen levels are associated with excessive and sponta­neous blood clotting (not in response to a wound), which compromises blood circulation and increases the risk for blood clots anywhere in the body. If a blood vessel is partially blocked by atherosclerotic plaque, those spontaneous clots can block the blood vessel completely, causing either a heart attack or stroke. In addition to promoting clots and playing a role in the develop­ment and expansion of atheroscle­rotic plaque, elevated fibrinogen is believed to slow the flow of blood, which makes the heart work harder and reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, brain and all cells of the body. We know that elevated fibrinogen level is a risk factor (on its own) for heart attack and stroke.

HOW FIBRINOGEN LEVELS BECOME ELEVATED

Remember that other risk marker for cardiovascular disease—C-reactive protein (CRP)? This sign of inflamma­tion throughout the body is produced in the presence of all types of dis­ease. In some cases, when CRP goes up, so do fibrinogen levels. As with CRP, fibrinogen levels are elevated when you are overweight…or have diabetes…a sedentary lifestyle…in­fection…reduced levels of estrogen (common as women age)…or stress. Fibrinogen also may be elevated be­cause of genetics.Studies attest to the danger of ele­vated fibrinogen levels. A 2005 meta-analysis published in The Journal of the American Medical Association in­volving data from more than 150,000 people found that elevated fibrino­gen levels were associated with an increased risk for heart attack, stroke and overall mortality. And a recent study published in Journal of Throm­bosis and Haemostasis found that fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in patients who had had an ischemic stroke than in patients who were healthy.

THE TEST TO REQUEST

I recommend that all my patients get a blood test to assess their fibrin­ogen levels. Because most doctors don’t routinely order this blood test, you will need to request it.It should be tested even if your CRP level is normal. I recommend getting tested for preventive purposes, especially if you smoke…are overweight…have hypertension, peripheral artery dis­ease or diabetes…have family mem­bers with heart disease…or have unexplained fatigue…fibromyalgia…or memory/focus problems. These risk factors or medical conditions all incite an inflammatory response in the body—and a higher inflammato­ry response is responsible for an in­crease in the production of fibrinogen.In the rare cases where they do or­der a blood test for fibrinogen levels, conventional medical doctors look for a range of between 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and 400 mg/dL. Holistic doctors generally prefer to see the level slightly lower—between 180 mg/dL and 350 mg/dL. If your level is higher than this, I recom­mend working with a holistic doctor to incorporate the following natural blood-thinning program. Caution: It’s important to check with your doctor before taking any of these natural anticoagulants if you are already taking any blood-thinning medication.

HELP FOR HIGH FIBRINOGEN

Two natural blood thinners in particular are effective at reducing fibrinogen levels. Patients often take these supplements at increasing dos­es until their fibrinogen levels are in the normal range. Then they take both of these remedies indefinitely…Nattokinase. This enzyme is the most potent natural anticoagulant. It’s extracted from natto, a fermented soy food eaten in Japan. In one study published in Nutrition Research, re­searchers gave nattokinase supple­ments to healthy people as well as to people with cardiovascular or kidney disease. After two months, most of the participants had significant reductions in fibrinogen levels. Most people who use nattokinase start with 100 mg dai­ly. They may increase to 200 mg daily if they need more. A 100-mg capsule contains about 2,000 fibrin units (FU). Doctors may prescribe higher levels if needed.Omega-3s. The two key omega-3 fats—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)— are mild blood thinners and are known to reduce inflammation. Dose: 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily of com­bined DHA and EPA.

NATURAL BLOOD THINNERS TO PREVENT THICK BLOOD

For patients whose fibrinogen levels are not high, I recommend that they take supplements to main­tain healthful blood viscosity.Omega-3s. I recommend omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA), as noted above, for all patients. The dose that I usu­ally recommend to prevent stroke and coronary disease is 1,000 mg daily of DHA and EPA.B vitamins. Numerous studies have shown that regular intake of folic acid and other B vitamins can reduce the risk for ischemic stroke by about one-fifth. Low levels of these vitamins can lead to abnormally high levels of homocysteine, which damage blood vessels. If you have elevated levels of homocysteine, use a formula desig­nated on the label as a homocysteine formula that includes folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12.Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a natural blood thinner. Dose: 1,200 interna­tional units (IU) to 2,000 IU daily of a vitamin E supplement. Look for a brand that says “mixed vitamin E” or lists all eight tocopherols and tocotri­enols on the label.Ginkgo biloba. While the herb ginkgo biloba is a blood thinner, it also is rich in flavonoids that strength­en blood vessel walls. Studies have shown that ginkgo supplements in­crease blood flow to the brain. Dose: 180 mg daily of ginkgo.Water. Blood is mostly fluid, and this fluid comes from water. Many patients, especially seniors, don’t drink enough water and suffer from chronic dehydration. Drinking about eight glasses of water daily can help maintain normal hydration and thin blood.

‍References:

‍J. Danesh, et al., “Plasma Fibrinogen Level and the Risk of Major Cardiovascular Diseases and Nonvascular Mortality,” The Journal of the American Medical Association (2005).M.P. De Maat, et al., “y’/Total Fibrinogen Ra­tio Is Associated with Short-Term Outcome in Ischaemic Stroke,” Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (2011).Reprinted with the permission of Bottom Line/Natural Healing With Dr. Stengler