This can cause serious problems like heart attack, stroke and blood clot. Let us know why this happens and how we can avoid it.
Why is blood thick?
Our blood should have the correct proportion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma. When this ratio deteriorates, the blood becomes sticky and thick. There can be many reasons behind this, but the biggest reason is the lack of certain nutrients. When these things are reduced in the body, the blood quality is affected and it starts to thicken.
Lack of these things thickened blood
Water shortage
When there is a lack of water in the body, the amount of blood decreases. This thickens the blood and flows slowly in the veins. You must have seen that in summer or when we drink less water, we feel fatigue and weakness. One of the reasons for this can also be thick.
iron deficiency
Iron helps in making hemoglobin in our body. Hemoglobin is the thing that transmits oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. When iron deficiency, hemoglobin is reduced and oxygen levels in the blood fall. This makes the blood thick and we can have difficulty in breathing.
Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency
Both these vitamins help in making red blood cells in our body. When they are deficient, red blood cells are not made properly. This causes blood quality to deteriorate and along with thick blood, the risk of clot is also increased.
Lack of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a nutrient that helps to keep the blood thin. It makes the flow of blood smooth. When there is a deficiency of omega-3 in the body, the viscosity of blood increases and it starts to thicken.
Vitamin E deficiency
Vitamin E is a natural blood thinning element. It prevents blood clots. When there is a deficiency of vitamin E in the body, the blood starts making clot quickly and the risk of thrombosis (blood clot) increases.
The risk of these diseases increases
When the blood becomes thick, it opens the door of many serious diseases:
Heart attack: Thick blood can cause obstruction in the arteries of the heart, which increases the risk of heart attack.
Brain Stroke: The blood clot can reach the brain and prevent blood flow, causing stroke.
Deep vein thrombosis (dvt): This is a condition in which a blood clot accumulates in the veins of the feet.
High blood pressure: Thick blood puts extra pressure on the arteries, which can increase blood pressure.
This is how to protect
We can do some easy remedies to avoid thickening of blood
Drink enough water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Increase this volume in summer.
Take a balanced diet: Include green vegetables, fruits, fish and dry fruits in your plate.
Do not ignore nutrients: Eat foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, folate and omega-3.
Distance from harmful habits: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Exercise regularly: A 30 -minute walk or light exercise improves blood flow daily.
Keep control on weight: Obesity can also be a cause of thick blood.
What do doctors say?
"The thick blood is not a mild problem. When there is a deficiency of water or essential nutrients in the body, the risk of blood clotting increases manifold.
Thick blood is a dangerous condition that can give rise to many serious diseases. Lack of water, vitamins and essential nutrients is the main reason for this. But the good thing is that by adopting a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle at the right time, we can reduce this danger. Understand your body signs and take a doctor's advice if needed.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and opinion of experts. Do not take it as an alternative to medical advice. Be sure to consult your doctor or concerned specialist before adopting any new activity or diet.
