15 popular foods that can raise the risk of blood clots – watch intake
British Heart Foundation: Understanding blood clots
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Blood clots that form in response to an injury or a cut are beneficial because they stop potentially dangerous bleeding. However, blood clots that spring up without good reason in one or more of the deep veins in the body can spell serious trouble. This is otherwise known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). An ingredient loved by many in Britain can give rise to DVT: salt.
According to the Michigan State University (MSU), high salt consumption can lead to reduced function of the inner lining of the blood vessels.
Therefore, a person is at higher risk of infections and blood clots.
As the MSU explains, another complication from too much salt in the diet is the heart’s main pumping chamber.
“It grows thicker and eventually it won’t pump as forcefully as needed.”
Given the risks, cutting down on your salt consumption is important for everyone.
What are the worst culprits?
Certain foods are almost always high in salt. To cut down on salt, eat them less often and have smaller amounts, advises the NHS.
These include:
- Anchovies
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Gravy granules
- Ham
- Olives
- Pickles
- Prawns
- Salami
- Salted and dry-roasted nuts
- Salt fish
- Smoked meat and fish
- Soy sauce
- Stock cubes
- Yeast extract.
“Other foods, such as bread and breakfast cereals, can contribute a lot of salt to our diet,” notes the NHS.
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“But that’s not because these foods are always high in salt – it’s because we eat a lot of them.”
How much salt is too much?
UK health guidelines, adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day (2.4g sodium) – that’s around one teaspoon.
In the UK labels on pre-packed food must say how much salt they contain.
The NHS says: “Look out for the salt content in the everyday foods you buy, and choose lower-salt options.”
Other ways to reduce your risk of blood clotting
According to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), getting up and moving if you’ve been sitting for a long time or traveling for a long time by plane, train, or car can reduce your risk of blood clots forming.
“Stand up, walk around, and stretch your legs every two to three hours,” advises the NBCA.
The health body also recommends you:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke/vape or take steps to quit smoking/vaping.
- Furthermore, it’s important to learn if you are at risk of blood clots.
Many factors can lead to excessive blood clotting, leading to limited or blocked blood flow.
According to the American Heart Association, genetic, or inherited, sources of excessive blood clotting are less common and are usually due to genetic defects.
“These defects often occur in the proteins needed for blood clotting and can also occur with the substances that delay or dissolve blood clots.”
You’re more likely to have a genetic cause of excessive blood clotting if you have:
- Family members who have had dangerous blood clots
- A personal history of repeated blood clots before the age of 40
- A personal history of unexplained miscarriages.
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