Blood clots are life-threatening especially when these involve arteries of the major body organs such as brain, heart etc. They can cause organ dysfunction such as acute renal failure when kidney blood supply is affected. These occur when chronic inflammation produces arterial plaques that predispose to clots. There are some foods that raise this risk and hence one should avoid them in excess! Which are these foods that can clog the body blood vessels?
Blood clots and morbidity and mortality
Blood clots occur in blood vessels due to various reasons. They can occur anywhere in the body. And these impair blood flow to the organs when the blood congeals in the supplying arteries and block the blood supply. When veins are involved in this condition, the part distal to the veins will demonstrate swelling, pain, and duskiness. These clots can dislodge and migrate to the lungs causing a fatal pulmonary embolism.
Consequences of Blood clots (Source: Facebook)When the clot is in the brain, it gives rise to a stroke. And when the coronary arteries that supply the heart are affected, it leads to heart attack. Additionally, involvement of kidney blood vessels leads to infarction and death of those tissues.
Foods that increase risk of these clots
Foods that promote inflammation and plaque formation in the body and blood vessels predispose to formation of these clots when the arterial walls become rough. Chris Smith is a clinical dietitian and former Team GB bodybuilder and ambassador for Factory Weights. In his opinion:
“At the core, it’s things like trans fats and frying things in vegetable oils that make those foods so bad for your blood flow.
“Studies have shown that these two things in particular can have inflammatory effects as well as leaving a build-up of plaque, both of which will obstruct proper blood flow and lead to a greater risk of clots.”
“Sugary drinks, sweets and red meats have also been shown to increase your risk.”
Beige colored foods (Source: The tasty vegan)Beige-colored foods are bad for the arteries and clog them:
“There’s no secret here – the foods that will increase the chances of blood clots are the foods you should avoid for dozens of other reasons,”
“The beige foods we all love so much are some of the main offenders.”
He added:
“Crisps, biscuits, sausage rolls, chips, white bread and fried chicken will all wreak havoc on your arteries.”
Foods to consume for arterial health
Read here: 5 vegetables that can help reduce high blood cholesterol
Chris admits that prevention of clots is not rocket science. Foods are not a magic to reverse the clot formation process. But he explains that certain foods promote arterial health. These are:
“It’s the same foods that have been recommended for as long as I can remember: get your five a day in, switch to whole grain versions of your foods where possible, swap biscuits and cakes for nuts, and look to poultry meats and fish instead of burgers.”
Foods for arterial health (Source: Health grades)