Dr Jonathan Wright
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Heart Disease
Flite Tabs: Deep Vein Thrombosis Could Be Prevented With New Product
Date: 16/10/03
Keywords: Herbs
Described as a 'natural non-toxic nutraceutical,' Flite Tabs is a new product that claims to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through a combination of fermented soybean extract and pine bark extract. These active ingredients were recently tested by a team of UK and Italian researchers...The term 'deep vein thrombosis' (DVT) is well and truly embedded in the public's consciousness now, following numerous newspaper reports. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by sitting in a constricted space for long periods.
Every day, airline passengers who find themselves sitting in a cramped seat during a long flight experience the very sort of stresses that can prompt blood clotting in the legs. By some estimates, as many as 100,000 airline passengers may die from complications associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) every year.
Now deep vein thrombosis is in the news yet again with the research results of a natural product that may help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). And contrary to some reports you may have seen, there are a number of natural and effective options for coping with this problem. But perhaps the most effective prevention is this: Knowing the risks and the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Soy & pine bark
Described as a 'natural non-toxic nutraceutical,' Flite Tabs is a new product that claims to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through a combination of fermented soybean extract and pine bark extract. These active ingredients were recently tested by a team of UK and Italian researchers.
Nearly 200 subjects in good health were recruited for the study. Their average age was 49, and an equal number of men and women participated. Ninety-four subjects took Flite Tabs previous to 7-hour, trans-Atlantic flights between New York and London. A control group of 92 subjects received a placebo. The legs of all subjects were measured before and after the flights, and ultrasound was used to detect blood clotting.
Results showed that none of the subjects in the Flite Tabs group had evidence of blood clots, none experienced any leg swelling, and 15 percent actually showed a decrease in swelling. But in the control group, 5 subjects developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 2 had superficial thrombosis, and leg swelling increased in 12 percent of the group.
According to the study (published in the current issue of the journal Angiology), 'There were no major complaints or side effects,' in the Flite Tabs group.
Some fish with a little lemon
A close reading of the study shows that one of the active ingredients in Flite Tabs - nattokinase - is a natural treatment that we've told you about in a previous issue of the HSI Members Alerts.
Nattokinase is an enzyme isolated from a Japanese food called natto, made from boiled and fermented soybeans. The Japanese have consumed natto for centuries, using it to promote good cardiovascular health. In more than 15 studies (including two human trials) nattokinase has been shown to prevent and dissolve blood clots and may also help prevent hardened arteries, heart attack, stroke, angina, and senility.
Flite Tabs also contains another natural ingredient -- Pycnogenol (extracted from French maritime pine bark). It is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system.
But these two botanicals are by no means your only defence against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Writing in her Health eTips e-letter, Amanda Ross (Managing Editor of Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter), pointed out that Dr. Wright has recommended 'taking 1 tablespoon of cod-liver oil daily, along with 400 IU of vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols)' to help prevent blood clots - including those that might be triggered by deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
In addition, Dr. Wright also recommends three herbs:
Horse Chestnut - shown to be effective for patients with circulatory
problems associated with varicose veins
Butcher's broom - another key herb for the veins
Ginkgo - shown to generally help circulation
Garlic is also an effective blood thinner that may reduce clotting. And Japanese research has shown that two substances in lemon juice - citric acid and lemon polyphenol - may help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by improving blood circulation. So when your flight attendant offers you something to drink, ask if they have lemonade, or order your drink with a large slice of fresh lemon.
Simple precautions
One of the most important things to be aware of with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is that it can strike healthy people who have no previous cardiovascular problems. In fact, people who work out regularly are at somewhat greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complications because they tend to have low resting pulse, which may help prompt deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long periods of inactivity.
Others who may be at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include those who have previously experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or have a family history of the condition; anyone who has experienced trauma to the legs; those who have recently had surgery on the legs, feet, or in the abdominal or pelvic areas, and those who may suffer from diabetes, heart or liver disease, or certain cancers, such as colon, ovarian, stomach, liver, pancreatic, or lymphatic cancers. Obese people are somewhat more inclined to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as are those over the age of 40.
In addition to those at high risk (which sounds like almost all of us), as Dr. Wright pointed out way back in the December 2001 issue of Nutrition & Healing, 'Anyone who travels on flights of more than a few hours duration needs to take precautions.' At the outset of long flights, many airlines now show videos warning about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), along with suggestions to get up and walk around now and then, and examples of simple exercises that can be done in your seat.
It's also important to avoid dehydration. Dr. Wright says, 'Both alcohol and coffee are diuretics and tend to dehydrate the body, so your intake of these should be modest. Instead, drink plenty of water.' And if you fit into any of the high-risk groups mentioned above, consider wearing a pair of compression stockings.
After a long flight, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) warning signs to be watchful for include: muscle pain, swelling or tenderness in the legs, and discoloration in a painful area. Sometimes these symptoms don't occur until many hours after you've arrived at your destination.
Airline flights that last only a couple of hours should not present a problem for most people. But if you're planning a particularly long flight, a few simple precautions can help prevent a hospital stay and even death.
Back to topEvery day, airline passengers who find themselves sitting in a cramped seat during a long flight experience the very sort of stresses that can prompt blood clotting in the legs. By some estimates, as many as 100,000 airline passengers may die from complications associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) every year.
Now deep vein thrombosis is in the news yet again with the research results of a natural product that may help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). And contrary to some reports you may have seen, there are a number of natural and effective options for coping with this problem. But perhaps the most effective prevention is this: Knowing the risks and the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Soy & pine bark
Described as a 'natural non-toxic nutraceutical,' Flite Tabs is a new product that claims to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through a combination of fermented soybean extract and pine bark extract. These active ingredients were recently tested by a team of UK and Italian researchers.
Nearly 200 subjects in good health were recruited for the study. Their average age was 49, and an equal number of men and women participated. Ninety-four subjects took Flite Tabs previous to 7-hour, trans-Atlantic flights between New York and London. A control group of 92 subjects received a placebo. The legs of all subjects were measured before and after the flights, and ultrasound was used to detect blood clotting.
Results showed that none of the subjects in the Flite Tabs group had evidence of blood clots, none experienced any leg swelling, and 15 percent actually showed a decrease in swelling. But in the control group, 5 subjects developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 2 had superficial thrombosis, and leg swelling increased in 12 percent of the group.
According to the study (published in the current issue of the journal Angiology), 'There were no major complaints or side effects,' in the Flite Tabs group.
Some fish with a little lemon
A close reading of the study shows that one of the active ingredients in Flite Tabs - nattokinase - is a natural treatment that we've told you about in a previous issue of the HSI Members Alerts.
Nattokinase is an enzyme isolated from a Japanese food called natto, made from boiled and fermented soybeans. The Japanese have consumed natto for centuries, using it to promote good cardiovascular health. In more than 15 studies (including two human trials) nattokinase has been shown to prevent and dissolve blood clots and may also help prevent hardened arteries, heart attack, stroke, angina, and senility.
Flite Tabs also contains another natural ingredient -- Pycnogenol (extracted from French maritime pine bark). It is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system.
But these two botanicals are by no means your only defence against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Writing in her Health eTips e-letter, Amanda Ross (Managing Editor of Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition & Healing newsletter), pointed out that Dr. Wright has recommended 'taking 1 tablespoon of cod-liver oil daily, along with 400 IU of vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols)' to help prevent blood clots - including those that might be triggered by deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
In addition, Dr. Wright also recommends three herbs:
Horse Chestnut - shown to be effective for patients with circulatory
problems associated with varicose veins
Butcher's broom - another key herb for the veins
Ginkgo - shown to generally help circulation
Garlic is also an effective blood thinner that may reduce clotting. And Japanese research has shown that two substances in lemon juice - citric acid and lemon polyphenol - may help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by improving blood circulation. So when your flight attendant offers you something to drink, ask if they have lemonade, or order your drink with a large slice of fresh lemon.
Simple precautions
One of the most important things to be aware of with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is that it can strike healthy people who have no previous cardiovascular problems. In fact, people who work out regularly are at somewhat greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complications because they tend to have low resting pulse, which may help prompt deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long periods of inactivity.
Others who may be at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include those who have previously experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or have a family history of the condition; anyone who has experienced trauma to the legs; those who have recently had surgery on the legs, feet, or in the abdominal or pelvic areas, and those who may suffer from diabetes, heart or liver disease, or certain cancers, such as colon, ovarian, stomach, liver, pancreatic, or lymphatic cancers. Obese people are somewhat more inclined to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as are those over the age of 40.
In addition to those at high risk (which sounds like almost all of us), as Dr. Wright pointed out way back in the December 2001 issue of Nutrition & Healing, 'Anyone who travels on flights of more than a few hours duration needs to take precautions.' At the outset of long flights, many airlines now show videos warning about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), along with suggestions to get up and walk around now and then, and examples of simple exercises that can be done in your seat.
It's also important to avoid dehydration. Dr. Wright says, 'Both alcohol and coffee are diuretics and tend to dehydrate the body, so your intake of these should be modest. Instead, drink plenty of water.' And if you fit into any of the high-risk groups mentioned above, consider wearing a pair of compression stockings.
After a long flight, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) warning signs to be watchful for include: muscle pain, swelling or tenderness in the legs, and discoloration in a painful area. Sometimes these symptoms don't occur until many hours after you've arrived at your destination.
Airline flights that last only a couple of hours should not present a problem for most people. But if you're planning a particularly long flight, a few simple precautions can help prevent a hospital stay and even death.
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