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Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention The Natural Way
Date: 27/03/06
Keywords: Herbs, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Arteriosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Health
The term 'deep vein thrombosis' (DVT) is well and truly embedded in the public's consciousness now, following numerous newspaper reports. 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. But dont panic yet, there are a number of natural and effective options for coping with this problem...The term 'deep vein thrombosis' (DVT) is well and truly embedded in the public's consciousness now, following numerous newspaper reports. 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 DVT every year.
But dont panic yet, there are a number of natural and effective options for coping with this problem. Perhaps the most effective prevention is this: Know the risks and the warning signs of DVT.
Know if you are at risk of DVT and what the warning signs are
One of the most important things to be aware of with 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 DVT complications because they tend to have low resting pulse, which may help prompt DVT during long periods of inactivity.
Others who may be at greater risk of DVT include those who have previously experienced 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 DVT, as are those over the age of 40.
Airline passengers who find themselves sitting for hours during a long flight are particularly susceptible to developing DVT. By some estimates, as many as 100,000 airline passengers may die from complications associated with DVT every year. At the outset of long flights, many airlines now show videos warning about 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. 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, DVT warning signs to look out for include: muscle pain, swelling or tenderness in the legs, and discolouration 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, taking the simple precautions mentioned can help prevent a hospital stay and even death.
Some fish with a little lemon
A natural remedy that could help DVT is one I've talked about before, nattokinase.
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.
The suggested dose for nattokinase is one capsule in the morning, one capsule in the afternoon and two capsules at bedtime. The product may be taken with or without food. However, nattokinase should be avoided by those on blood-thinning drugs and those with bleeding disorders.
But this is by no means your only defence against 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 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 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.
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