Drink Wisely: Avoiding the Worst Beverages for Blood Clots

Blood clots can become a major concern when they block arteries in the heart and brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

The Worst Drinks for Blood Clots

Here are a few of the drinks you may want to limit or avoid in your diet:

• Carbonated drinks.
• Added sugar “fruit juices”.
• Sodas/soft drinks.
• Energy drinks.
• Cordials.

In the western world, many foods and drinks are highly processed. Many beverages contain sweeteners, such as erythritol, which may appear to be great at first—claiming to be a low-calorie option—but which are associated with an increased risk of blood clots.

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Research further links erythritol to increased risk of overall major cardiovascular events, including thrombosis (blood clots that block blood vessels).

Experts also suggest that high sugary diets increase “bad” cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammation, which can all be markers of an increased risk of blood clots. This is because these markers are associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis refers to the accumulation of fats and cholesterol on artery walls, impacting blood flow. If these pieces of plaque dislodge, they can then cause more havoc by traveling to the brain, heart or lungs.

Bad cholesterol may further narrow the arteries, impacting blood flow. In turn, this can spill over into increasing health issues, increased fatigue and more.

Can Blood Clots Be Prevented?

Generally, reducing your risk of blood clots comes down to decreasing the risk factors mentioned above. This could mean:

• Avoiding high-sugary beverages and foods.
• Limiting processed and pre-packaged foods.
• Getting regular exercise.
• Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight.
• Quitting smoking.
• Staying adequately hydrated.
• Taking breaks from sitting for long durations.
• Wearing compression socks.
• Using prescribed medication, as recommended by your doctor.

So, what should you watch out for in the case of blood clots? Here are some common symptoms:

• Throbbing pain.
• Cramping pain.
• Swelling.
• Warmth in the affected area.
• Redness in the affected area.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sharp chest pain.
• Coughing.

If you experience any of the above, it’s worth booking a visit with your doctor. If you are currently experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath, however, it may necessitate a visit to the emergency. After all, your life and health aren’t worth the risk.

What Can Worsen Blood Clots?

Surprisingly, blood clots are typically fairly harmless. They also are beneficial when you get a cut or scrape, as this prevents excessive blood loss. So, why should we watch out for them or try to prevent them?

Blood clots become harmful when, as previously mentioned, they block blood flow—such as to the brain, lungs or heart. Yet, blood clots can also be harmful in the case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); this is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein within the body, creating circulatory problems in that specific area. This can further lead to issues with your body circulating blood back to your heart.

And many factors can worsen blood clots, including:

• Obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyles.
• Pregnancy.
• Smoking.
• Injury.
• Surgery.
• Increasing age.
• Family history.
• Inflammatory diseases.
• Diet.

Treating Blood Clots

Treatment for blood clots usually begins with prevention. Your doctor may note you’re at a higher risk due to cholesterol levels or other factors. From there, they may put you on blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin.

While technically there’s no set warfarin diet, watching what you eat or drink when taking this medication can improve its effectiveness. For example, increasing vitamin K intake can make warfarin less effective. Additionally, some drinks can also impact its effectiveness, including alcohol, green tea, grapefruit juice and cranberry juice. Thus, your diet plays a critical role in preventing and treating blood clots.

Other treatment methods include:

• Compression wear.
• Thrombolytics (these treat more serious instances of blood clots).
• A vena cava filter (this prevents blood clots from getting stuck in your lungs).
• Dietary changes.
• Increased physical activity.

As with any medical or health concerns, treatment is highly dependent on you and your specific situation. Your doctor will determine what’s best for you and your health, ensuring you get the care you need to live a vibrant, full and long life!