Ask Your Doctor About Vitamin E As a Blood Thinner
There is no doubt that vitamin E can be an important part of a healthy, daily diet.
There have been many research studies that have indicated the potential of vitamin E as blood thinner. This information may have significant implications on the use of vitamin E for helping to support a healthy heart.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in nuts, oils and seeds. It is highly regarded as a natural antioxidant, although the actual metabolic function of this vitamin hasn’t been clearly determined as of date. However, there are reports of the possibility of vitamin E as blood thinner, which makes it of interest to the studies regarding healthy arteries and healthy cardiovascular circulation.
Vitamin E and Its Antioxidant Abilities
Vitamin E has been studied for its helpfulness in promoting heart health. Its anti-oxidant properties are widely publicized and they are thought to help in the potential prevention of the formation of free radicals, which can lead to health problems.
As an antioxidant, vitamin E is also known to potentially help prevent substances like cholesterol from undergoing a process called oxidation. Oxidation in bad LDL cholesterols causes them to stick to the linings of the arteries and build up, forming blockages (a condition called atherosclerosis) and clots.
Deposition of oxidized cholesterol and fat onto the arterial walls can cause the blood vessels to narrow down preventing the normal flow of blood. Other substances like calcium and fibrin can also deposit onto the walls, which may result in the hardening of the arteries. When a blood clot occurs in the blocked area, flow of blood may be stopped, which could lead to a heart attack.
Vitamin E as a Blood Thinner
Vitamin E is also thought to have some natural anti-coagulant properties – which means that it may help to thin out the blood. The hope is that this blood thinning potential might help to keep blood thin so it can freely flow in the blood vessels, even in areas where minor arterial narrowing has occurred due to plaque build-up. Moreover, with vitamin E, substances dissolved in the blood might become more mobile so they could be less likely to stick to arterial walls.
Blood Thinning Isn’t Always Ideal
Note though that blood coagulation should only fall within a definite, reasonable range. Blood thinning is ideal to a certain extent but when the clotting ability of the blood is reduced to a minimum level, excessive bleeding (nosebleeds), bleeding strokes, hemorrhages, hematuria (blood in the urine), and heavy menstrual periods in women may occur. Remember that blood clotting is a very important function of the cardiovascular system as it helps prevent too much blood loss when cuts and wounds happen.
The role of Vitamin E as potential blood thinner has two sides. On one side, vitamin E might help promote cardiovascular health and support the reduced risk for heart diseases. On another, care must be taken to avoid intake of too much vitamin E. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it can’t be easily removed from the body. Too much vitamin E could potentially also disrupt the body’s natural blood clotting ability, which is important during unexpected injury or trauma.
Ask your doctor if you should be taking Vitamin E and how much would be right for your individual situation. And while you are talking to your doctor about potential blood thinner health foods, ask about fish oil too. Pure fish oil pills are taken by many people around the world every day to help support healthy blood flow and a healthy heart.