Blood thickening health information: causes of thickening of the blood?
What is blood thickening? Polycythemia or blood thickening is a rare condition caused by the over production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. It can be caused as a reaction to low-oxygen levels, or rarely, a malignancy. This can also cause excess production of white blood cells and platelets. It leads to a condition in which the blood becomes thicker and stickier. Over an extended period, this can increase the load on the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure and a heart attack. The thickened blood can also form blood clumps and form clots and can travel to the lungs.
What are the causes? There are various factors that result in blood thickening. It could be due to overproduction of 1gM immunoglobulins, which is called as hyper-viscosity. When this occurs, it gets harder for blood to flow through the tiny blood vessels. It can also occur when there is a huge loss of fluids from the body. This happens in conditions such as protracted diarrhea, vomiting, hemorrhage, or due to severe burns. Excessive smoking is another cause for blood thickening. It leads to a blockage of the carotid artery and stops blood supply to the brain cells. It can result in strokes, also known as cerebral thrombosis.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause an increase in the levels of homocystein in blood and eventually cause blood thickening. Thrombocystosis is a condition wherein the platelets cause blood to thicken or form clots in the blood vessels.
Air pollution is yet another reason for blood thickening. Particulate matter thickens blood, boosts inflammation, and worsens respiratory problems. The rate of death of immune cells increase and exposure to pollutants heightens inflammatory activity.
Some of the symptoms of blood thickening are headache, dizziness, itching, poor circulation, and blurred or double vision.
What are the remedies? Although this is serious disease, it is fortunate that blood thickening can also be treated with natural remedies. You can try aloe vera, which helps in fighting infection and boosts the bone marrow. Burdock root helps in cleansing the body of toxins and stimulates bone marrow. It is also an antioxidant.
Eat a few garlic flakes every day as garlic is a powerful antioxidant and stimulates white blood cells in the bone marrow. Echinacea enhances the immune system, increase the white blood cell count, and stimulates the lymphatic system. Ginseng, licorice root, marshmallow, Oregon grape, and turmeric are very good in treating this condition by aiding immune system and increasing white blood cells. They are anti-inflammatory in nature and are great antioxidants. Green tea, olive leaf extract, and milk thistle are excellent remedies for blood thickening.
In addition to these home remedies, you should engage in moderate exercise, like walking, to increase blood flow and decrease blood clots. Leg and ankle stretch exercises are very beneficial. Quitting smoking and avoiding all forms of tobacco will help you in the long run. Bathe in cool water to avoid itching and avoid hot showers and hot baths. Keep your skin well moisturized. Wear clothes to suit the weather in order to avoid extreme temperatures. Follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.
