Blood thinners vs. leafy greens: A maddening debate

Yet again, the medical establishment is doling out advice that serves its own self-interest—not yours. Today’s victims: those taking Coumadin (a brand name for warfarin, a blood-thinning drug).

Millions of people in the US are taking this drug each and every day. And besides the sheer over-prescribing going on, there’s another disturbing aspect of Coumadin therapy.

One of the primary warnings that accompanies this drug is to stop eating leafy green vegetables, since they contain compounds that can interfere with the levels of the drug in their bodies and cause a high bleeding risk.

Well, I can’t say it’s not true. According to new research, the leafy greens may, in fact, thin the blood and help oxygen circulate around the body more efficiently.

But, wait, isn’t that what Coumadin is prescribed for? Yes, it is.

So, the medical establishment is telling people not to eat a healthy food because it has the same effect as a dangerous medication they’re prescribing instead.

It’s absolutely maddening. Yet, not at all surprising.

I should note that these findings came from the UK (the British Heart Foundation partially funded the research), where they actually look at low-cost, common-sense solutions, rather than the American way of big business and expensive drugs to solve all of life’s woes.

And essentially, what this study shows is that simple dietary changes could help thin the blood and improve circulation. Which, in turn, can alleviate high blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, and—dare I even say it—actually eliminate the need for dangerous drugs like Coumadin.

Imagine that. A non-invasive, inexpensive solution that doesn’t involve a pillbox. Just a big, delicious salad.

And you can pack even more heart healthy benefits into your salad bowl with some of my other New Hamptons Health Miracle staples, like chopped walnuts, fresh grilled salmon, and some antioxidant-rich blueberries.

Just be sure to skip the over-processed, chemical-filled low-fat or nonfat dressings. In fact, full-fat dressings help you absorb even more nutrients from salad.

And it’s easy to make your own dressing. Just whisk up some macadamia nut oil with lemon juice or vinegar and a dash of salt and pepper, and voila! You’ve got a delicious meal—with a healthy heart on the side.

Source:

“Suppression of Erythropoiesis by Dietary Nitrate.” FASB, epub ahead of print 11/24/14