What not to eat if you’re at risk for blood clots

In this article:

• Blood clotting foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Risk factors
• The bottom line

In this article

• Blood clotting foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Risk factors
• The bottom line

Blood clotting may sound scary, but it’s a normal and essential bodily function. It serves an important purpose, which is to stop bleeding when blood vessels are damaged. If a damaged blood vessel doesn’t heal, it can cause excessive bleeding, which can be serious.

However, blood clots can form abnormally, and those can be serious, too. Blood clots occur when cells in the blood clump together and form a mass, which can even travel to other parts of the body and cause harm. There are many possible causes and risk factors of abnormal blood clot formation, such as injury, certain medical conditions, genetic predisposition, medications, and more.

If you’re at increased risk of blood clots or take blood-thinning medications, your healthcare provider may recommend making some lifestyle changes. Certain dietary choices may contribute to overall blood clot risk or interact with blood thinners. Foods to avoid for blood clotting typically include those that are processed and high in sodium, sugar, and saturated and trans fats. Those taking certain blood-thinning medications may also be advised to monitor their vitamin K intake and avoid certain fruits, fruit juices, and alcohol.

7 foods that increase the risk of blood clots

Certain foods don’t directly cause blood clots, but your diet is still an important factor in reducing your overall risk. Certain foods may also interact with anticoagulants, blood-thinning medications used to prevent clots. Foods to avoid for those at increased risk of blood clots typically include the following.

1. Ultra-processed foods

“Highly processed foods can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to conditions that promote blood clots,” says Hugh Pabarue, MD, a vein specialist in the larger Detroit metropolitan area. Studies show that intake of ultra-processed foods moderately increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a blood clot that can create a blockage in the veins.

How do you know if a food is ultra-processed? Many foods at the supermarket are highly processed, Dr. Pabarue says. This helps it last longer on the shelves, but they’re also engineered to taste better. They tend to come in excess packaging, though a long list of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce is also a tell-tale sign, Dr. Pabarue says.

Examples of ultra-processed foods include:

• Bread
• Cereal
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Chips
• Frozen meals

2. High-sodium foods

High sodium intake is directly associated with an increased risk of clotting. It stimulates the secretion of factors that increase the risk of clot formation. On top of that, blood clots are one of the possible complications of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Blood clots caused by high blood pressure could even lead to a stroke, per the Mayo Clinic. “High sodium intake may impair blood vessel function and increase blood pressure, raising clot risk,” says Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a cardiology dietitian in New York.

A low-sodium diet known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is often recommended for those with hypertension. While some of the research is mixed, studies have demonstrated that adherence to the DASH diet is associated with a reduced risk of VTE.

Examples of high-sodium foods include:

• Ramen noodles
• Canned soups
• Condiments like soy sauce and ketchup
• Processed meats
• Some cheeses
• Fast food

3. Vitamin K-rich foods

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient, and it’s part of an overall healthy diet. However, those taking warfarin—found in the brand-name medications Jantoven and Coumadin—may be advised to keep an eye on their vitamin K intake. “Foods rich in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, can make certain blood thinners less effective, increasing the risk for clots,” Dr. Pabarue says.

However, there are some misconceptions about this, Routhenstein says. Vitamin K doesn’t interact with all blood thinners, just those containing warfarin. Those taking warfarin shouldn’t avoid vitamin K-rich foods completely, Routhenstein says. It’s recommended that people taking warfarin aim for the same amount of vitamin K every day rather than suddenly decreasing or increasing their intake. 

Vitamin K-rich foods typically include leafy greens, such as:

• Brussels sprouts
• Collard greens
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Green tea

4. Saturated and trans fats

Many of the dietary recommendations for reducing heart disease risk also apply to reducing the risk of blood clots. This is the case with “bad” fats like saturated and trans fats, which may negatively affect heart health and raise cholesterol. 

“Saturated fat contributes to artery plaque buildup, narrowing vessels, and affecting clotting factors to promote clots,” Routhenstein says. Researchers recommend lowering saturated fat intake and omitting trans fats to manage diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Saturated fats include:

• Beef and beef tallow
• Pork
• Lard
• Coconut oil
• Baked goods
• Fried foods

Trans fats include:

• Shortening
• Margarine
• Baked goods
• Fried foods
• Dough
• Frozen pizza

5. Refined sugars

Sugar comes from a natural source—fruits contain natural sugars, for example. But refined sugars are heavily processed, and they may pose a risk to cardiovascular health. Studies show that added sugars can increase the risk of heart disease, while the natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables do not.

“Refined sugars cause inflammation to the gut and, when absorbed into the bloodstream, increase the risk for blood clots in blood vessels,” Dr. Pabarue says.

There may be a similar link between one type of artificial sweetener and blood clot formation, according to a study involving stable patients undergoing elective cardiac evaluation. The researchers found that erythritol consumption can increase the risk of thrombosis, a blood clot attached to the wall of a blood vessel.

The following foods often contain refined sugars:

• Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, juice, and sports drinks
• Candy
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Cereal and granola
• Ice cream
• Some yogurts

6. Certain fruits and fruit juices

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with a variety of medications, including certain blood thinners. “Some of the natural contents in grapefruit are broken down into chemicals that interact with some blood thinners, affecting their efficacy,” Dr. Pabarue explains.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this also includes other fruits and their juices, such as cranberry and pomegranate.

7. Alcohol

Avoiding alcohol is usually a good idea for overall health. It’s especially important for those who take medication that thins the blood, such as aspirin or certain anticoagulants. “Alcohol thins the blood, increasing the risk for bleeding,” Dr. Pabarue explains. It can also interfere with how they work, increasing the risk of clotting as well.

3 foods that reduce blood clotting

Several factors reduce the risk of blood clots, such as getting enough physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, and staying hydrated. Your diet may also play a preventive role, Routhenstein says. Following a heart-healthy diet helps support proper circulation, but the following nutrients and foods particularly stand out for blood clot prevention.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

Not all fat is bad for your heart health. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids, often referred to as “healthy fats,” have been shown to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and possibly heart disease risk, particularly among those with high cholesterol and obesity. “Omega-3s from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts may help reduce blood viscosity and make platelets less sticky,” Routhenstein explains.

However, the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from food sources may not apply to omega-3 supplements. In fact, dietary supplements containing omega-3s may interact with some blood clotting medications, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

2. Vitamin E and other antioxidants

Research shows that vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, and it may inhibit blood clotting. Foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and spinach are rich sources of vitamin E, Routhenstein says. 

Other antioxidants may be beneficial too. “Antioxidants protect blood vessels from damage caused by oxidative stress, which can trigger clot formation,” Routhenstein says. Antioxidant-rich foods can include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

3. Some spices

What you season your food with may also support circulation. “Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have natural blood-thinning properties but should be used cautiously with blood-thinning medications to avoid excessive bleeding,” Routhenstein says.

Factors that increase the risk of blood clotting

Almost anyone can develop a serious type of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the following risk factors may make someone more susceptible:

• Injury
• Surgery
• Physical inactivity
• Chronic medical conditions
• Overweight or obesity
• Family history
• Older age
• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives

The bottom line

Blood clotting is a natural part of the circulatory system, but abnormal blood clots, such as DVTs, can become serious and even life-threatening. Some of the risk factors for blood clots are out of one’s control, such as age and family history. A healthy lifestyle is an important part of blood clot prevention. Experts recommend eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting plenty of movement, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy body weight to lower your risk of blood clots and cardiovascular events.

Some foods should generally be avoided if you are prone to or concerned about the potential for blood clots. These can include processed foods and those high in sugar, sodium, and saturated and trans fats. If you take blood-thinning medications, it may also be wise to monitor your vitamin K intake and avoid alcohol and certain fruits. Ultimately, the optimal treatment plan for you is the one you and your healthcare team determine together.