If you’re on blood thinners and you’re wondering how to stay healthy, we have some great information for you. We’ve gathered 5 easy-to-follow tips that will help you stay healthy while taking this medication. From diet, to exercise, and medication frequency, we’ll have you in the best shape of your life.
1. Be Cautious of Taking Physical Risks
Any activity that could result in potential trauma should be avoided at all costs if you are on these medications. Thinners will make you bleed more easily, so any injury will be worse than it should be. Sports should be limited. Football and rugby should be completely out of the picture. If you’re going to do an activity like biking, always be sure to wear your helmet. You should always be mindful of your physical activity, so that a trivial cut doesn’t become something more serious. Even when mowing or working in the yard, you should always wear covered shoes.
2. Take Tests Regularly and Stay in Touch With Your Doctor
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, it is extremely important to tell all involved in your health about every medication you take or want to take. There are certain medications that “can further reduce your blood’s ability to clot and you can bleed too much.” Be sure to schedule regular visits to the doctor to ensure your medication is working to the best of its ability. You must also be sure to alert your healthcare team should:
- any issues arise
- new side effects occur
- you have any other concerns about the thinners.
3. Wear Medical ID Jewelry
Medical IDs have become extremely popular in recent decades and can help a wide variety of people. Those who have disorders or take certain medications wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace in case anything happens. Should anything happen where this person needs medical attention, the bracelet can alert bystanders or a medical team about pertinent medical information. For those on thinners for your blood, it can immediately alert anyone that you are on that medication (especially if you have a cut or serious injury).
4. Pay Closer Attention to Your Diet
According to Everyday Health, if you’re on “blood thinners, you shouldn’t make any dietary changes without talking to your doctor first.” The doctor will probably recommend that you try to avoid having too much vitamin K in your diet. Vitamin K can be found in foods like broccoli, asparagus, and other leafy vegetables, because it can interfere with certain thinning medications. Other foods like cranberries and alcohol should be avoided because they can enhance the effects of the medication and increase your risk of bleeding.
5. Follow Your Treatment Plan
After discussions with your doctors, you’ll create a treatment plan that includes:
- medication
- diets
- lifestyle changes
It is very important that you follow these plans to the letter. If you are not taking your medication as prescribed or eating things you’re not supposed to, it will not help the doctors help you. If you’re taking too little medication, you’ll be at a greater risk for clots. If you are taking too much of the medication, your risk for bleeding will increase dramatically. Your healthcare team will monitor the progress of your medication and lifestyle changes frequently; it is important to be cooperative.
It is important to take preventative measures when it comes to life-altering medications.
- No risks should be taken
- Your diet should be followed
- You should always be taking your medication
Our tips for staying healthy while on blood thinners will start you off on the right path to a better life.