Blood Clotting

Also known as:  Blood Coagulation;  Platelet Aggregation;  Thrombus (a single Blood Clot)

Blood Clotting involves the conversion of Blood from a liquid state to a solid state.  Blood Clotting is necessary for the repair of damaged Blood Vessels (as occurs during Bleeding) but is detrimental when it occurs in the absence of damage to the Blood Vessels - hence the term Abnormal Blood Clotting.

Cardiovascular System

 During Bleeding, Platelets flow through the cut along with the other components of Blood.

 As the Platelets bump against the jagged edge of the damaged Blood Vessel, they rupture, spilling out Thromboplastin.

 Thromboplastin reacts with Prothrombin to form Thrombin.

 Thrombin then reacts with Fibrinogen (an endogenous Globulin) to form Fibrin.

 Fibrin is the substance that actually begins to seal off the blood flow by forming long, thin strands of material across wounds - like a net:  this "net" traps Red Blood Cells, forming a Blood Clot.  As the clot dries, it turns into a scab.  The clot traps blood inside the Blood Vessel, which then undergoes further repair by other Adhesive Repair Proteins.

Nervous System

 Blood Clotting activity is governed by the Adrenergic Nervous System:

 Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors are located on Platelets (in the Blood) and stimulation of Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors on Platelets initiates the process of Blood Clotting.

 Blood Clotting - Substances that Inhibit

Quinones

 Coenzyme Q10 may enhance the ability of the Heart to survive where excessive Blood Clotting affects the flow of oxygenated blood to Cardiac Muscle.

Alcoholic Beverages

 Wine may reduce the risk of abnormal Blood Clotting during both the period of drinking and during the 18 hour period following its consumption (due to its Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and Alcohol (ethanol) content).  ^[1]

Algae

 Spirulina may inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[2]

Bee Foods

 Royal Jelly may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (by reducing elevated Fibrinogen levels).  ^[3]

Fish

 High consumption of Oily Fish may inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[4]

 High consumption of Salmon may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (due to the Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) content of Salmon).  ^[5]

 Sardines may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[6]

Fruits

 Bilberry (700 mg per day of standardized 25% Anthocyanosides Bilberry extract) may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (due to Anthocyanosides and Proanthocyanidins in Bilberry reducing abnormal Platelet Aggregation).  ^[7]

 Cantaloupe may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (due to its Adenosine content).  ^[8]

 Grapes (purple Grapes) may prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (due to Polyphenols in Grapes).  ^[9]

 Kiwi Fruit may inhibit platelet aggregation and may thereby help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[10]

 Pineapple may inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting (due to its Bromelain content). 

Fungi

 Cordyceps may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[11]

 Chinese Black Tree Fungus may inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting (due to its Adenosine content).  ^[12]

 Reishi Mushrooms (3,000 mg per day) may inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[13]