What Foods Are Good To Eat When You Are On Blood Thinners?

If your doctor prescribes you blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, they may discuss the need to make some dietary changes.

While eating healthy is important for everyone, it’s especially important to maintain your heart health while on blood thinners.

Read on for a complete guide on what to eat while taking blood thinners.

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What Foods Are Good To Eat When You Are On Blood Thinners?

Doctors prescribe blood thinners to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Typically, people who have a heart condition, problems with their blood vessels, or who have recently had surgery need to be on blood thinners.

While taking a blood thinner, it’s important to eat a diet full of nutrition that supports your heart and blood vessel health.

A large study involving over five million people highlighted the importance of eating a variety of foods to gain the benefits of different types of nutrients and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Below are some foods that are best to include in your diet.

A Variety Of Fruits And Vegetables

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is almost always recommended.

However, focusing on a variety of fruits and vegetables has additional benefits for heart health when you’re on blood thinners.

Each fruit and vegetable contains a unique combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. 

By incorporating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, your body enjoys a wider spectrum of flavors and nutrients that support your overall health.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and barley are packed with fiber and other nutrients that promote better heart health. 

Studies also show that regularly consuming whole grains can lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.

Integrate more whole grains into your diet by choosing whole-grain bread and brown rice instead of white, and incorporating oats or quinoa into your breakfast or lunch.

Fat-Free Or Low-Fat Diary

Dairy can be part of a well-balanced diet.

However, while taking blood thinners, choose low-fat or fat-free options.

Full-fat dairy is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels. 

Opt for skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese to benefit from the calcium and vitamin D in dairy without the added fat.

Skinless Poultry And Fish

Skinless poultry and fish are great sources of lean protein, which is important for heart health.

Studies show that prioritizing protein from sources like poultry and fish, as opposed to red or processed meats, can lower the risk of heart disease.

Include fish like tuna, salmon, or cod in your diet several times a week, and opt for baked and grilled over fried options. 

Also, enjoy grilled, roasted, or baked skinless chicken or turkey for a heart-healthy meal.

Unsalted Nuts And Legumes

Unsalted nuts and legumes are packed with nutrition that can benefit your health while on blood thinners. 

Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are rich in heart-healthy fats and fiber, which may help lower “bad” cholesterol and improve “good” cholesterol.

Legumes, including beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are also packed with protein and fiber.

Studies show that incorporating them into your diet at least four times a week can reduce your risk of heart disease. 

Enjoy a handful of unsalted nuts as a snack, sprinkle them on salads, or incorporate legumes into soups, stews, or salads.

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Non-Tropical Vegetable Oils

Choosing the right types of oils is important for heart health while you are on blood thinners. 

Non-tropical vegetable oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil, are good sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

These healthy fats can positively impact cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease. 

The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil as the primary fat source, is a good example of a heart-healthy eating pattern.

Vitamin K And Blood Thinners

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. For this reason, it’s important to consider your vitamin K intake while taking blood thinners, especially warfarin. 

Vitamin K can make warfarin less effective in preventing blood clots. 

It’s crucial that you remain consistent with your previous intake of vitamin K-rich foods to keep a steady level of it in your system. 

If you’re already eating foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, continue eating them as you have been, and don’t make any significant diet changes. 

If you haven’t been regularly eating vitamin K rich foods, then keep your vitamin K intake to a minimum. 

How To Incorporate These Foods Into Your Diet Safely

Maintaining a healthy diet while on blood thinners involves enjoying a variety of nutritious foods while being mindful of your vitamin K intake. 

Here are several tips for safely incorporating these foods.

• Plan ahead: Make a meal plan that incorporates a good balance of heart-healthy foods and a consistent level of vitamin K-rich vegetables.
• Cook at home more often: Preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it easier to manage your vitamin K intake.
• Snack healthy: Swap out processed food and snacks high in saturated fat for healthier options like carrot sticks with hummus, apples with peanut butter, and air-popped popcorn.
• Consult a dietitian: A registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on your diet while on blood thinners.

Foods To Avoid When Taking Blood Thinners

While there aren’t many foods you need to strictly avoid while taking blood thinners, certain foods and beverages should be limited.

• Alcohol can interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, including some statins.
• High-sodium (salty) foods can contribute to high blood pressure.
• Saturated fats in fatty meats and full-fat dairy can raise cholesterol levels.
• Added sugars can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

Other Dietary Considerations When Taking Blood Thinners

Other dietary considerations to keep in mind while taking blood thinners include:

• Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to support optimal health.
• Talk with your doctor about any vitamins or supplements you take, as they can interact with blood thinners.
• Avoid making any drastic dietary changes without consulting your medical provider.

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Takeaway

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet while on blood thinners requires paying attention to food choices, especially when it comes to vitamin K intake. 

By focusing on eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, lean proteins, and fiber, and by remaining consistent with your vitamin K intake, you can support your overall health.

Open communication with your medical provider is important for personalized guidance and optimal management.

How A Dietitian Can Help

A registered dietitian is a nutrition expert who can give you personalized guidance on what foods to eat while taking blood thinners.

After completing a health assessment, your registered dietitian can help by:

• Creating a custom meal plan that meets your needs, preferences, and health goals while considering your blood thinner medication.
• Tracking your vitamin K intake and making any necessary adjustments to help you remain consistent.
• Providing delicious recipe ideas to help you have a variety of meals and nutrients.
• Providing ongoing support and answering any questions you may have about your diet and blood thinners.

Find a Nourish dietitian who accepts your insurance