Blood Thinners Explained: Eliquis, Aspirin, Nattokinase and the Supplements That Don't Mix
Part 1 covered why blood clots form. This one covers what we do about them.
In Part 2 of his series on blood clots, cardiologist Dr. James Marcum walks through the major blood clot treatments and blood thinners — what each one actually does in the body, when it's used, and where the risks are.
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You'll learn:
• The two emergency treatments for a life or limb-threatening clot: thrombectomy (physically pulling the clot out) and clot-busting drugs (fibrinolytics) — and why neither is available outside a hospital
• Anticoagulants that block clotting factors: IV heparin and Lovenox, warfarin (Coumadin), and the newer direct oral anticoagulants like Eliquis and Xarelto — used for atrial fibrillation, DVT, and weak hearts
• Antiplatelet medicines that keep platelets from sticking: aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Effient (prasugrel), and Brilinta (ticagrelor) — and why they matter most in arteries, after a stent, or after a heart attack
• Nattokinase: the fermented-soy supplement everyone is asking about, what the Japanese studies show, how some doctors are using it for spike protein, and why Dr. Marcum still urges caution — especially for atrial fibrillation
• 20+ herbs and supplements that thin your blood: garlic, ginkgo, ginger, turmeric, dong quai, feverfew, red clover, reishi, evening primrose, horse chestnut, saw palmetto, white willow, cat's claw, chamomile, bilberry, bromelain, fish oil, flaxseed, omega-3s, vitamin E, danshen — and the combinations linked to serious bleeding
• The bleeding warning signs that mean you need medical attention right away
The big principle: blood thinners stack. Mixing prescription anticoagulants with "natural" blood thinners can turn you into an easy bleeder. Tell your doctor, surgeon, and anesthesiologist about every supplement you take, ask about checking your INR if you're on warfarin, and never stop a prescribed blood thinner without talking to your doctor.
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