Kenophobia (Fear of Empty Spaces): Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Blood Clots: Intake Of 'phenol-rich' Oil May Lower Blood Clotting Risks Within 2 Hours
Polyphenols in olive oil may be responsible for reducing blood clotting activity (Image: Getty )Olive oil, which is directed from the fruit of the olive tree, has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for over 5,000 years. In recent decades the oil has garnered a lot of attention in medical circles for its high antioxidant activity. Aside from its benefits for the control and prevention of high blood pressure, the oil may also manage the blood's clotting mechanisms.
In 2019, researchers showed that individuals who ate olive oil at least once a week had lower platelet activation than participants who ate oil less often.
What's more, lower levels of platelet aggregate were observed among those who ate olive oil more frequently.
Sean P. Heffron, assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine and the NYU Centre for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in New York, noted: "People who are obese are at increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events, even if they don't have diabetes or other obesity-associated conditions.
"Our study suggests that choosing to eat olive oil may have the potential to help modify that risk, potentially lowering a obese person's threat of having a heart attack or stroke.
READ MORE: Blood clot warning as dietitian shares the types of oils to avoid
Blood clots are a major precursor for heart attack and stroke (Image: Getty )"To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the effects of dietary composition, olive oil specifically on platelet function in obese people."
The researchers suggested that the olive oil extracts and part of its phenolic (antioxidant) constituents may be responsible for inhibiting platelet aggregation.
These antioxidants have also proven effective in lowering blood pressure, making them strong candidates in the prevention of heart disease.
The researchers said the reduction in platelet activivity was most apparent in non-smoking obese adults.
Previous studies, however, have noted similar effects in individuals with high cholesterol.
In research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, research found that the phenols in extra virgin olive oil lowered blood clots rapidly.
The study found that people who consumed virgin olive oil with a high phenol content had lower levels of a substance responsible for promoting blood clots.
To investigate this, researchers had a sample of 21 people with high cholesterol eat two breakfasts.
READ MORE: Two signs around the eyes that may signal a blood clot in the sinuses
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil will likely have a high polyphenol count (Image: Getty )For one week they ate white bread with virgin olive oil containing 400 parts per million phenols, or white bread with olive oil that had much of its phenolic composition extracted.
The research showed that two hours after a high phenol meal, the study participants' concentrations of factor VII antigen was lower.
The antigen is responsible for promoting blood clotting.
What's more, the findings showed that the group eating high-phenol meals had a greater drop in the activity of another clot promoter, called plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.
The researchers pointed out there have previously been inconsistencies in studies on the health benefits of olive oil.
These inconsistencies, they said, could stem from varying concentrations in the phenolic compositions of different olive oils.
To ensure you're getting the right oil, experts recommend opting for oils that are cold-pressed, as heat destroys polyphenols.
Ideally, the olive oil should also be bottled in a dark-coloured container, as opposed to a transparent one.
This will again prevent the destruction of polyphenols from light and oxygen.
Birth Control Methods And The Risk Of Blood Clots
You may have heard that birth control pills can give you blood clots. This may seem shocking, since oral contraceptives are the most common type of birth control in the United States.
The truth is, some types of birth control -- but not all -- are linked to clotting problems. And some of those raise your chances more than others.
Rare but DangerousBlood clots are rare, even among birth control users. The rate for getting clots is about 0.3% to 1% over 10 years for a woman on the pill - a lower rate than that of the vaginal ring and patch. For combination oral contraceptives, the rate is higher. You're much more likely to have blood clots during or after pregnancy.
But blood clots can cause serious health problems. Clots in your legs, lungs, or brain can be especially dangerous
A clot in the vessels moving blood up from your legs is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can break off and travel to the lungs. A clot in the vessels that bring blood into your lungs is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can be deadly because it could stop blood from getting to your lungs.
Connected to HormonesBirth control pills as well as patches, rings, and some IUDs use hormones to prevent pregnancy. That's usually estrogen or progestin or both. Nexplanon and Depo-Provera deliver hormones via an implantable device and injections.
Estrogen is most closely linked to blood clots.
If you have a history of clots or are more likely to get them for another reason, talk with your doctor about the best birth control method for you.
Combination Oral ContraceptivesAlso known as the pill
These birth control pills have both estrogen and progestin. Many forms of the pill are available, and they may have different amounts of each hormone.
Studies show that this type of birth control raises your odds of getting blood clots. The chance of clots is two to six times greater among women taking the pill vs. Women who don't use birth control.
Progesterone-Only Oral ContraceptivesAlso known as the minipill
This only has one hormone, progestin, and the dose is very low.
You're no more likely to get a blood clot than women who don't take birth control. Your doctor may recommend the minipill if something else about your health suggests you have a greater chance of getting blood clots.
The possibility of pregnancy with the minipill is higher than with combination pills. You must take it at the same time every day for it to be most effective.
Contraceptive Pills With DrospirenoneAlso known as Beyaz, Slynd, Yasmin, Yaz
Drospirenone is a kind of progestin. But unlike other types of progestin, it may make you more likely to get clots.
The research isn't clear though. Some studies show no greater risk. Others suggest that the chance of blood clots is higher than other birth control pills.
The RingAlso known as NuvaRing
It gives you a steady dose of hormones, both estrogen and progestin.
Compared to women who don't use birth control, those using the ring are 6.5 times more likely to get blood clots. The chances may be greater than for those using birth control pills because the hormones from the ring are absorbed continuously.
The PatchAlso known as Xulane, Twirla, and Zafemy
The risk is greater than other types of hormonal birth control. For every woman not using birth control who gets a blood clot, eight women who use the patch will.
Like the ring, the hormones are always going into your body.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)Also known as Liletta, Kyleena, Mirena, ParaGard, and Skyla
Your doctor puts an IUD into your uterus for long-term birth control. One type has the hormone progestin. The other is made of copper and doesn't have hormones.
Neither IUD affects your chance of blood clots, probably because they don't have estrogen.
Birth Control ImplantsAlso known as Nexplanon
The small, flexible rod that your doctor places under your skin has a type of progestin.
The label says that women who have a history of blood clots shouldn't use the implant. The warning is based on studies of birth control pills with the same kind of hormone.
Nonhormonal Birth ControlOnly birth control methods with hormones may raise your chance of blood clots.
Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms do not. Neither do medical sterilization procedures, like getting your tubes tied.
Talk to your doctor about nonhormonal birth control methods, which can affect your health in other ways.
Why Is There A Blood Clot In My Stool?
Having blood or blood clots in your poop may mean that you are bleeding from the large intestine. This bleeding can often occur with medical conditions that require medical attention.
If you have blood clots in your stool, this is commonly a sign of bleeding from the large intestine (colon). It's also a signal that you should get medical attention immediately.
There are various medical conditions that can result in bleeding from the colon.
Diverticular bleedingPouches (diverticula) can develop on the wall of the large intestine. When these pouches bleed, it's called diverticular bleeding. Diverticular bleeding can cause a large amount of blood in your stool.
The blood in your stool may be bright or dark red clots. Diverticular bleeding often stops on its own and, in most cases, it's not accompanied by pain.
If diverticular bleeding does not stop on its own, surgery may be required. Treatment may also include blood transfusions and intravenous fluids.
Infectious colitisInfectious colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine. It's typically caused by infection from viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungus. This inflammation is often associated with food poisoning.
Symptoms might include:
Treatment of infectious colitis might include:
Ischemic colitisWhen blood flow to the colon is reduced — commonly caused by narrowed or blocked arteries — the decreased flow of blood doesn't provide enough oxygen to your digestive tract. This condition is called ischemic colitis. It can damage your large intestine and cause pain.
Symptoms might include:
In mild cases of ischemic colitis, the symptoms might virtually disappear in a few days. For treatment, your doctor might recommend:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of intestinal disorders. These include gastrointestinal tract inflammation such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms might include:
Treatment for IBD might include:
If there's blood, there may be blood clots. Some diseases and conditions that could cause blood in your stool include:
The appearance of blood clots in your stool is often a sign of bleeding from the colon. There are a number of potential causes including diverticular bleeding, infectious colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
If you're bleeding or see signs of bleeding — such as a blood clot — make an appointment to see your doctor for a diagnosis. If your doctor is booked, consider going to an emergency medical facility.
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