Sitting Too Long Can Cause Rogue Blood Clots—And More!
Research indicates sitting for long periods of time—even if you exercise regularly—can be extremely bad for your health. It could even prove deadly. Many studies are now suggesting that those who sit most of their days are more likely to be overweight, develop blood clots, have a heart attack, develop certain types of cancer or even die.
Researchers report that a sedentary lifestyle is not just a lifestyle lacking in exercise. Rather, it is a set of behaviors that are devoid of whole-body muscle movement and promote bad health. So if you sit for hours watching TV… take long plane or car rides… work long hours sitting at your desk or a computer… or keep your legs and ankles crossed whenever you sit, you could be endangering your health.
When you sit for a long period of time, your blood flow can become sluggish and pool in your larger veins. This creates a higher risk of your developing blood clots within your thigh or calf known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a condition in which there is a blood clot in a deep vein (a vein that accompanies an artery).
Close to 2 million people in the United States (U.S.) develop DVT each year, most of whom are 40 years old or older. There is the danger that a leg clot can break free and travel through the blood vessels to the lung, which can be extremely serious and even fatal. At least 200,000 people die each year from blood clots in their lungs—a condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).
But there are natural ways you can avoid becoming a statistic…
- Stand, stretch and bend your toes.
- Walk around every hour or so, if possible.
- If walking is not an option, then stretch or bounce your legs, wiggle and flex your toes and roll your ankles backward and forward.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration that causes blood vessels to become narrow and blood to thicken.
- Take all-natural blood thinners such as nattokinase.
Now would those of you who value your health, please stand up?
About the author
Michael Cutler, M.D. is a board-certified family physician with 18 years experience specializing in chronic degenerative diseases, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
A graduate of Brigham Young University, Tulane Medical School and Natividad Medical Center Family Practice Residency in Salinas, Calif., he serves as a medical liaison to alternative and traditional practicing physicians. His practice focuses on an integrative solution to health problems.
Dr. Cutler is a sought-after speaker and lecturer on experiencing optimum health through natural medicines and the Founder and Editor of Easy Health Options™ newsletter—a leading health advisory service on natural healing therapies and nutrients and is Medical Advisor for True Health™—America's #1 source for doctor-formulated nutrients that heal.
For more information visit www.truehealth.com.