Elaine Magee
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 Quercetin and catechin improve platelet function. Platelets are small particles in the blood that play an important role in the clotting process. In lab studies, quercetin and catechin have been shown to act synergistically to guard against platelets' tendency to clump together, a dangerous condition that can lead to the clots and blockages associated with stroke and heart attack. |
Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan
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 Both petechiae and purpura can signal a low blood platelet count. They may be a reaction to certain medications such the blood thinners aspirin and Coumadin, and corticosteroids, which can interfere with platelet production. They can also be a revealing sign of an autoimmune disorder or diseases that affect bone marrow, such as leukemia, HIV/ AIDS, certain forms of anemia, and some viral infections.
Petechiae and purpura are classic signs of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune bleeding disorder also characterized by low levels of platelets. |
Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D.
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 NO Allows Increased Blood Flow ological functions such as inhibition of platelet aggregation and platelet adhesion. In these ways, NO mediates increased blood flow at rest and during exercise within the human muscle. GPLC also has been shown as having a significantly favorable affect on blood triglycerides. See the chart "GPLC & Triglycerides," below. Elevated blood lipids are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
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 Platelet count: A measure of the number of platelet cells in a patient's blood.
Red blood cell count (RBC count): This indicates the total number of red blood cells in the blood.
Red cell distribution width (RDW): This measures the variability in size of the red blood cell population.
White blood cell count (WBC count): These are the major infection-fighting cells, but they are also involved in immune system responses to foreign bodies and tissues such as allergens and tumors. The white blood cell count (WBC count) measures the total number of white blood cells present in the blood. |
Elaine Magee
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| For example, in one recent study, researchers compared two groups to see how vitamin E affected the clumping together of blood particles that can lead to blood clots, a process known as platelet aggregation. In one group, participants took supplements of a mixed tocopherol preparation that more closely resembles the blend of nutrients found in food sources of vitamin E (100 milligrams of gamma-tocopherol, 20 of alpha-tocopherol, and 40 of beta-tocopherol). The other group took alpha-tocopherol only. The group receiving mixed tocopherols experienced less platelet aggregation. |
Andreas Moritz
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 When the production of clotting factors drops, platelet count drops, too, and there may be spontaneous capillary bleeding or hemorrhagic disease. If a hemorrhage occurs in the brain, it may cause destruction of brain tissue, paralysis, or death. The severity of the bleeding may be determined by such variable triggers as hypertension and alcohol abuse. platelet counts also drop when the production of new cells does not keep pace with the destruction of damaged or worn-out cells; this occurs when gallstones cut off the blood supply to the liver cells. |
Bottom Line Health
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| What your results may mean: platelet counts that fall outside the normal range can be a sign of leukemia, thrombocytopenia (too few platelets), rare congenital disorders or a drug side effect.
INTERPRETING URINALYSIS
If you complain of low back pain, painful or frequent urination, or discover that you have dark or bloody urine, your physician should order a urinalysis. Most important components...
•Protein. Normally, the kidneys do not allow protein to leak into the urine. |
Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D.
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| Reducing platelet size, distribution and stickiness, and limiting platelet activation and aggregation (that is, fighting clot formation).
All of these actions are especially important for people with congestive heart failure and its common side effects of low energy output, free-radical stress, cardiac arrhythmias, and clot formation. Actually, CHF is one of the main indications for the therapeutic administration of coenzyme Q10. |
| It is also important to note the membrane-stabilizing activity of coenzyme Qio, and the very recent discovery of its favorable effects on platelets and platelet function. All these properties of coenzyme Qiq enhance its anti-aging benefits.
Coenzyme Q10 in Cellular Energy Metabolism
Coenzyme Qio's role in cellular energy metabolism is probably its most important function. We have already learned that most of the body's energy metabolism occurs in the mitochondria through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. |
Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan
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| They may be a reaction to certain medications such the blood thinners aspirin and Coumadin, and corticosteroids, which can interfere with platelet production. They can also be a revealing sign of an autoimmune disorder or diseases that affect bone marrow, such as leukemia, HIV/ AIDS, certain forms of anemia, and some viral infections.
Petechiae and purpura are classic signs of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune bleeding disorder also characterized by low levels of platelets. (See Black-and-Blue Marks, above. |
| Very easy and extensive braising may also be the earliest warning sign of a low blood platelet count—medically known as thrombocytopenia—which can be due to several serious conditions such as leukemia and HIV/AIDS. (Platelets, which are produced in the bone marrow, are needed for blood to clot.)
Lots of black-and-blue marks sometimes signal cirrhosis and other liver diseases, lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), lupus (see Butterfly Mask, above), and hypothyroidism (see Appendix I). |
Elaine Magee
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| Together, they are involved in numerous body functions, including stimulating the immune system, offering antibacterial and antiviral activity, regulating detoxification enzymes, decreasing platelet aggregation (sticking together), reducing blood pressure, and altering cholesterol and hormone metabolism. Of course, some have greater anti-oxidation power than others. A way of measuring this power is called ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), and a bunch of produce was put to the test. The higher the number, the greater the antioxidant power. |
| The group receiving mixed tocopherols experienced less platelet aggregation.
Reviewing these studies, I can't help but think that sometimes in the field of nutrition what seems unconnected at first glance is actually connected.
VITAMIN SYNERGY
Current developments in nutrition seem to beg the question that if we are popping supplements high in one particular vitamin or mineral, are we disrupting the beautiful and beneficial synergy that exists in nature? |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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 When the PAF receptor binds to PAF (its ligand), other molecules are activated in the platelet that literally cause the platelet to stick to the endothelial cell. This is one of the primary events in the blood-clotting process, and if it can be interrupted, the cascade of events leading to complete blockage (stroke), as well as ROS production, can be diminished (keep in mind that there is a time and a place for blood clotting—we don't want to inhibit the process too strongly!). It turns out that ginkgolide B, shown in Figure 7.8, is a powerful antagonist toward the PAF receptor. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp are effective in decreasing blood pressure, platelet stickiness, and in fibrinogen levels, a key marker in atherosclerosis. Research has found that for every 1 percent increase in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) content there was a decrease of 5 mm Hg in the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure. Omega-3s are also anti-inflammatory and are being studied at Harvard and elsewhere for their effect on mood and depression.
Hemp oil should be stored in the refrigerator, used quickly, and never heated. |
| Onions: They keep serum cholesterol and blood pressure low, and they inhibit platelet aggregation, all of which might prevent heart disease. Good source of quercetin, which may help relieve allergies and prevent complications of diabetes.
6. Blueberries: Good source of anthocyanidins, which are needed to keep the body's tissues strong and healthy, and which enhance visual function.
7. Brewer's yeast: Good source of protein,
B vitamins, and minerals. The most potent source of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
8. |
| It's also a natural blood thinner, as it prevents excessive blood platelet stickiness.
The Good Stuff Is in the Stem
Because it's a group of powerful digestive enzymes, bromelain can relieve indigestion. A member of the class of enzymes known as proteolytic enzymes, bromelain breaks down the amino acid bonds in protein. It's often extracted from pineapple and is a key ingredient in most over-the-counter digestive enzymes. But the beneficial effects of bromelain are due to multiple factors, and many of those are as yet unknown. |
Jack Challem
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 High levels of blood sugar make blood platelet cells abnormally sticky, increasing the risk of blood clots. These clots are especially serious in the tiny blood vessels of the eyes, where they can lead to blindness. In addition, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are strongly associated with glucose intolerance.
Nerve damage. People with diabetes have a very high risk of developing nerve damage, called neuropathy. This may lead to either pain or numbness. In the case of numbness, diabetics cannot feel foot injuries, which may become infected. |
Erich Grotewold
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 This Caerphilly Study, which investigated flavonols and ischemic heart disease in Welsh men, found that quercetin can inhibit LDL oxidation and therefore inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro (Hertog et al., 1997). The positive effect of red wine phenolics on the modulation of human LDL resistance against oxidative modification has been demonstrated in vitro (Frankel et al, 1993). These authors showed that catechin oligomers, anthocyanidin dimers and trimers, as well as myricetin were main antioxidant components in red wine (Frankel et al, 1993). |
Ray D. Strand
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 In addition studies have shown that vitamin E inhibits platelet aggregation and decreases the risk of blood clots in much the same way aspirin does. This property of vitamin E is actually a benefit in reducing heart disease. Researchers believe that vitamin E actually improves the effectiveness of aspirin in patients with heart disease.11
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is safe even at very high doses, although some people may experience abdominal bloating, gas, or diarrhea. At one point, there was concern that vitamin C supplementation might increase the risk of kidney stones. |
Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews
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 In addition, green tea extract may be just as effective as aspirin for reducing platelet aggregation, or "thinning the blood."3 Blood pressure is also lower in tea drinkers.4
Green Tea and Cancer
Green tea's indisputable antioxidant activity led cancer researchers to investigate the possibility that green tea might protect a person
Health Benefits of Green Tea
The following benefits of green tea are discussed briefly in this chapter and investigated more fully in later chapters.
• Lowers total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels.
• Increases HDL-cholesterol levels. |
| Barrier to Longevity
Green Tea Benefits
Heart Disease
Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and prevents platelet aggregation.
Cancer
Inhibits the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer.
Diabetes
Promotes normal blood sugar and insulin regulation.
Poor Nutrition
Indirectly linked to a better diet, since green tea drinkers tend to make healthier food choices.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Indirectly associated with healthier lifestyles, since green tea drinkers are less likely to smoke and more likely to be physically active. |
David Wolfe
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 Raw plant fats do not clog the blood with red blood cell and platelet aggregation like cooked fats do. Long-time raw-food nutritionist, Ross Home of Australia, tells us in his wonderful book Improving On Pritikin: "To prove that the fat of avocados did not cause excessive levels of triglycerides in the blood and did not cause red cell and platelet aggregation and blood viscosity when the avocado was eaten raw, I had blood tests done which clearly demonstrated this..."
Raw plant fats have exactly the opposite effect of cooked fats. |
Tom Bohager
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 Causes of migraines include vascular instability, platelet disorders, nerve disorders, seratonin deficiency, certain drugs and xenobiotics, nutrient deficiencies, and allergenic foods.
Recommendations include ascertaining the underlying cause or precipitating factors of the migraines, dietary changes to identify and eliminate food allergies, stress management, adequate rest, and supplementation with enzymes and nutrients that may be deficient in the body. |
Bottom Line Health
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| Drawbacks: Side effects include flu-like symptoms and low blood platelet counts. Also, psoriasis may worsen when efalizumab is stopped. Patients taking alefacept or efalizumab require regular blood tests to determine if T-cell levels have dropped, which can lead to increased risk of infection.
•n - For more information, you can contact the — National Psoriasis Foundation, 800-723-9166, www.psoriasis.org.
What Is Psoriasis?
This chronic skin disease causes red, scaly patches on the trunk, knees, elbows, palms and/or scalp. |
Paul D. Blanc, M.D.
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 That very same day, two other girls, both aged fourteen as well, were also admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital with similar skin hemorrhages and low platelet counts. One of the girls died within the week; the second, who did not have concomitant anemia and a low white count, survived.
All three had worked as laborers in the same canning factory, none longer than five monrhs altogether. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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 Shimizu M, Matsuzawa T, Suzuki S, Yoshizaki M, Morita N, Evaluation of Angelicae radix (Touki) by inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. In: Chem Pharm Bull 39:2046. 1991.
Taskinen J, (1975) Acta Chem Scan 29 (5):637 et (7) 757.
Tastrup O et al., (1983) Phytochemistry 22 (9):2035.
Zotikov YM et al., (1978) Rastit Resur 14 (4):579.
Further information in:
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969. |
Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews
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| Researchers have found that green tea's polyphenols bolster the heart's resistance to cardiovascular diseases by lowering levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, reducing platelet aggregation, and helping keep blood pressure in check. As an agent in the prevention of cancer, green tea inhibits both the initiation and promotion stages of cancer and even boosts the effectiveness of some cancer treatments. |
| Other studies in animals confirm that green tea lessens the clotting tendency and prevents platelet aggregation.15 Some research even suggests that EGCG is as effective as aspirin, the well known and commonly used anticoagulant, or "blood thinner.''16 Those who need a stronger anti-clotting agent should consult a physician.
Chinese doctors report favorable results using dietary supplements of green tea polyphenols to diminish rates of occurrence of heart disease. |
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