Guest guest Posted December 18, 2005 Report Share Posted December 18, 2005 The lab that has done this research is HEMEX. Scroll down this page and it explains about the pathogens and low oxygen in blood that is thick. Thick blood, also known as hypercoagulability, is a condition where the blood is more viscous (stickier) than normal. The unusual increase of viscosity in the blood is due to an abnormality in the clotting process. The thickened blood hinders the circulation of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones and prevents them from being transferred successfully to tissues and cells throughout the body. This may result in widespread nutritional and hormonal deficiencies as well as hypoxia, a condition in which a low level of oxygen is in the cells. When the circulatory system is functioning normally, the clotting process begins only when a cut occurs in a blood vessel. Thrombin, a blood enzyme, is released into the bloodstream. It promotes a biochemical reaction which results in the formation of clotting agents. The sole purpose of clotting agents is to create a single clot. When the job is done, the clotting process should come to a halt. With many chronically ill patients, however, these clotting agents do not stop working, but rather begin to coat the capillaries with a fibrin layer. This allows the blood to become thick and provides an ideal environment in which pathogens can " hide " and thrive. Causes. Chronically ill people may have a genetic predisposition towards thick blood. Defects in the coagulation genes adversely affect the capability of the body to turn off the switch that activates the clotting process. They may also affect the body's ability to clean up the fibrin deposits formed as a result of the clotting process.1 Thick blood may also be caused by the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These pathogens can actually activate a coagulation response in the body as a way to hide from the immune system.1 Soluble fibrin monomer (SFM), a clotting agent, lines the capillaries with fibrin making it impossible to transfer oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues affected. A lack of oxygen and nutrients then creates the right environment for these pathogens. The blood must first be thinned to expose the pathogens before they can be eradicated. Heavy metal toxicity or exposure to toxins can also activate unusual production levels of soluble fibrin monomer as well. Stress and trauma have also been known to cause thick blood. Symptoms. Thick blood can have a profound impact on your overall health. Symptoms of thick blood include: Blood appearing to be abnormally thick or sticky when drawn Slow bleeding Widespread nutritional and hormonal deficiencies Repeated miscarriages Presence of one or more chronic illnesses In the event of thick blood the capillaries are coated with fibrin and may lead to: Disruption of the production and function of natural blood thinners Difficulty treating any bacteria or viruses under the fibrin coating Disruption of oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body Increased burden on the heart to pump thicker blood which may lead to arrhythmia and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes Related Conditions. Thick blood is commonly found in tandem with many other chronic conditions. It is specifically associated with the following: Candida (Candidiasis) – An infection or overgrowth of candida yeast in the body. Candida yeast inhabits all areas of the body and in the intestine, it co-exists with friendly intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacteria bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus. However, when the immune system is compromised, candida yeast can rapidly overwhelm the friendly bacteria and cause an imbalance. As candida becomes the predominate organism in the intestinal tract, it secretes a multitude of toxins which can produce debilitating symptoms that may be realized beyond the digestive tract. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) – A complicated disorder characterized by severe fatigue that does not improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome distresses both the body and the brain, affecting concentration, short-term memory, and sleep. CFS is also associated with flu-like symptoms, joint and muscle pain, and tender lymph nodes. The symptoms generally continue unabated, leaving the body depleted of energy and the ability to defend itself against other conditions. Crohn's Disease – A serious chronic and progressive inflammation of the ileum producing frequent bouts of diarrhea with abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and weight loss. Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Fibromyalgia – A condition characterized by fatigue, chronic pain in the muscles, joints and soft tissues of the body, and tenderness at specific sites in the body. All muscles, tendons, and ligaments feel as though they are overworked with a twitching and burning feeling. Heavy Metal Toxicity – An excessive build-up of metals, such as mercury, in the body that may produce disastrous results. The body is exposed to these metals from dental amalgams, vaccinations, food, water, and/or the environment. These metals are generally excreted from the body through the kidneys and bowel. However, some people cannot excrete them efficiently. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – A functional disorder of the bowel that may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. In contrast to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, there is no physical change noted in the digestive tract with IBS. Leaky Gut Syndrome – A gastrointestinal disorder in which the intestinal lining of the digestive tract becomes more permeable, or " leakier, " than normal. The small intestine is designed to allow tiny particles of digested nutrients to pass through its wall and into the bloodstream. These are then distributed for use throughout the body. But due to various circumstances, the intestinal wall can become more permeable and allow larger, " less digested " particles to pass through. The body then recognizes these particles as foreign " invaders, " and the immune system attempts to fight them off. Leaky Gut Syndrome can have a profound impact on your overall health. Lyme Disease – An infectious disease caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans by the bite of infected deer ticks. It may present as a bull's eye rash that may or may not be noticed. There may be no symptoms, or non-specific symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches. More severe cases may damage the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, or the heart. Antibiotic treatment for 3 to 4 weeks is an effective treatment in the disease's early stages. Left untreated, Lyme Disease becomes more difficult to treat, and damage to the body may be more severe. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. A fatty tissue called myelin helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses. In MS, myelin is damaged and/or lost, which destroys the nerves' ability to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain, and leads to a host of neurological symptoms that come and go (relapses). Systemic. All the systems of the body are interrelated. In other words, the proper functioning of each individual system is dependent upon all the other systems performing their tasks efficiently and correctly. Therefore, a condition such as Thick Blood may lead to problems in many other areas of the body. For example, thick blood drastically affects the endocrine (hormone) system. Hormones that are produced may not circulate properly or even reach their intended destination due to fibrin layers on the capillaries. Deficiencies. A deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids is very common among people suffering from chronic illness, and especially those suffering from Thick Blood. But without proper absorption of these vital nutrients, the body's ability to heal from any chronic illness is severely impaired. Natural Ingredients for Digestive Health The following is a list of natural dietary ingredients which may help the circulatory system function properly. These may work in conjunction with conventional medications, but always consult with a healthcare professional about potential interactions before incorporating any of them into the diet. For assistance in choosing a healthcare professional, visit " Finding a Good Doctor " on our website. Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3, Omega-6) Fibrinolytic Enzymes Ginkgo Biloba Nattokinase Garlic Vitamin E Conventional/Prescription Medicines Used to Treat Thick Blood Conventional medicines can be prescribed by doctors to treat thick blood. These medicines may cause depletion of certain nutrients. The following is a list of common conventional medicines that may be used for thick blood: Heparin – An anticoagulant drug, injected under the skin that decreases the hypercoagulable state to a more " normal " state.2 For some who have been chronically ill, it has been found to produce immediate results. Side effects may include bruising or bleeding more easily if an injury is sustained.3 Heparin use can create a high potassium level in the body, so avoid any potassium supplementation while undergoing treatment. It can also interfere with the activation of vitamin D.4 Warfarin – (Brand name Coumadin®) An oral blood thinner that is stronger than heparin. Side effects are the same as heparin. Additionally, it may cause birth defects, so women of child-bearing age may consider using heparin instead.5 It is known to deplete Vitamin K.5 Also, avoid supplementation with Vitamin A and E while undergoing treatment with this medication.6 It should be noted that Heparin is better than Warfarin because it is an anti-platelet medication useful to those who have over-active platelets—which may be about half of those affected with Thick Blood. Aspirin – Aspirin reduces inflammation, suppresses fever, and acts as an anticoagulant. It is known to deplete iron, folic acid, potassium, sodium, and vitamin C.4 More importantly, studies have shown that use of aspirin, especially long term usage, comes with an increased risk of bleeding in the stomach and other medical complications.7,8 Diagnosis Immune System Activation of Coagulation (ISAC) Test – Different from standard coagulation panels in that five substances in the blood are measured for a more complete work up. A positive result is given when any two substances are abnormal.9 The test is offered by Hemex Labs (Dr. Berg, PhD). Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin Gene Mutation Tests – Tests that may reveal a genetic tendency towards hypercoagulability. Testing should be limited to Caucasians since these genetic disorders are not common among those who have Asian or African ancestry.5 Self-testing – Determined by slow bleeding when having blood drawn or when cut. These symptoms, in conjunction with the presence of a chronic illness, may indicate a problem with Thick Blood. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Cited Sources 1) " Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – CFS Radio: Dr. Berg " http://www.co-cure.org/berg.htm Accessed March 24, 2005 2) " Monitoring of Heparin by Soluble Fibrin Monomer (SFM) Generation in Previously Infertile Women who Became Pregnant and d Their Pregnancy to Successful Outcomes on Heparin " http://www.hemex.com/publications/heparin_monitoring_sfm.php Accessed April 13, 2005 3) " Hypercoagulation: Excessive Blood Clotting " http://familydoctor.org/244.xml?printxml Accessed March 2005 4) Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, 2nd Edition Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, B. LaValle, RPh, DHM, NMD, CCN, Ernest B. Hawkins, RPh, MS, L. Krinsky, RPh, MS 5) Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, " What you need to know about Hypercoagulable States (blood clotting disorders) " http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/vascular/ hypercoagstate.htm Accessed March 2005 6) " Vitamin E Toxicity " http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2384.htm Accessed March 2005 7) " Benefit and harm of low-dose aspirin in well-treated hypertensives at different baseline cardiovascular risk. " http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi? cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=12409970 & dopt=Abstract Accessed April 6, 2005 8) " Aspirin Not Recommended for Heart Disease Anymore " http://www.mercola.com/2002/jan/26/aspirin_heart.htm Accessed April 6, 2005 9) " Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood) " www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C546009.html Accessed March 22, 2005 Other Sources " Is CFS/FM Due to an Undefined Hypercoagulable State Brought on by Immune Activation of Coagulation? Does Adding Anticoagulant Therapy Improve CFS/FM Patient Symptoms? " http://www.hemex.com/publications/csf_fm_hyperstate.php Accessed March 2005 " Hypercoagulation disorders " http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00051930.html Accessed March 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Last Updated: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 Back to Top Related Products ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Essential Blend Systemic Enzymes Help reduce pain and swelling—and feel better—with powerful, plant enzymes! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Kinase Plus Fight the fibrin build-up and keep your blood flowing smoothly—so you feel better! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- HealthNotes is a resource for general health-related information. 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