Vitamin K helps make 4 of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting, particularly prothrombin, which is converted to thrombin during the clotting process. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. When structural changes take place, it affects how well the blood pumps blood throughout the rest of the body. Abstain from alcohol while you are taking an anticoagulant or blood thinner. It\u2019s hard for your doctor to determine the right dose and keep you as healthy as possible if you also drink. Blood cells, called platelets, move to the injured area of the body when you\u2019re cut or bruised.<\/p>\n
Yet because of this effect, drinking alcohol could potentially increase your risk for the bleeding type of strokes \u2014 especially when you drink it in large quantities. Alcohol use \u2014 especially in excess \u2014 can also pose other risks to your health. Do not drink alcohol for its blood-thinning effects as an alternative to medication prescribed by a doctor. Drinking alcohol for its blood thinning effects may undoubtedly produce it, but the other unhealthy effects are sure to outweigh, or even exacerbate, the desired one. An occasional drink is likely safe for most people, though there are exceptions. For example, if you take anticoagulants such as Eliquis, Coumadin, Plavix or even aspirin, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits or temporary enjoyment.<\/p>\n
Always seek medical advice if you have any concerns about the effect that alcohol may be having on your health. When it comes to the health of your blood vessels, have a conversation with your doctor. If you do drink alcohol while on blood thinners, do so in moderation. That means one drink a day for women and men age 65 and older. For men under age 65, up to two drinks a day is considered moderate. But having more than three alcoholic drinks daily could increase your risk for a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic strokes).<\/p>\n
In small doses, alcohol had a blood thinning effect to reduce blood clotting. However, it\u2019s not a viable alternative to prescribed blood thinners. Drinking alcohol in moderation may have a protective effect on your blood vessels. Some research finds that alcohol increases levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, aka \u201cgood cholesterol\u201d). This healthy type of cholesterol helps protect your arteries and prevent the blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Platelets are small cells in the blood that are essential for clotting.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the authors discussed older studies that suggested binge drinking can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. They also highlighted that long-term heavy drinking and binge drinking may increase someone\u2019s risk of various cardiovascular conditions. However, people should not consume alcohol instead of taking medications as a healthcare professional has prescribed. Additionally, a person should discuss whether they are able to consume alcohol while taking blood thinners, as alcohol may interact with some medications and lead to side effects. The alcohol content in your blood, or blood alcohol concentration (BAC), can affect your body in numerous ways.<\/p>\n
Additionally, thinning the blood can reduce the body\u2019s ability to fight off infections, as the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. If you are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, your doctor may recommend that you take a blood thinner. This is a medication that helps to thin the blood and reduce the risk of blood clots.<\/p>\n
For healthy individuals, this rise in blood pressure is temporary. A man\u2019s blood typically thins if he drinks two (two ounces of liquor) or more daily. For women, it\u2019s one (one ounce of liquor) or more drinks a day.<\/p>\n