If you're on Warfarin then taking a lot more or a lot less Vitamin K can affect you negatively. Taking too much Vitamin K could cause thrombosis.Taking too little could cause severe bleeding.That's why it's best to keep track of your Vitamin K. to log your Vitamin K and maintain consistent levels day to day.Article by Laura Earl, RN, BSN, CACP If you have been diagnosed with a blood clot, a medication named warfarin (Coumadin) may be prescribed as part of your treatment to prevent further blood clots. You may need to take warfarin (Coumadin) for a few weeks, months, or the rest of your life. While taking warfarin (Coumadin), there are a few things about vitamin K you will need to know. Vitamin K is a naturally occurring vitamin. Vitamin K is primarily found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce, and enters your body when you eat these foods. Vitamin K is produced by the bacteria in your intestines, and it is also in vitamin and nutritional supplements.
Your body uses vitamin K to produce some of the clotting factors that helps blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) works by interfering with how your body uses vitamin K. The metabolism of warfarin (Coumadin), vitamin K, and vitamin K dependent clotting factors takes place in your liver. Warfarin (Coumadin) prevents the production of vitamin K dependent clotting factors. As a result, clotting occurs at a much slower rate. One good way to think about vitamin K and its importance while taking warfarin (Coumadin) is that you need to maintain a balance between the amount of vitamin K in your body and the amount of warfarin (Coumadin) prescribed by your healthcare provider. Changes in the amount of vitamin K in the diet can alter the metabolism of warfarin (Coumadin ®). However, vitamin K does not influence the action of other blood thinners, such as heparin or low molecular weight heparins (Lovenox ®. Fragmin ®, or Innohep ®). You should aim to keep the amount of vitamin K in your diet consistent.
For example, if you normally eat two servings per day of food that is high in vitamin K content, you should continue this pattern every day. If you do not normally eat foods that are high in vitamin K, do not suddenly eat a large amount of them. There are certain things about vitamin K that you cannot control. For instance, some medications and illnesses (intestinal diseases and/or infections) can lower the amount of vitamin K in your body or change how your liver metabolizes your warfarin. Yes, your INR refers to the international normalized ratio test, a standardized way to measure how your blood is clotting. The lower your INR, the more quickly the blood clots or the “thicker” the blood. The higher your INR, the longer it takes the blood to clot or the “thinner” the blood, putting you at risk for bleeding problems. With an increase in vitamin K , your INR level may drop. Conversely, a decrease in vitamin K intake may increase the INR. Other things, like medications, antibiotics, and herbal products may also influence your INR.
Any time your vitamin K intake changes, it is important to notify your anticoagulation healthcare provider. Some of the circumstances that may apply include if you: You do not have to avoid foods or other products that are high in vitamin K; these foods have many other vitamins and minerals that are part of a healthy diet. The most important thing to remember about vitamin K intake is being consistent as much as possible and communicating any changes that may occur to your anticoagulation healthcare provider. The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) and its Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MASAB) do not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services. The views and opinions of authors expressed on the NBCA or MASAB websites or in NBCA or MASAB written materials do not necessarily state or reflect those of NBCA or MASAB, and they may not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. It is not the intention of NBCA or MASAB to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders.
Specific medical advice will not be provided and both NBCA and MASAB urge you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions. Return to our News PagePlease call our toll free number to discuss ordering. 7:30 am - 10:00 pm CST Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CST Sat-SunCan Supplements Relieve Hemorrhoid Pain? 1 Vitamin E for Hemorrhoids 2 Vitamin K for Hemorrhoids 3 Calcium for Hemorrhoids 4 Magnesium for Hemorrhoids 5 Vitamin C for Hemorrhoids 6 Bioflavonoids for Hemorrhoids 7 Zinc Oxide for Hemorrhoids 8 Diosmin for hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are the swollen, irritated veins in and around the anal area. They are like varicose veins, which become enlarged and cause a lot of discomfort. Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by straining at the time of passing bowels. They may be aggravated by lifting heavy objects, being overweight, sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time.
If you are suffering from painful hemorrhoids symptoms then taking vitamins and supplements can help you get rid of hemorrhoids. Read on to learn more about vitamins for hemorrhoids and supplements for hemorrhoids. Vitamins and supplements can help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Since constipation is often one of the primary causes of piles, taking vitamins and supplements can also help prevent hemorrhoids. Vitamins and supplement can reduce the pain, inflammation and itching associated with hemorrhoids. These natural remedies produce the following effects: Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, having anti-oxidant properties. It is an effective vitamin for hemorrhoids. Vitamin E improves blood circulation and promotes the growth of connective tissues. It helps in reducing the pain and soothing the inflamed rectal area. It also aids in providing relief from bleeding hemorrhoids. This vitamin for hemorrhoids can be applied to the affected area directly.
Bleeding hemorrhoids are a common issue among pregnant women and the main reason behind this is constipation. Vitamin K is an effective remedy for bleeding hemorrhoids as it aids in blood clotting. If your body has low vitamin K levels then you may be at an increased risk of bleeding. You must consult with your physician before taking vitamins for hemorrhoids or changing your diet. Lack of vitamin K is considered as a common reason for hemorrhoids. Include vitamin K rich foods in your diet: cabbage, spinach, soy oil, nuts, liver, walnuts, etc. Lack of adequate nutrients causing weakness in the circulatory system may lead to hemorrhoids. Improving diet and taking calcium supplements can greatly help in alleviating this problem. Sugar, (in the form of beverages, pastries, candies and bread) leach out calcium from the body. Taking calcium supplements will help in strengthening the veins and facilitating easy bowel movements. When looking for a perfect hemorrhoids remedy, you must first start by focusing on repairing your digestive system and preventing constipation.
If you feel pain while passing bowels then your body may have Magnesium deficiency. You must consider adding Magnesium rich foods to your diet. You can get magnesium from supplements or foods. Some foods that contain magnesium are green leafy veggies, tomatoes, rye bread, almonds, parsley, nuts, olives, potatoes, plums, pumpkin, etc. Vitamin C is one of the more readily available vitamins for hemorrhoids. Include foods that are rich in Vitamin C in your diet. They contain a lot of soluble fiber to give you a hemorrhoids-free life. Vitamin C can help in strengthening the capillaries and veins, thus treating the root cause of hemorrhoids. Clinical studies have shown that bioflavonoids can effectively help in alleviating hemorrhoids symptoms. Eat bioflavonoids-rich foods such as soybean products, whole grains, oranges, and vegetables. Bioflavonoids aid in strengthening the walls of blood vessels and improving the overall circulatory health. Zinc oxide works like a barrier over the skin to provide relief from anal irritation and itching.
You can buy zinc oxide creams at any pharmacy. Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers must not use zinc oxide to heal hemorrhoids. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor before using zinc oxide creams. Diosmin aids in healing several disorders of blood capillaries including hemorrhoids, and varicose veins problems. It works by reducing swelling and strengthening the veins. Diosmin can be used as a supplement to alleviate hemorrhoids symptoms. It is safe for most people when used for short-term. Long term use may cause side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. Psyllium is a soluble fiber obtained from a plant and commonly used in laxatives. It softens hard stool and relieves the discomfort of hemorrhoids by reducing the strain of defecation. When ingested psyllium husk forms a gel-like mass that promotes the evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract. Care should be taken when taking psyllium supplements since it can reduce the absorption of oral drugs by quickening the evacuation of the gastrointestinal tract.