Thick or viscous blood, medically known as hyperviscosity, is a condition where the blood is thicker and stickier than normal. It can affect blood flow and lead to complications like blood clots, stroke, and damage to organs. While genetics can play a role, lifestyle factors like staying hydrated and getting exercise are important. This article explores whether drinking water can help manage thick blood.
What causes thick blood?
Blood is a complex fluid containing plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances. Normally, plasma makes up about 55% of blood volume. Plasma is about 90% water. When the balance of plasma and blood cells is altered, blood can become thicker than normal. Some potential causes include:
– Dehydration – When the body lacks fluid, the proportion of cells to plasma rises, increasing viscosity. Even mild dehydration of 2% of body weight can thicken blood.
– Increased red blood cells (polycythemia) – This can occur with lung or heart disorders, smoking, living at high altitudes, or certain cancers. More red blood cells result in thicker blood.
– Increased white blood cells (leukocytosis) – Infections, inflammation, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders can raise white cell counts and viscosity.
– Increased platelets (thrombocytosis) – Some cancers, iron deficiency, and chronic inflammation can increase platelet production and thickness.
– Abnormal proteins – Increased immunoglobulins in conditions like multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and rheumatoid arthritis increase viscosity.
– Genetic factors – Some inherited disorders directly affect viscosity.
Symptoms of thick blood
Some signs and symptoms that may occur with abnormally viscous blood include:
– Headaches
– Dizziness
– Fatigue
– Vision changes or blurred vision
– Tingling in the hands and feet
– Chest pain
– Shortness of breath
– Bleeding issues like easy bruising or hemorrhage
However, many of these symptoms can also occur with other conditions. Doctors can check blood viscosity with laboratory tests to help diagnose hyperviscosity.
Does drinking water help thin the blood?
Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to help normalize blood viscosity. Here’s how increasing water intake can make blood less thick or viscous:
1. Replenishes blood plasma
Plasma makes up over half the blood’s volume. It is mostly water, so when the body is dehydrated, plasma levels drop. This decreases the ratio of plasma to cells and platelets in the blood, increasing viscosity.
Drinking adequate fluids helps restore blood volume and fluid balance. It raises plasma levels back to a healthier proportion compared to the blood cell components. Even mild dehydration can thicken blood consistency.
2. Promotes kidney filtration
The kidneys constantly filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Dehydration causes the kidneys to conserve water by reducing filtration rate. This allows waste and toxins to accumulate in the blood, potentially increasing viscosity.
Staying well hydrated supports healthy kidney function and filtration. Cleaner blood with less cellular waste flows more easily. The kidneys also regulate erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. Better hydration can help avoid excess cells.
3. Thins blood cells
Some research indicates hydration status may directly affect the viscosity of blood cells themselves. One study found red blood cells swelled and thinned when plasma was diluted with water in vitro. Another investigation showed dehydration caused outer cell membranes to change in a way that increased viscosity.
Drinking plenty of water may help thin blood cells by keeping them fully saturated in more dilute plasma. It also provides fluids inside cells. This keeps cell membranes, hemoglobin, and cytosol fluid and mobile to prevent thickening.
4. Prevents clumping
When blood gets thicker, its flow becomes more sluggish. This allows more time for cell-cell interactions that can promote clumping and clotting. Dehydration stresses the vascular system in ways that raise clot risk.
Proper hydration maintains blood flow and fluidity. It creates shear forces that discourage clumping of cells and proteins that can increase viscosity. Blood flows with lower resistance, preventing platelet aggregation and pathologic clotting.
How much water should you drink?
General guidelines recommend:
– Women: Around 11-12 cups (2.7-3 liters) daily
– Men: About 15-16 cups (3.7 liters) daily
However, water needs can vary based on factors like activity levels, climate, health conditions, and body size. Loss through sweat, urine, breathing, and stool must be balanced out by adequate intake.
Signs of potentially inadequate hydration include dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, and muscle cramps. Those with high blood viscosity may need more fluid intake. Consistently drinking enough water to keep urine a light yellow color is a good target.
Tips to drink more water
Ways to better hydrate include:
– Carrying a refillable water bottle throughout the day
– Having a glass of water with each meal and snack
– Drinking a large glass of water first thing in the morning
– Flavoring water with fruits, herbs, or no-calorie flavor enhancers
– Choosing water over sugary juices, soda, and sports drinks
– Setting reminders to drink water at regular intervals
– Tracking daily water intake with an app or journal
– Infusing water with fruits, cucumbers, or herbs to add flavor
– Drinking herbal tea in addition to plain water
Conclusion
Maintaining proper hydration is essential for keeping blood viscosity within a healthy range. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps replenish plasma volume, promote kidney function, keep blood cells fluid, and prevent clumping factors that thicken blood.
Shooting for around 12 cups of total fluid for women and 15 cups for men is a recommended target, along with other cues like light yellow urine. Those prone to hyperviscosity may need even more. Drinking water is generally safe, but excessive intake can potentially cause electrolyte imbalances in some cases.
While water intake is important, other lifestyle measures can also help manage thick blood. These include:
– Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
– Engaging in regular physical activity
– Achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight
– Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol
– Managing any underlying medical conditions
Staying hydrated should be part of an overall blood health plan. Be sure to consult a doctor to identify any causes of and personalized solutions for elevated blood thickness. Monitoring hydration needs based on thirst, urine color, and other signs can help determine adequate water intake.
| Age Group | Total Water Intake from Food and Beverages (cups) |
|---|---|
| Infants 0-6 months | 0.8-1 |
| Infants 7-12 months | 1-1.2 |
| Children 1-3 years | 4 |
| Children 4-8 years | 5 |
| Girls 9-13 years | 7-8 |
| Boys 9-13 years | 8-10 |
| Girls 14-18 years | 9 |
| Boys 14-18 years | 11-15 |
| Women 19+ years | 11-12 |
| Men 19+ years | 15-16 |
Recommended total water intake per day by age and gender (Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine)
Hyperviscosity is a condition where blood becomes thicker than normal, which can disrupt circulation and cause serious complications. While there are several potential causes, one of the most controllable risk factors is hydration status.
Research shows that drinking adequate water helps thin blood by increasing plasma volume, promoting kidney filtration, keeping blood cells fluid, and preventing clumping factors. General hydration guidelines suggest around 12 cups (3 liters) of total fluid daily for women and 15-16 cups (3.7 liters) for men.
Along with sufficient water intake, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining normal body weight, and avoiding smoking can support healthy blood flow. But when blood seems overly viscous, be sure to see a doctor to check for any underlying causes that may need specific treatment. Monitoring hydration based on urine color, thirst, and other signs can help ensure optimal fluid status.