Is thinning the blood desirable ?

[gerard]

I guess it is but I'd like to hear opinions.

Ah! I mean it through careful manipulation of the diet, or by taking white willow bark - or the vulgar aspirine.

Regards, gerard.

 

[bruno]

Hello,

Willow bark contains the same substances as aspirine. It makes the blood thinner, but is also a pain killer. Attention, it is illegal in sports, as it can push your limits( you don't feel pain anymore - e.g. lactic acid) It is also on the IOC doping list.

I don't know if it is a good thing to make your blood thinner, because this would mean less red blood cells in your blood, so less oxygen storage... just a guess.

bruno

 

[gerard]

Originally posted by bruno
I don't know if it is a good thing to make your blood thinner, because this would mean less red blood cells in your blood, so less oxygen storage... just a guess.

I thought it was a good idea as easier blood flow = better delivery of 02 to the capillaries.

And about thinning the blood there are other methods like using garlick or EFFAs, especially omega-3 oils, which protect the heart by preventing blood clots or keeping other fats from injuring the arterial walls. They not only relax arteries but also help to decrease constriction of arteries and thickening of blood.

So I think it is a good idea taking these, which I do.

Forget about the stupid comment about taking aspirine and wwb


Regards, gerard.

 

[Jay Styron]

Thinning your blood doesn't really help w/ O2 absorption because actually there will be less RBC's per unit volume of blood. So although the blood may flow alittle faster I don't think there's a benefit for freediving.
Jay

 

[Perry]

Another important consideration is that under negative pressure at depth thinner blood can more easily penetrate the thin walls of the capillary- surrounded aveoli (1 cell each) causing pulmonary edema.

This should only happen as a result of a lung squeeze or rupture of the capillaries. In my case it was the latter from a herniated trachea. Believe me when I tell you- edema is no fun and being at risk of secondary drowing is very scary..

While I'm on the scary thing, the 'lung at depth' researcher I have been consulting with told me about a French spearfisherman that died from edema. Possible cause of the severe edema was large amounts of asperin in his blood.