Foods High in Vitamin K

There are many foods high in vitamin K and for most of us consuming the right amount of them will be all we need to get our proper daily dose. For others, a complex dietary supplement containing vitamin K may be necessary. However we go about it, the important thing is to ensure that we have enough in our systems since it is crucial to maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Vitamin K is your circulatory systems best friend. It enables the liver to produce a protein called prothrombin, which is extremely important to the clotting process. Without this protein, the blood cannot properly clot; therefore vitamin K deficiency can lead to a host of bleeding issues. Clotting, or the formation of thick globs of blood, is a natural byproduct of the circulatory system.

It is necessary for us to have some clotting as it keeps us from losing too much blood when we are injured or ill. In some cases, though, clotting can lead to serious problems like heart attack or stroke. Providing the adequate amount of vitamin K foods such as broccoli and cauliflower can help to keep our blood flowing and clotting properly.

For people who regularly take prescribed blood thinners such as Coumadin, getting the proper amount of vitamin K is even more important. Since Coumadin interferes with the production of prothrombin, getting too much vitamin K can counteract the effects of the medicine. For these people, it is particularly important that they monitor their intake of foods high in vitamin K and check with their doctor to make sure that they are producing the proper amount of prothrombin. In many such cases, doctors may prescribe a specific diet, carefully balancing out the vitamin K intake.

Vitamin K deficiency is not very common, but it can lead to severe bleeding, including heavy menstrual flow, catastrophic nosebleeds and bleeding of the gums and eyes. Developing infants who lack in vitamin K can experience hemorrhaging through the umbilical cord, so it is particularly important for pregnant women to control their levels. Lack of vitamin K can also severely affect the development process in children, so a diet rich in vitamin K foods is of the utmost importance.

Foods high in vitamin K include almost all of the dark, leafy greens such as spinach, endive, kale, and many lettuces, hence why green foods are a key component of any juice detox diet, they are packed full of vitamins and minerals. Turnip greens, brussels sprouts and cabbage are also good sources of this important nutrient.

Generally, anyone who regularly eats a lot of salad will probably have a good level of vitamin k. For those whose diets are lacking in this area, there are dietary supplements available today which include vitamin K along with all of the other nutrients your body needs.

As it is a fat-soluble vitamin, those who suffer from malabsorption illnesses will likely have a hard time maintaining a proper level of vitamin K. For these individuals, vitamin K deficiency can be a real issue. In order to avoid the symptoms of deficiency, a dietary supplement may be a crucial part of their everyday routine.

Recently, studies have also linked vitamin K to preventing osteoporosis, so older people and particularly women, who are more susceptible to this bone-weakening disease, may also benefit from taking a supplement that contains vitamin K.

While consuming foods high in vitamin K will be sufficient for most of us to meet our daily requirements, if you feel you need to add a dietary supplement be sure to do your homework first. Read all the labels carefully to be sure of exactly how much of each vitamin a supplement provides and don't hesitate to consult your doctor. Not all supplements work the same for all people, so it is very important that you find the one that will work best for you.

Good blood flow is essential to living a healthy life and vitamin K is the key to maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Talk to your doctor today and find out if adding a dietary supplement containing vitamin K to your daily routine is the right approach for you. Keep your blood pumping with vitamin K and you'll be well on your way to a long and healthy life.