Q. My husband takes a baby aspirin every day on the advice of his doctor. He wants me to do the same, but I am afraid to. Years ago, before I met him, I had a frightening allergic reaction to aspirin. Is there any other way to get the heart protection aspirin gives him? I’d prefer a natural product if possible.
A. People allergic to aspirin risk a life-threatening reaction if they are exposed to this drug. Others find that even small doses can be irritating to the digestive tract.
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. There are certain foods that contain salicylates, related compounds that may have some of aspirin’s benefits without the complications. Including foods such as apples, cherries, grapes, prunes, tomatoes and strawberries in your diet might provide a beneficial dose of salicylate.
Wine and tea also contain antioxidant compounds called flavonoids that may provide cardiovascular protection. Surprisingly, so do cocoa and chocolate. Researchers report in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (July 2000) that the antioxidants in cocoa may reduce the risk of a blood clot.
The scientists used Cocoapro (now available under the name CocoaVia) made by the Mars candy company, which paid for the research. It is richer in flavonoids than ordinary cocoa. After drinking this special cocoa beverage, the subjects’ blood was slower to clot, much as if they had taken a low dose of aspirin.
We would check with your doctor to see whether you actually need to be concerned about reducing the risk for blood clots. We certainly think that cocoa is safer for someone who might be sensitive to aspirin.
