I am a Type O university professor recently diagnosed with DVT. A subsequent test showed that I was born with a gene mutation that gives me a lifetime propensity for blood clots. My hematologist told me that I would have to take coumadin the rest of my life. I'm not thrilled about this, but so far have been unable to locate any healthier alternatives to the main ingredient in rat poison! Do I need to modify the Type O lifestyle while taking coumadin? Thanks for your help.

One of my teachers, John Bastyr, used to say that the juice of 5 lemons equaled a pharmacologic dose of anti-coagulants.

New research into deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the so-called 'economy class syndrome', has found that lemon juice significantly reduces the likelihood of clots forming during long haul flights.

Japanese researchers who were examining the blood thinning properties of lemons discovered that blood circulates nearly 20% faster at altitude after the juice of a large lemon has been consumed.

The researchers, from Tokai Gakuen University in Nagoya, revealed their findings at a meeting of the Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology. They gave volunteers on long haul flights a drink containing lemon juice. The blood in the volunteers' veins moved 19% faster than that of others on the same flight, thereby reducing the likelihood of potentially fatal clots forming in their systems.

The scientists believe that the effect is due to two ingredients contained in lemon juice - citric acid and lemon polyphenol. They are now recommending that passengers on long haul flights have a lemon drink every five hours to obtain the juice's protective effect.

Grape juice may also be effective, although orange and grapefruit juice apparently are not.