A new study, published in the medical journal the Lancet, has found that non-hospitalized individuals suffering from an irritable bowel disease (IBD) flare-up are 16 times more likely to suffer a blood clot in a vein than the general population.

Reuters reports that researchers in Great Britain examined the medical records of more than 13,700 adults with IBD and more than 71,600 people from the general population without the condition for the study.

They found that individuals with IBD were overall three times more likely to get a blood clot compared to others without the condition. However, individuals suffering from an IBD flare-up are eight times as likely to get a potentially deadly blood clot.

"The increased risk we have demonstrated for patients with active disease outside the hospital means that their doctors should regard them as a high-risk group during these times," study co-author Matthew Grainge, M.D., told Reuters.

The study’s authors say their findings prove that healthcare providers must educate IBD patients about the risk of clots and methods of prevention during flare-ups.

IBD refers to a group of conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, marked by chronic inflammation in the intestines. Symptoms include stomach pain and diarrhea.

Among the natural remedies believed to help treat IBD are acupuncture and supplements such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, fish oil or probiotics.

Are you at risk for a blood clot?

If you’re 40 or older, your chances for a dangerous blood clot could be a lot higher than you think, especially if you:

• Have a history of heart problems or heart problems in your family…
• Have high levels of dangerous homocysteine in your blood…
• Don’t exercise or eat nutrient-rich foods on a consistent basis…
• Experience higher than normal emotional or physical stress…
• Work in a confined space or travel long distances in a car or plane…

But even with these risk factors, you can still promote healthy, smooth blood flow. How? By taking a remarkable natural enzyme that safely helps sweep blood clots out of your body and helps keep your blood healthy and free-flowing.

The Japanese have used this natural remedy for more than 1,000 years and it’s finally available in America. To find out the name of this incredible natural enzyme, click here.