Blood circulation is considered to be an important body function needed for optimum health. Through this, oxygen, nutrients, and minerals are transferred to different parts of our body. Moreover, it also promotes cell growth and healthier skin, maintains body pH levels, stabilizes body temperature, protects the body from microbial and mechanical harms, and maintain osmotic pressure.
Poor blood circulation can lead to a variety of health problems which can affect the entire body such as the heart, kidneys, brain, liver, and the limbs.
What Are The Causes Of Poor Blood Circulation?
Poor blood circulation can be caused by the following factors:
- Smoking
- Blood clots
- Lack of exercise
- Sitting in one place for too long
- Poor eating habits
- Caffeine
- Excessive drinking
- Medical conditions like cholesterol, pregnancy, narrowed or blocked blood vessels, high blood pressure, nerve disorders, diabetes, high thyroid disease, obesity, anemia, and food allergies
What Are The Symptoms Of Poor Circulation?
Some of the commonly known symptoms of poor circulation are:
- Hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling sensation in certain body parts
- Muscle cramps
- Pain in the legs
- Edema
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dry skin
There are ways wherein you can improve the flow of your blood. Making lifestyle changes, eating healthy foods, and using natural remedies can have a huge impact on your blood circulation.
Easy Ways To Improve Blood Circulation
Massage
A relaxing massage helps the blood moves through the congested areas.
Try warming up some coconut, almond, or olive oil and massage it onto your the legs, hands, ankles, and other parts of the body.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways of promoting good blood circulation.
According to a 2003 review, exercise improves the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen and improves the capacity of blood vessels to dilate, which helps them work more efficiently, thereby allowing the muscles to receive oxygen more easily.
You can try simple and mild aerobic exercises, walking, jogging, swimming, biking, trekking, a few times a week. A foot and hand exercise for 15 minutes a day will also help.
Wear The Right Clothing
Wearing skinny jeans and ultra-tight tops can cut-off off your circulation for extended periods of time. This can be dangerous for anyone with circulation issues already.
Wear clothing that is loose enough not to constrict your arteries.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy helps dilate the blood vessels, thereby promoting blood flow.
Enjoy a hot bath, sauna, whirlpool bath or steam bath a few times a week.
Eat More Iron-Rich Foods
Iron deficiency is one of the most common health problems today. This essential mineral is needed by the blood for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
You can increase your body’s level of iron by eating dark leafy greens, whole grains, or lentils.
Coconut Oil
Found in coconut oil are healthy fats and medium-chain triglycerides which helps relieve inflammation of the arteries, thus improving the flow of blood throughout the body.
To enjoy its benefits, try consuming 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil daily.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric can help improve blood circulation, reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, and prevent blood platelets from forming clots.
You may include turmeric in your cooking. Likewise, you can simply add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little honey to a glass of warm milk and then drink it 1 or 2 times daily.
Garlic
Garlic has been found to effectively promote blood circulation, prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, prevent blood platelet aggregation, and lower blood pressure.
You can eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves daily on an empty stomach or include it in your daily cooking.
Cayenne
Capsaicin, which is found in cayenne peppers, helps stimulate proper blood flow, reduces symptoms of poor blood circulation, and strengthens the capillaries and arteries.
In a cup of water, mix ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder, 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses, and 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar. Drink this mixture twice daily.
Drink Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins that help relax the arteries and widen the blood vessels in order to improve circulation.
Put a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the bag, add honey and drink it.
Ginger
Ginger contains gingerols and zingerone that help improve blood circulation. It also prevents blood clots and reduces the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
You can chew some fresh ginger slices or drink ginger tea.
