Poor circulation is considered to be serious, as many diseases such as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease (PAOD) are all associated with poor circulation.
Proper blood flow is important because blood carries oxygen to all the parts of the body. The body needs oxygen for general health and fitness. It is not just limited to the basic respiratory activities; proper oxygen helps improve metabolism and mental activity as well.
Signs of poor circulation include:
Numbness in the extremities
Tingling sensations in the extremities
Swollen fingers or toes
Burning sensations
Longer healing times
Temperature changes in body parts, extremely hot or cold extremities
Varicose veins
Skin color changes, white, brigh red, bluish tinged
Cramping in extremities
Legs become tired or achy after periods of extended activity or standing, relieved by movement
Memory Loss
Lethargy
Loss of Sex Drive
Frequent unexplained headaches
Eat Healthy-
Maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial to our bodies in many ways, but certain foods and nutrients have been shown to improve blood circulation. The Mayo Health Clinic recommends eating foods that contain a high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. Good examples of such foods are herring, salmon, mackerel, soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds and canola oil. Eating foods that are low in cholesterol can make it easier for blood to flow through veins and arteries. Raw fruits and veggies as well as foods that are low in saturated fats are also good to have on the menu.
Adding more garlic to your diet will aid in increasing your blood flow as garlic prevents plaque from building up and clogging veins and arteries. Like garlic, watermelon can also restrict plaque buildup and help blood flow smoother. Many people suffer from thick blood, which can lead to blood clots. Eating pumpkin seeds can prevent blood clots by thinning the blood. Thin blood will flow through the veins and arteries much easier. Oranges contain bioflavonoids and vitamin C, which strengthen the capillary wall, increasing blood circulation.
Yoga-
Many people swear by the benefits of yoga, and in fact, yoga has been proven to rid people of certain health issues. Yoga gurus often recommend a number of various poses that not only increase your blood flow, but help you de-stress as well. A main focus of yoga is breathing techniques, and these breathing exercises purify the blood, and improve circulation.
Stop Smoking-
Quitting smoking has many health benefits overall; increasing blood flow is only one of them. Nicotine consumes the oxygen in blood, starving your extremities. By quitting, the extremities are then able to receive the proper amount of oxygen they need. Smoking also thickens the blood, making it harder to be pumped through the body, and increasing the risk of blood clots.
Exercise-
The important of proper exercise cannot be stressed enough. Exercise is very beneficial to the body, lowers stress levels, and helps to increase blood flow to not only the hands, feet and brain, but to every other part of the body as well. The Mayo Health Clinic recommends thirty to sixty minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week.
Get a Massage-
Fancy spa treatments are not necessary, however getting a regular rub down stimulates the body, and the blood cells. Massage the entire body including hands and feet, which are the areas more prone to coldness and/or numbness.
Soaking-
As the hands and feet are generally the areas noted for being cold and/or numb, soaking them in warm water will awaken the blood cells and get them flowing smoothly. Soaking also relieves numb and tingly sensations.
Poor circulation can be something as simple as sitting the wrong way for to long, or it can be a much more serious condition. If you suspect you may have poor circulation, it is important that you talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
