How To Improve Blood Circulation: 9 Natural Ways
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Poor blood circulation can lead to many health issues and shouldn’t be taken lightly. In this post I will reveal how to improve blood circulation naturally and safely.
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Do you have cold fingers and toes? Do your fingers and toes turn reddish or even purple?
Do you have a cold nose? Do your fingers and toes sometimes feel tingling or numb?
Do your ankles, knees or knuckles swell sometimes?
A good solution for all of those problems may be to improve blood circulation. Blood serves several different purposes:
First, it provides oxygen and nutrients to every cell in our body.
Second, it helps balance body temperature and provides warmth to the peripheral areas such as our fingers and toes (and our nose).
Proper blood circulation also ensures that fluids that could otherwise lead to oedema or swelling are properly eliminated.
Poor blood circulation can be a serious problem and can lead to stroke, heart attack, Raynaud’s disease, and DVT (deep vein thrombosis), among other problems.
It can often be caused by smoking, diabetes, kidney, liver, or heart disease.
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Before using any of the following tips, be sure to see your healthcare professional, and at a minimum, have your blood pressure checked.
Vasodilating substances will provide increased blood circulation, but can also lower blood pressure.
If you are currently taking any blood pressure-lowering medication (antihypertensive), you will need to make sure there are no interactions; It’s also a good idea to monitor your own blood pressure.
Reasonably accurate home blood pressure monitors can be obtained cheaply.
Also, as always, make sure your diet is full of fruits and vegetables (several substances in these foods also help maintain healthy blood circulation) and get plenty of exercise.
That will help get your blood moving, keeping you warm whilst you get in shape.
Which Herbs Can Improve Blood Circulation?
Anything that acts as a vasodilator, a substance that allows blood vessels to open, widen, or dilate, would be helpful in improving circulation.
Some of these substances are found in foods, others can be consumed as tea:
Cayenne Pepper
It’s traditionally known as a warming agent, and when blood vessels become “warm”, they dilate or open up.
Most people have witnessed what happens to a person’s face when they have too much cayenne pepper. Very red, right?
It’s obviously not highly recommended, but adding a pinch of cayenne to your meals can help warm things up gently.
Garlic and Onions
Both are also great for circulation.
Raw onions and garlic are better as they contain higher amounts of allicin, the substance that seems to be most important for improving circulation.
But, we all know why they are cooked so often. Allicins also work as diuretics, which means that they increase the amount of fluids that are excreted.
This can help with swelling which is often a sign of poor circulation.
Rosemary
This is another great herb to use to increase blood circulation.
Fresh rosemary is best, but the dried herb can also be used. It’s great with lamb and poultry.
Ginger
It acts as a warming agent but is milder than cayenne pepper.
Many people avoid caffeine and use ginger as a “wake-up” drink in the morning.
As an added bonus, ginger can help soothe an upset stomach.
Ginkgo biloba
It’s a well-known herb that is helpful in treating blood circulation problems.
The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest trees and its leaves have been used for centuries.
It was studied for its effects on a condition called intermittent claudication, where poor circulation in the feet causes pain when walking.
It was shown in this study to be an effective treatment and increased blood circulation.
Which Supplements Can Improve Blood Circulation?
- Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid. It has many functions, but one of its uses is as a precursor to nitric oxide, a very powerful natural vasodilator.
It can also be used to treat high blood pressure because as it dilates blood vessels, blood pressure naturally lowers.
- Niacin
It’s a B vitamin (B3) that can dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.
It also helps lower cholesterol. Be sure to use the “no flush” formula – the main side effect of niacin is an unpleasant facial discharge known as “niacin flush”.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is calming and soothing.
Because modern agricultural practices have depleted magnesium from the soil, many people may be deficient in magnesium and not even know it.
When magnesium-rich foods such as artichokes, barley, oatmeal, nuts, beans, pumpkin seeds, spinach, other green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes can’t be consumed to help improve circulation and maintain good blood pressure, supplementation is advised.
Final Thoughts
Despite its gravity, it’s fairly easy and quick to improve blood circulation.
Only by avoiding alcohol and tobacco, one can already see a huge improvement!
With the aid of a balanced diet and these herbs and supplements, you will stop having cold feet in no time.
Just make sure to consult a healthcare practitioner before undertaking any new treatment.
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FAQs
Can lifestyle factors like stress or lack of sleep affect blood circulation?
Absolutely. Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can negatively impact blood circulation by causing blood vessels to constrict and increasing inflammation in the body. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, as well as ensuring adequate sleep, can help improve circulation.
Are there specific exercises or physical activities that can enhance blood circulation?
Yes, regular physical activity is essential for promoting healthy blood circulation. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga can all help improve blood flow by increasing heart rate and strengthening blood vessels. Incorporating both aerobic and resistance training exercises into your routine can provide optimal benefits for circulation.
Are there any dietary restrictions or considerations for improving blood circulation?
While a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support healthy blood circulation, certain dietary factors may negatively affect circulation. These include excessive consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars, as well as excessive salt intake, which can contribute to high blood pressure and impaired circulation.
How long does it typically take to notice improvements in blood circulation with natural remedies?
The timeline for experiencing improvements in blood circulation can vary depending on individual factors such as overall health, lifestyle habits, and the severity of circulation issues. While some individuals may notice improvements relatively quickly, others may require more time and consistency with natural remedies before seeing significant changes.
Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms of poor blood circulation that require immediate medical attention?
Yes, symptoms such as persistent numbness or tingling in extremities, severe swelling or pain in the legs, sudden changes in skin colour or temperature, and chest pain or shortness of breath should not be ignored and may indicate a serious underlying health issue requiring prompt medical evaluation.
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