Improving blood circulation is not hard.
All you have to do is follow time-tested health principles to have a good blood circulation all the time.
In this post, you'll learn insights on how to improve blood circulation naturally and effectively.
But first, let me explain…
Blood circulation is an essential function for our body. The red blood cells are used transport system which travels through the blood vessels. The arteries are the vessels that carry blood away from the heart and the veins carry blood towards the heart, in order to transport and deliver the nutrients and oxygen in all parts of the body. In result, it helps in cell growth and healthy organ function. And through circulation, waste inside our body would be carried to the areas where it could be broken down. It does so by having the heart pump continuously and harmoniously.
But with all these scientific explanations, what does it mean to have poor blood circulation and what are its symptoms? And as well as good blood circulation, what are the benefits of good blood circulation?
Symptoms of Poor blood circulation
Through time, blood vessels lose some of its elasticity, making its flow slower and more difficult. It can be caused by poor diet because of the residue buildup on the interior parts of the blood vessels which hinders movement and eventually blocks the vessel itself. Smoking and being overweight is also another factor that adds more stress to our circulatory system.
Symptoms
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Cramps in the legs or feet
- Lack of stamina
- Cold hands and feet
Benefits of Good blood circulation
Having good blood circulation means having our blood follow a regular flowing cycle that is able to do its bodily functions well.
Benefits
- Promotes healthier skin
- Helps increase cell growth
- Proper movement of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients
- Improves oxygen supply
- Help keep our immune system to stay healthy
With that being said, it is clear that we must all aim to have good blood circulation. Here are the things you can do to improve the circulation of your body, most especially your hands and legs which experience performing series of activities every day.
How to improve blood circulation
- Improve your diet – Having a diet that is high in fat and sugar would start to block the passage of your blood vessels, thus hindering a fast circulation. Include more fiber and lean meat into your meals. Food with vitamin A, C, and E would also help in preventing blockage.
- Avoid getting dehydrated – You will see the symptoms of poor blood circulation when you are dehydrated. Some experience dizziness and even to the point of fainting because of the reduced blood supply. It is best to always have bottled water around and just take a sip whenever you feel thirsty. It is also best to stay away from drinks that have caffeine and alcohol because they tend to dehydrate the body which will also lead to other bigger problems in the future.
- Watch your posture – Everyone spends long hours either sitting down or standing up. And most of the time, people tend to forget to keep their posture upright. This simple mistake becomes a reason why there is poor circulation in your body. To prevent this when sitting down, try to sit up straight and feet laid flat on the ground and hands rested on top of your thighs. Use your core muscles in your abdomen to “suck in” your stomach. Breathe in slowly, without having to extend your stomach so much, shoulders back, and head up. Then just repeat this process every day until it becomes a habit.
- Release the stress – Numerous researches have concluded that stress does have negative impacts on our body and one of these negative impacts is on blood circulation. Stress shifts the blood flow away from the skin. List down ways you do in order to relieve stress and make sure to do one every time you feel like you are. This would also be a way on how to improve the blood circulation in your head. Just let go of all that stress.
- Bye bye vices – Smoking has been a major contributor to the problem of poor blood circulation. It is understood that quitting such habit is hard but since it comes to personal choice, keep in mind the possible long term effects if you continue.
There are also exercises you can do to further improve the blood circulation in your hands and legs. These exercises help increase the blood flow and also strengthen the muscles.
How to improve blood circulation in legs
- Wear comfortable shoes – It’s important to choose shoes that make you feel comfortable, especially since we spend long hours on our feet. If it’s a must to wear heels at work, then wear flip flops or sports shoes going to and from work. Help your feet breathe from time to time because this would help increase the circulation.
- Avoid restrictive clothing – Clothes that are too tight would restrict the proper blood flow throughout your body. Try to limit wearing constrictive clothing to let your body have its proper circulation.
- Use the stairs – This is very simple and easy. A small form of exercise you can do increases the blood flow in your legs.
How to improve the blood circulation in hands
- Keep them warm – Cold weather or cold temperature reduces the pace of the blood flow. So try to wear gloves if you can or just rub your hands together to keep them warm.
- Do hand exercises – Simple hand exercises improve the circulation. Just stretch out your arms and place your hand on a wall and push slightly, enough pressure that you feel your hand getting stretched.
- Massage them – No need to go to a spa to get one. Buy oil, like Rosemary oil, and just give your hand a light massage. This enhances the flow within your hands, it loosens up those cramped muscles and plus it’s relaxing.
All the little things we do matter. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Blood circulation is a vital function for our body and it is a must to have good circulation because the effects may not be felt now but in the long run you might regret not doing all the right “little things”.
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