Poor circulation slows down and even blocks your blood flow, which negatively affects oxygen and nutrient delivery. Here are some tips to help your circulation.
You may not realize, but the body holds thousands of miles of blood vessels to help you function well.
Having a healthy circulatory system is essential as it transports blood all throughout the body.
However, if your blood flow is poor, you won’t get the oxygen and nutrients you need to function properly.
Symptoms of Poor Circulation
There are several symptoms of poor circulation. They include:
- Numbness in the extremities
- Blue tinge in the legs if you’re light-skinned
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Loss of hair in feet and legs
- Slow healing of wounds if you have diabetes
The following are some things you can do to help improve your poor circulation.
Quit Smoking
Nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco products, thickens the blood and damages the artery walls.
The damage is so much that it causes blockages, stopping blood from flowing properly.
Keep It Under Control
When left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to arteriosclerosis.
This condition can choke off blood flow and harden the arteries.
Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis with a home monitor and follow your physician’s recommendations.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water and staying hydrated will go a long way to improving your circulation.
If you have a sedentary lifestyle, drink 8 glasses of water daily – and more if the temperature is hot or you exercise.
Move Around
If you work at an office, chances are you’re sitting for extended periods of time, which isn’t good for your back or circulation.
The muscles in your legs weaken and the blood flow in your legs slow down, which may lead to a clot.
A great solution would be to get a standing desk, but those can be expensive.
If that doesn’t seem like a viable solution, stand up and walk around every 15 minutes.
Yoga
One of the most popular ways to improve circulation is by doing yoga.
It’s a low-impact exercise that can help deliver oxygen to your cells and blood to your organs.
Compress Socks
Compression socks are available online and in stores, so why not buy yourself some pairs?
By lightly squeezing your feet and legs, compression socks help move your blood around and back to your heart.
For the best size for you, talk to your doctor and seek their recommendations.
Plant-Based Diet
Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables to help your blood circulate efficiently.
Saturated fats found in animal sources such as cheese, chicken, and red meat may negatively affect your blood flow.
Also, avoid salt and maintain a healthy weight range.