Do you often feel the numbness in your fingers and toes? Actually, you are not alone. Many of us experience this once in a while. However, if you feel this numbness almost every day, you must be needing a help. The blood serves a vital function in the body. It is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to each and every cell in the organs of our body. Furthermore, it also helps in balancing the temperature of the body, providing it with warmth. Hence, it is important to know how to improve blood circulation.
Having a poor circulation of blood in the body is much more unpleasant than it sounds. This occurs when the flow of the blood suddenly becomes restricted to some parts of the body like the legs, heart, toes, hands, and fingers. In some mild situations, having a poor blood circulation may cause discomfort. However, if it is not treated immediately, it may lead to several complications. Some of these complications of poor blood circulation include kidney issue, varicose veins, and some other blood restriction difficulties.
What Causes Poor Blood Circulation?
Poor blood circulation can be caused as a result of some medical conditions and even lifestyle patterns. Some of its common causes include:
Varicose vein. This occurs when the walls of the veins lose its elasticity. The lack of activity and the increase of junk food consumption may escalate a bigger problem.
Hypertension. This is one of the most common causes of poor blood circulation for those who are in the middle and elder age.
Pregnancy. Most women going through this phase of motherhood experiences poor blood circulation in the second and third trimesters.
Diseases. High blood pressure, varicose veins, heart diseases, kidney damage, strokes, aneurysms, arteriosclerosis, and some other diseases may cause poor blood circulation.
Plaque Buildup. This is one of the most common causes of poor circulation of the blood, the buildup of plaque in the capillaries. Furthermore, this is caused by the buildup of fats in the inner walls of the cell. This may interrupt the normal flow of blood into the vessels.
Some other causes include:
– Staying too much on the computer.
– Eating excessive amount of junk foods may cause obesity. This eventually causes poor circulation of the blood.
– Lack of activity and exercise.
-Smoking.
Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation
Aside from having a discomfort, there are much more symptoms of having a poor blood circulation. Here are some of which:
– Loss of appetite and inexplicable weight loss.
– Hands and feet are swelling.
– High cholesterol and blood pressure level.
– Itchy feet, legs, and hands.
– An irregular beating of the heart.
– Shortness of breathing.
– Headaches and cramps.
– Feeling sleepy all the time.
– Sluggish memory or memory loss.
– Uneven skin tone, skin blemishes, and dry skin.
– Dandruff and hair fall.
– Lack of stamina and energy.
– Feeling tired even though you just do small activities like walking.
– Numbness or loss of sensation in hands, toes, and feet.
– Change in the temperature of the skin.
How to Improve Blood Circulation?
There are a lot of ways on how to improve blood circulations. Including the foods, you must eat and the lifestyle changes.
Foods to Improve Blood Circulation
One of the best ways on how to improve blood circulation, you must eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and some essential herbs. Here are some of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs which are beneficial in improving the circulation of the blood:
Nuts. Some types of nuts like pistachios, almonds, and cashews may give high levels of vitamin B3, which is beneficial in boosting the flow of blood.
Tomatoes. Its lycopene content helps in preventing the buildup of plaque, hence improving the flow of the blood.
Green tea. The antioxidant properties of green tea which helps in improving the health of the cells which forms in the inner lining of the blood vessels.
Rosemary. This is probably one of the greatest herbal remedies for poor blood circulation. You can use it dry or in its fresh form.
Garlic. The consumption of garlic is beneficial in improving the blood circulation. This is because it helps in relaxing the blood vessels and it interacts with the red blood cells. Furthermore, consuming a raw garlic may help reduce the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein in the blood.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes to Improve Blood Circulation
Another thing that you can try on how to improve blood circulation is to change your lifestyle and diet. Here are some ways that you can do:
Exercise several times a week. Exercising regularly may help in improving the circulation of blood.
Hydrotherapy. Alternating an application of cold and hot water may affect the blood vessels, hence, improving the blood circulation.
Wear comfortable shoes. It is very important to wear comfy footwear, most especially when you are on your feet for long.
Massaging. Proper massage of the hands and the legs may help in calming the muscles and joints.
Diet. You must have a well-balanced and healthy diet to improve your blood circulation. Moreover, you must stop your vices like smoking or be drinking alcohol.
