Published: 01/21/2015 - Updated: 12/29/2017
Author: MSc. Miriam Reyes
Did you know that when you’re happy, your blood circulation becomes activated and your veins relax to allow for better nutrient absorption? Blood circulation is one of the most important elements for keeping the body generally healthy because nutrients and oxygen are spread to every cell, tissue, organ and system in the body via the blood.
In order to detect whether you have good blood circulation, all you need to do is look at the color of your skin, general health, energy and correct organ and system functioning. When blood does not circulate properly, you may have a long list of conditions and symptoms, like those mentioned below:
Contents
Symptoms of deficient blood circulation:
- Leg pain
- Continual or excessive fatigue
- Numb hands
- Cramps
- Lack of energy
- Vein and artery obstruction that creates varicose veins
- Swollen legs
- Hair loss
- Dull eyes
What to do to help blood circulation
Exercise: a basic element for helping blood circulate correctly
It is well known that exercise is good for correct blood circulation. It is also important that you know that the most effective exercise to do is that which you enjoy most. Exercising, and enjoying it while you do it, is one of the most beneficial sources of health because not only is blood circulation stimulated, but the body’s cells and tissues are more prone to absorbing nutrients and oxygen. So choose an exercise that you enjoy and start right away! Some people say that dancing is one of the best exercises for blood circulation. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to dance, put on some music and let the rhythm take you away.
Diet:
In order the have good blood circulation, you need to try to eat sufficient whole grains, fresh vegetables (either in juices or salads), especially citrus juices in the morning, vegetables like alfalfa, celery, carrots and aloe. It is important that you avoid foods with non-helpful fats, like cow’s milk and fried meat or refined oils. Also, avoid cold meats and refined flour, because these will cause your veins to slowly clog up, blocking circulation.
Keep an eye on your cholesterol:
Cholesterol is the body’s friend, so long as it is in appropriate proportions. However, if you exceed the body’s necessary cholesterol limits, you will begin to suffer from cardiac or circulatory problems. That’s why you need to watch your weight and keep it at a healthy level. If you notice that your abdomen or waist is swollen, or your arms and thighs are round or flaccid, or have cellulite, your diet is only “filling” you, not nourishing you.
Foods recommended for avoiding harmful cholesterol and for efficient circulation:
- Raw garlic: garlic is at the head of the list of all foods when it comes to circulatory questions. It is rich in properties that are beneficial to blood and circulation, and it is also a potent antioxident and blood and liver cleanser. To use it, eat one raw clove of garlic a day, preferably at night so the smell doesn’t bother you. You could also take garlic capsules, but we recommend taking raw garlic at least twice a week. Garlic helps dissolve and prevent clots, it makes blood more fluid and reduces blood pressure.
- Fresh apples: rich in soluble fiber and elements that help keep good circulation. They are fantastic for high cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Citrus juices: wonderful not only for cleaning the blood and cleansing it of toxic elements and harmful fats, but citrus fruits also provide the blood with a very good pH level. Citrus fruits also stimulate the heart, they vitalize the blood which fills with nutritive elements which are then spread throughout the entire body. We recommend drinking lemon juice in the morning, diluting half a lemon in one glass of warm water. Adding a little bit of warm green tea makes this fantastic.
- Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are great for circulation.
- Plant-based milks like those from almonds, oatmeal, soy, etc., are an excellent substitute for cow’s milk. Plant-based milks do not contain cholesterol, almond milk is rich in vitamin E, which helps fight circulatory problems in the extremeties.
- All semi-cooked or raw vegetables are fantastic foods for blood and blood circulation. Every day you should include fresh vegetable juices in your diet, or salads, and avoid mixing fruits with vegetables. Fruits should be eaten on their own, on an empty stomach, so they can provide us with all of their nutrients.
- Ginger is a magnificent remedy for stimulating circulation. Buy some ginger root and wash it well. Cut a piece off the size of your palm and bite it throughout the day, or blend it with orange or carrot juice.
- Ginger, cayenne and cardamom infusions are wonderful for making your blood circulate.
Stress and blood circulation
Stress is an emotional factor that influences poor circulation because when your muscles and body’s systems are tense, they cannot absorb nutrients well nor do they allow for efficient circulation.
Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 12/29/2017
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