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Figures about health that you need to know

We feel it. When our circulatory system is up to par and running the way it should, we look and feel energized, strong, and mentally sharp. Once our blood circulation hits a snag, that’s when we begin to feel that all isn’t right anymore.
Good blood circulation ensures that all our organs are being served oxygen and the nutrients we ingest and need. Poor circulation on the other hand means that blood flow is slowed down or blocked because one or more obstructions in the blood vessels restricts the amount and rate of blood flow to the various areas of the body. As the circulatory system is the primary means of nutrient and oxygen conveyance to the cells, a functional deterioration disables the body’s healthy or optimal operation.

When Blood Circulation is Poor

One major cause of poor circulation is plaque build-up in the arterial and capillary walls. As more fat or plaque forms, the less room blood has to flow at a certain healthy rate. In the early stages, one will be able to feel some discomfort such as tingling, numbness, stinging pain, or throbbing sensations in the arms or legs. As the build-up progresses and blood flow restriction increases, the discomfort can develop into full blown diseases, some of which can turn life-threatening if the circulation problem is not mitigated.
Poor blood circulation can either be the cause or the effect these health problems:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Varicose veins
• Leg ulcers
• Blood clots
• Haemorrhoids
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Organ and tissue damage

Diabetes can cause poor blood circulation as well. A diabetic patient may feel cramping in the legs as well as pain in the calves, thighs, and buttocks. Those with advanced diabetes however may not significantly feel the symptoms of poor circulation because diabetic neuropathy can reduce symptomatic feelings in the limbs.
Obesity also poses the problem of poor circulation. Excessive weight puts stress on the body and compromises your blood vessels.
Chronic prolonged sitting can develop poor circulation. Sitting for over three hours at a time involves very little muscle movement. Inactivity slows down blood movement. The persistent occurrence of sluggish blood movement allows fatty acids to accumulate in the blood vessels which eventually lead to elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. This is why sedentary people are usually at high risk of developing a number of cardiovascular related illnesses.
People who live in cold climates are likely to experience poor circulation as well with Reynaud’s disease. Reynaud’s causes fingers and toes to feel numb, painful, or spiked with pins and needles. In cold weather, the blood vessels temporarily narrow and restrict the flow of blood. The phenomenon can make fingers and toes turn to white, then, blue, and then back to pinkish as the blood flows again. It can also occur on nipples, lips, nose, and ears. Reynaud’s is not so much a debilitating illness but it can affect one’s quality of life.
Pregnancy may also cause poor blood circulation. A developing baby demands a lot of nutrition which can take a toll on the mother’s circulation. A pregnant woman may need to move more in order to keep the rate of blood movement up and adequate to serve both mother and foetus’ needs.

How to Improve Blood Circulation

It is important to treat a problematic blood circulatory system at its early stage in order to significantly decrease the risk of serious health complications. When caught early, poor blood circulation is still treatable. Left on its own though, it festers to allow blood clot formation and the development of other threats to the cardiovascular system.

Get Moving

Since we want the blood to circulate at a faster and stronger rate, a good portion of treating poor blood circulation goes to Exercise; yes, with a capital E. And there’s no two ways about this. Aerobic exercise is particularly important to upkeep cardiovascular and metabolic health. Physical activity keeps the heart muscles strong enough to maintain the circulatory system at optimum performance. This is why exercise must be incorporated in one’s lifestyle just as eating and resting are.

Eating Right

Aside from exercise, taking care of one’s diet is of paramount importance for maintaining good circulation. You may know the usual admonition to increase fruit and vegetable servings, curb sodium and sugar intake, can the transfats and processed foods, and drink to hydrate well. In addition to these, it would be best to incorporate certain foods into your diet are particularly good for blood circulation. These are:

Beets

Beets and beet juice have inorganic nitrates that turn into nitric oxide when consumed. Nitric oxide widens the blood vessels which allow blood to flow more freely thereby improving its oxygen and nutrient delivery and regulation of blood pressure.

Grapeseed

Grapeseed or seeds of grapes are rich in antioxidants. Grapeseed extract has been known to strengthen the blood vessel network, mainly the arteries, capillaries, and veins. Because of this, grapeseed may help prevent the onset of hypertension, a condition of chronic high blood pressure.
Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids
Wild Alaskan salmon, chia seeds, and soybeans are some of the top foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 helps increase good HDL cholesterol in the blood which assists in picking up triglycerides and other bad cholesterol for processing and excretion by the liver. More HDL cholesterol presence in the blood means less opportunity for the formation of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. HDL also cleans up pre-existing bad cholesterol deposits along the blood vessels.
Say Sayonara to Cigarette and Alcohol Habits
Smoking damages blood vessel lining and restricts the transport of oxygen to cells. Long term heavy drinking can weaken the heart and therefore drastically reduce the rate at which blood and the nutrients it carries can reach cellular tissue. Both vices may ensure that some areas of the body may not get enough blood. This can lead to organ and tissue damage or degeneration.
Good blood circulation is one of the keys to health and longevity. Take care of yourself today so you may reap the benefits of living a life of good quality tomorrow.