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IMPROVE POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION WITH TCM HERBS
Blood circulation is an important function of the body which ensures nutrients and oxygen are delivered to all cells in the body. It is likened to a transport system which consists of the heart and blood vessels running through the body. Factors such as congenital heart diseases or “lifestyle diseases” which form overtime due to a person’s exercise, dietary or smoking habits may affect the circulatory system and our general well-being.
What happens if your blood circulation is poor?
When blood flow to a specific part of the body is reduced, there may be symptoms of poor blood circulation which will be most apparent in your extremities, such as your legs and arms. Other symptoms of poor blood circulation include tingling, numbness, throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs, pain and muscle cramps.
The most common causes of poor blood circulation include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and arterial issues. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory disease which causes narrowing of the blood vessels and arteries. Atherosclerosis is also another disease where arteries stiffen due to plaque buildup in arteries and blood vessels. Both conditions result in reduced blood flow to the limbs and cause pain.
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Varicose veins are blue or dark purple veins which are enlarged and swollen, often found on the back of the legs. These damaged veins do not allow the efficient flow of blood, hence resulting in poor circulation. High levels of glucose in diabetic patients may lead to plaque buildup, increasing inflammation within blood vessels. Being overweight and sedentary places a burden on the circulatory system and slows down the blood flow. These factors decrease blood flow through the arteries.
How to increase blood circulation?
As such, poor blood circulation often arises from other underlying health issues. Hence, it is important to treat these conditions instead of the symptoms. There are many ways to improve blood circulation which are easily attainable through smart lifestyle choices and healthy changes to your lifestyle habits.
The best way to improve blood circulation is to get moving. Regular exercise improves the ability of the body to take in and utilise oxygen. It also improves the capacity of blood vessels to dilate, helping them to work more efficiently. Just twenty to thirty minutes of brisk walking every day is sufficient to get your blood pumping which is why cardiovascular exercise is one of the most recommended methods to improve circulation in the limbs. Other activities such as yoga and deep breathing exercises are also great blood circulation exercises to promote blood flow in the body.
Did you know that cigarette smoking is a leading cause of death worldwide and is associated with increased health risks such as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer? Quitting cigarettes is a healthy decision in general and improves overall health. It decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hence leading to improved blood circulation.
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Food for blood circulation
There are many foods which are both healthy and delicious that can boost blood circulation. Antioxidant-rich foods such as green tea, onions and berries widen the blood vessels in the body and increases blood flow. Ginkgo Biloba is also well known for its strong antioxidant properties which can be used to prevent or reverse the effects of poor circulation. It also increases blood flow to the brain hence it is often used as a popular supplement for enhancing brain health. Nuts such as walnuts and almonds are high in vitamins A, B, C and E, magnesium and iron. These nutrients contribute to improve blood circulation for better overall health. Dark chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa contains flavanols stimulate the lining of arteries, producing nitric oxide, which then relaxes the arteries.
Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish promote cardiovascular health and improve overall circulation. Oily fish include salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel.
Fruits rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, kiwis and strawberries can also improve blood circulation. They are natural blood thinners and can strengthen capillary walls. Watermelon is a dietary source of lycopene, which is commonly known for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, promoting blood circulation as well.
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Other than lifestyle diets and habits
Beside natural foods, some vitamins and supplements for blood circulation are also important contributory factors to a healthy blood flow in our body. Some common blood circulation supplements include iron, L-arginine and omega-3 fatty acids. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries oxygen. The body also needs iron to synthesize myoglobin, a protein which transports oxygen from the lungs to muscles. Maintaining a healthy level of red blood cells in the body ensures a good blood circulation. L-arginine and omega-3 fatty acids encourage the release of nitric oxide, a compound that causes the smooth muscles lining blood vessel walls to relax and improves blood flow. Men’s Boost+ is one health supplement that contains L-arginine which is able to bring these health benefits when consumed regularly.
A well-functioning blood circulation is vital to overall health and should never be taken lightly. Having increased blood circulation throughout the body can fight off potential illnesses and enable optimal bodily functions which results in overall well-being.
