How to Improve Blood Circulation

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A recent event jolted me to write on how to improve blood circulation

I was on a plane to New-York from Kentucky one Sunday morning when suddenly, there was stampede at the back of the plane. I could see the hostesses hovering around a man, giving him first aid attention.

After a few minutes and before we could get cleared for emergency landing, everyone was quiet, a feeling of grief had come over everyone on the plane as we all realized at that moment, how death was just a minute away; the young man had died.

Cause of death: Cardiac Arrest due to Heart attack

A lot of people die like this every day for health reasons related to poor blood circulation. The blood carries oxygen which is supposed to help the brain and other body parts to function properly but when there is a shortage of blood supply to these areas, it leads to a lot of problems, including sudden death.

The scary thing is that sometimes, it happens without warning, just like in the case of that man on the plane.

 

Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation

Common symptoms of blood circulations are but not limited to;

  • Feeling of tiredness or lesser energy than usual
  • Longer healing time for sore, scratches and cuts
  • Cold, numb or tingling fingers/legs
  • Swollen ankles or feet
  • Heavy or aching legs

Smoking and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure tends to inhibit proper blood circulation

However, there are natural ways to increase the flow of blood in your body, at all times by eating the right foods. Some foods act as anti-coagulants and work very well to improve blood circulation.

 

Foods that Improve Blood Circulation

Here are ten foods you should be consuming for increase in blood circulation.

1. Cayenne Pepper-: When next you’re making soup, don’t pass on the Cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper contains an ingredient known as Capsicum Frutescens which helps to reduce platelets stickiness. Cayenne pepper also has some carotenoids and vitamins like Vitamin E and C, which are also very good for improved blood circulation.

2. Salmon-: Another super meal for increased blood circulation is the Salmon. Salmons contain Omega-3 acids is very good for the heart. However, farm raised Salmons may contain high levels of mercury which is bad for the health.

3. Garlic-: You can chew your garlic raw or use it as spice for your food. Whichever way, garlic helps to make the arteries stronger and prevent plaque which may block blood flow

4. Gingko Biloba-: This Chinese leaf is also very good for blood circulation as it acts as an antioxidant that helps to eliminate impurities from the circulatory system.

5. Root Ginger-: If you’ve not been drinking ginger tea, now is the time to start. Ginger has a lot of health benefits with improvement of blood circulation being one of them.

6. Goji Berries-: This is another food that is native to China and helps with all sorts of health problems including poor circulation. They also help you sleep better and improve memory.

7. Sunflower Seeds-: Sunflower seeds are also very effective for improving blood circulation. You can either eat them or take them as supplements. Sunflower oil is also recommended as heart-friendly cooking oil.

8. Dark Chocolate-: Dark chocolates are also very healthy snack options for people who need to improve their blood circulation, especially after bed time.

9. Water Melon-: Everyone loves water melons and yes, they should because water melons carry a lot of health benefits. Watermelon contains a compound known as Citruline, which is converted to l-arginine in the body and then enhances blood circulation

10. Avocados-: Avocados are also extremely good for improving blood circulation in the body. They help to reduce blood pressure through its potassium and magnesium content.

Apart from eating the right foods, you should also engage in exercises which would help to increase blood circulation in the body.

 

Exercise to Improve Blood Circulation

Any type of exercise that increases heart rate will definitely improve blood circulation.

Daily activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, riding bicycle, are capable of enlarging the heart muscles and increase pumping of blood.

However, more cardio exercises such as running, skiing, kick boxing and spinning can be incorporated into the daily routine.

Furthermore, studies have shown that anaerobic or resistance exercise shows a greater capability to improve blood circulation than aerobic exercise.

As a result, it is important to engage in various resistance exercises such as lifting weights, sit-ups, pushups and chin-ups. Others may include bench presses, squats, lunges, leg curls, overhead presses, and oblique twists.

 

Sources:
Cardiology Today
Boost poor circulation
Naturalhealthbag
Ife Oluwatuyi
Ife strongly believes the human body is capable of self healing if given the right natural resources. He is a Naturopathic physician whose favorite quote is "Take good care of your body! You’ve got no other place to live in". He is presently an editor at Home of all natural remedies