Have you ever felt your fingers and toes going numb? Most of us face this problem once in a while, but if this numbness becomes an everyday thing for you, you need help. Blood serves several important functions in the body. It provides oxygen and nutrients to every cell and organ in the body. It balances body temperature, providing warmth to the fingers, nose and toes.
Poor blood circulation is much more unpleasant than it sounds. It occurs when the blood flow becomes restricted to certain parts of the body like heart, legs, hands, toes, feet and fingers. In mild situations, poor blood circulation causes only discomfort. But if not handled in time, it can lead to several other serious health conditions. The health problems caused due to poor blood circulation include varicose veins, kidney issue and other blood restriction difficulties.
Circulatory blood problems can be caused due to medical conditions and lifestyle pattern. Some common causes include:
The most common cause of poor blood circulation is the buildup of plaque on the insides of the capillaries. This is caused due to the build-up of fat on the inner cell walls, which interrupts the normal flow of blood through the vessels.
Some diseases that cause poor blood circulation include high blood pressure, varicose veins, stroke, heart diseases, kidney damage, aneurysms, phlebitis, arteriosclerosis, Raynaud’s disease and phlebitis.
Hypertension is a common cause of poor blood flow in middle aged and elderly people. The cholesterol plaques are deposited along the walls of the arteries, causing poor circulation.
Varicose veins occur when the walls of the veins lose elasticity. Lack of activity and increased consumption of junk food escalates the problem from one leg to another.
Not only adults, babies and children can also suffer from poor circulatory problems. Infants born with complex congenital heart defects are at risk of poor circulation problems. Children who consume loads of junk food can also suffer from poor blood circulation. A defect in normal blood flow can have a significant impact on the child’s physical, mental and academic performance.
Pregnancy can upset the normal blood flow in the body. Most women experience blood circulatory changes in the second and third trimesters. The baby in the womb uses most of the nutrients consumed by the mother, leading to poor blood circulation. The pregnant women should make sure that she does everything to maintain the nutritional levels in the body. A brisk walk and regular stretching can help to maintain the blood flow. Gentle swimming and water exercises can support good blood flow in both mother and baby. The water will help the mother to relax while getting the needed exercise. Consult the doctor if you experience sudden redness or swelling in any part of the body.
Apart from the discomfort, there are many other symptoms of poor blood circulation. Some common symptoms include:
Fruits, vegetables and herbs are excellent for your health. They provide high levels of bioflavonoids that strengthen capillaries, promoting blood flow. Some of the foods that improve blood flow include:
Tomato is a well-known food for blood circulation improvement. It contains lycopene, a compound that prevents plaque buildup, a hindrance to healthy blood flow.
Nuts like pistachio, almonds and cashews provide high levels of vitamin B3, which boost the blood flow. It dilates the blood vessels, improving the circulation of blood. It also helps to lower low-density lipoprotein in the blood.
Garlic is a staple ingredient in European, American and Asian cuisine. It has a host of medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments. Researchers have found that people who consume garlic on a regular basis are more likely to have a better blood circulation. Garlic relaxes the blood vessels and interacts with the red blood cells, increasing the production of hydrogen sulfide. Increased production of hydrogen sulfide improves blood circulation. Consuming raw garlic reduces the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein in the blood. It also raises good cholesterol in the blood, keeping the blood pressure within normal limits. It also prevents blood platelet aggregation.
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