What You Need to Know About Bad Circulation
Your blood does a fantastic job of
transporting nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body, so if you
have a problem with your circulatory system, it can create a knock-on
effect that impacts your general health. Poor circulation usually stems
from other health factors, but it is important that you are aware of
warning signs that indicate a problem, as well as the steps you can take
to improve the condition should you need to do so. This article will
run through the most important symptoms of poor circulation, as well as
some crucial tips for treating it at home.
1. Feelings of Numbness Most of us will have accidentally lay on one of our arms while sleeping at some point, and will be familiar with the numbness that tends to result. This sensation comes about because you have inadvertently limited your blood circulation. If you find that you often experience a similar sensation in your limbs without an obvious trigger, it could be a sign that your blood circulation is being unhealthily restricted.
2. Loss of Appetite
If you don't feel hungry, despite
having skipped a meal, it could indicate a circulatory problem. Your
liver sends signals to your brain to tell it you're hungry, but it can
only do this when it receives adequate blood flow. This symptom can also
cause weight loss over time as you will eat less.
3. Cold Hands and Feet
Your blood flow is also
responsible for ensuring that your body stays at a healthy temperature,
and rubbing cold hands together is a natural strategy we all use to try
and encourage blood to flow more quickly. If your circulation is
compromised, areas of the body with lots of nerve endings like the hands
and feet can feel unusually cold.4. Skin Discoloring Cyanosis is a condition characterized by a slight discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels just below the skin's surface. If you have poor circulation, you may see signs of cyanosis, and your fingers and toes may appear slightly bruised or red.
5. Varicose Veins If your blood is not pumping as it should, pressure can build and cause veins to twist and swell. The resulting varicose veins tend to appear on the lower legs, and cause pain or itchiness. Varicose veins can be both a symptom and cause of poor circulation.
6. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss
Your
nails and hair can provide some of the clearest signs that your blood
is not distributing the required amount of nutrients around your body.
Hair can become thin, dry and even start to fall out, whether you are
male or female. Your nails will become weaker and more prone to
breaking.
7. Swelling and Leg Ulcers
In extreme cases, poor circulation
can cause swelling in extremities. If your hands or feet begin to swell
it could be a result of slow blood flow, which causes fluid to gather.
Leg ulcers are sore inflamed parts of the skin characterized by a rash
that refuses to go away. If you notice red patches or swelling gathering
around your ankles or lower legs, you may have problems with
circulation.
8. Exhaustion Restricted blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles, so you will become fatigued much more easily. Lack of breath, sore muscles, and the inability to complete physical tasks that you should find easy are all indicators of poor circulation.
9. A Tight Chest Your heart might pump your blood around your body, but it also needs to be supplied with plenty of blood flow as well. If it isn't, then you may develop angina, characterized by feelings of tightness in the chest. If pain recurs in fits and spurts, it can be a common indicator of poor circulation.
10. Poor Libido or Erectile Dysfunction Poor circulation can cause associated problems with both the female and male libido because reproductive organs require a sizeable supply of blood in order to function properly. The obvious issue that can effect men is erectile dysfunction, while women may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles and a loss of energy in the bedroom.
8. Exhaustion Restricted blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles, so you will become fatigued much more easily. Lack of breath, sore muscles, and the inability to complete physical tasks that you should find easy are all indicators of poor circulation.
9. A Tight Chest Your heart might pump your blood around your body, but it also needs to be supplied with plenty of blood flow as well. If it isn't, then you may develop angina, characterized by feelings of tightness in the chest. If pain recurs in fits and spurts, it can be a common indicator of poor circulation.
10. Poor Libido or Erectile Dysfunction Poor circulation can cause associated problems with both the female and male libido because reproductive organs require a sizeable supply of blood in order to function properly. The obvious issue that can effect men is erectile dysfunction, while women may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles and a loss of energy in the bedroom.
11. Digestive Issues
If
your blood flow slows down, it will have an impact on a number of
bodily processes and digestion is one of them. This can reduce the
frequency of bowel movements and even contribute to constipation.
12. Forgetfulness and Concentration Issues
The brain is another organ that
needs to be fed a regular supply of oxygen, and it only gets the stocks
it needs if your blood is flowing as it should. Poor circulation will
affect your ability to focus and concentrate when going about your daily
business, and can have a negative impact on both short term and long
term memory.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Poor Circulation?
If you are exhibiting some of the signs of poor circulation, you will want to know what to do next. Firstly, if you are concerned about your symptoms or they are causing you great pain and discomfort, it is extremely important that you book an appointment to see your doctor. Poor circulation can itself be a symptom of other conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, obesity or blood clots, so you should get yourself checked out if you're concerned.
However, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help you combat poor circulation if you are suffering from it, or stop it from developing before you experience any major symptoms. Here are some of the most recommended:
1. Keep Yourself Moving It's the nature of the world we live in today that many of us spend a huge amount of time inactive and seated. But your circulatory system requires movement to function properly, and regular daily exercise (even just a short 30 minute walk every day) is the best way to keep your blood pumping quickly and ward off symptoms.
2. Don't Overdo Alcohol or Stimulants Stimulants, like coffee, energy drinks and diet pills, have an effect on your blood. If you take too much, too often, it can lead to poor circulation and bigger issues down the line. Coffee and tea have some health benefits and you don't need to cut them down altogether, but try reducing to 2-3 cups a day. Avoid other stimulants altogether. Similarly, alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1-2 units per day.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Poor Circulation?
If you are exhibiting some of the signs of poor circulation, you will want to know what to do next. Firstly, if you are concerned about your symptoms or they are causing you great pain and discomfort, it is extremely important that you book an appointment to see your doctor. Poor circulation can itself be a symptom of other conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, obesity or blood clots, so you should get yourself checked out if you're concerned.
However, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help you combat poor circulation if you are suffering from it, or stop it from developing before you experience any major symptoms. Here are some of the most recommended:
1. Keep Yourself Moving It's the nature of the world we live in today that many of us spend a huge amount of time inactive and seated. But your circulatory system requires movement to function properly, and regular daily exercise (even just a short 30 minute walk every day) is the best way to keep your blood pumping quickly and ward off symptoms.
2. Don't Overdo Alcohol or Stimulants Stimulants, like coffee, energy drinks and diet pills, have an effect on your blood. If you take too much, too often, it can lead to poor circulation and bigger issues down the line. Coffee and tea have some health benefits and you don't need to cut them down altogether, but try reducing to 2-3 cups a day. Avoid other stimulants altogether. Similarly, alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1-2 units per day.
3. Apply Rosemary Oil
Tense cramped muscles can
compromise blood flow and lead to problems associated with poor
circulation. If you find yourself cramping up around the neck,
shoulders, or legs, ask someone to massage rosemary essential oil mixed
with olive oil into the problem area. Use 20-30 drops of rosemary oil
for every 2oz of olive oil. Lavender essential oil can help too.
4. Combine Hot and Cold Showers When you shower, try applying hot then cold water on to areas affected by poor circulation. The hot water causes blood to rush immediately to the problem region, while the cold water encourages it to speed to your organs. You may find it bracing, but it helps keep your circulatory system moving and your skin oxygenated.
6. Pick the Perfect Posture
Bad spinal alignment is a recipe
for poor circulation, but many of us have poor posture. Try to train
your body so that it naturally holds good posture by engaging in good
practices.
4. Combine Hot and Cold Showers When you shower, try applying hot then cold water on to areas affected by poor circulation. The hot water causes blood to rush immediately to the problem region, while the cold water encourages it to speed to your organs. You may find it bracing, but it helps keep your circulatory system moving and your skin oxygenated.
5. Add Nuts and Seeds to Your Diet
Several different nuts and seeds
contain goodness that can reduce inflammation and oxidative cell damage
within your vessels and arteries, keeping your blood circulating freely.
Walnuts and almonds are two of the best nuts to use, and have plenty of
other uses too .
A whole host of seeds can also benefit your circulation, including
flaxseed, chia, pumpkin and pine. Sprinkle them on your salad or
sandwich, or add to them to other dishes.
7. Create the Perfect Salad
Veggies
are fantastic for your heart and circulatory function, and if you use
the right combination in your salad, they can help boost your defenses
against poor circulation. Try to keep things varied. Mix dark leafy
greens such as kale or spinach with bell peppers, celery/cucumber,
onions and olives. Get your crunch from the already discussed nuts and
seeds rather than croutons. Finally, garnish with parsley, one of the
best herbs for healthy circulation.
8. Root Out the Problem
Garlic, onion and ginger are all
root vegetables that should form a part of everyone's diet. They have so
many benefits, including the stimulation of the circulatory system. All
three are excellent anti-inflammatories and can help you in so many
ways!
9. Switch to Green Tea Green tea is wonderfully healthy, and provides many of the benefits of stimulants without the associated problems. It will provide you with plenty of energy and goodness, without any adverse effects on your blood circulation.
10. Look At Your Feet Or more specifically, check out your shoes. It might sound unlikely, but a good pair of shoes can really reduce the impact walking has on your body. If yours are too tight or the wrong shape, it could be time to change them for the good of your circulation.
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/
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9. Switch to Green Tea Green tea is wonderfully healthy, and provides many of the benefits of stimulants without the associated problems. It will provide you with plenty of energy and goodness, without any adverse effects on your blood circulation.
10. Look At Your Feet Or more specifically, check out your shoes. It might sound unlikely, but a good pair of shoes can really reduce the impact walking has on your body. If yours are too tight or the wrong shape, it could be time to change them for the good of your circulation.
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com
Labels: bad circulation, Brittle hair & nails, cold hands and feet, digestive problem, forgetful, leg ulcers, loss of appetite, numbness, poor libido, skin discoloration, swelling, tight chest, tiredness, varicose veins
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