Tips To Improve Blood Circulation
Blood circulation is the movement of blood around our body via blood vessels. It is an essential physiological process because blood nutrients and oxygen are vital for the body cells and tissues to function well. When blood circulation is low, we are at risk of having dysfunctional changes to our bodies’ normal physiology. Our cells and systems no longer get as well-nourished as they should; this causes them to carry out their functions poorly or, in extreme cases, stop working entirely. For this reason, we must keep blood circulation at optimal levels in our bodies.
What Factors Are Blood Circulation Dependent On?
Blood circulation is dependent on some factors. Some of these include the heart’s functioning (which pumps blood into the circulation), the volume of blood available in the circulation, and the condition of the blood vessels through which blood is carried in the body. When the heart strength is affected, the blood volume is depleted, or the blood vessels are clogged due to some factors, blood circulation becomes low, and the body’s health becomes threatened.
What Steps Can You Take To Improve Blood Circulation?
Any of the following steps can improve blood circulation:
1. Make Healthy Changes To Your Diet
Modifying your diet is a natural and healthy way to improve your blood circulation. One of the reasons why blood vessels get clogged or blocked is that blood circulation being impeded is due to a heavy cholesterol diet. Excess fatty foods can increase the amount of LDL cholesterol in our bodies, causing blood vessels to become clogged up. Cut down saturated fats intake such as those found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, etc. Eliminate trans fats, and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flaxseeds, mackerels, etc.
2. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
This is important for your cardiovascular health. Healthy lifestyle choices for improved blood circulation include quitting smoking. Large consumption of cigarettes causes the blood vessels to constrict and become narrower, therefore impeding blood circulation. Quitting smoking also increases the amount of cardio-protective HDL cholesterol in our bodies. Another healthy cardiovascular choice is losing weight. Obesity is correlated with increased atherosclerosis of the blood vessels. This causes the lumen of blood vessels to become narrower and blood circulation to become impeded. Losing weight, however, lessens these effects and improves blood circulation.
3. Get More Active, Exercise!
Getting regular exercise is excellent for your heart. The health and strength of the heart are essential for blood circulation. Getting more exercise boosts the heart, and this enables it to carry out its functions effectively. A healthy, active lifestyle is key to a strong, healthy heart.
4. Stress Management
Sometimes the reason for poor blood circulation may be a series of physiological changes caused by stress. It is essential to manage stress appropriately to boost your blood circulation. Things you can do to manage stress better include the following. Deliberately take de-stressing sessions or time away from the cause of stress, take therapist visits, book massage sessions, and see your doctor for advice on handling stress better. All these steps, among others, will help reduce the effects of excessive stress on your blood circulation.
