Proper circulation is important for optimal health. Poor blood flow or circulation affects a large section of the population. It can be an indication of a much more serious medical condition that might require immediate attention. Poor blood flow could lead to long-lasting complications. You should therefore look out for signs of poor blood flow.
Early diagnosis goes a long way in proper treatment and ensuring proper blood flow. Proper blood circulation is important since as your blood flows through your body, it delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body cells. It also removes waste products from your body cells. Poor blood flow could lead to:
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Change in skin color
- Varicose veins
The following things could just be what you need to improve your circulation:
Weight Loss
Being obese has been linked to poor blood flow. Maintaining a good weight is beneficial to your body in so many different ways. Weight loss improves blood circulation and reduces the chances of developing complications. Regular exercise helps to maintain your weight within healthy limits. Avoid foods that are rich in cholesterol. Aim for low-fat foods.
Drink a Lot of Water
Drinking enough water is a great way to fight off poor blood circulation. It is recommended that your water intake should be about eight glasses a day. If you tend to sweat a lot due to hot climate conditions or workouts, you should increase your water intake accordingly. Water keeps your blood flow moving since your blood is predominantly made up of water. Water also helps to remove waste products from your body.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Nicotine, which is the active component of tobacco, affects your arteries and could thicken your blood. Smoking inhibits blood flow, destroys blood vessel walls, and causes the accumulation of plaque in veins. This leads to a decrease in blood flow. Although quitting smoking might prove to be difficult, the benefits are definitely positive for your health. Tobacco products in any form are harmful to your health, not just smoking.
Visit a Specialist
If the symptoms persist, it might be time to visit a specialist. Surgery might be the last resort to finally free you from poor blood circulation to treat severely damaged veins. According to a clinic of varicose vein located in Fort Worth, these include invasive and minimally invasive vein surgery, minimally invasive surgery involves the use of local anesthesia and the making of small incisions that allow access to the damaged vein to facilitate treatment. These types of surgeries are often simple outpatient procedures. Invasive surgeries tend to be more intense and are used to completely remove the damaged vein from the patient’s body.
Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Drinking too much alcohol could lead to the hardening of the arteries. This greatly affects the flow of blood. You should try to moderate the intake of alcohol. This will greatly improve your blood circulation. Too much alcohol negatively affects your general health.
Reduce Stress Levels
High-stress levels greatly affect your health negatively. Stress could also cause big problems with your blood flow. You should try to keep your stress on manageable levels if you cannot avoid them at all. This will greatly improve your quality of life, making you much happier in the long run. It also will improve your circulation.
Regularly Stretch
Regularly stretching even for a couple of minutes a day could go a long way in easing your blood flow. This applies mostly to office workers and students who spend a lot of their time seated at their desks. Ensure you alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Regular breaks will also be very helpful. Stretching will increase the blood flow in your body. It may also just be what you need to kill the daily monotonous routine at your desk. It will therefore improve general productivity in the long run.
Body Massages
Although viewed as novelties, massages could play a big part in fighting off poor blood circulation. It keeps blood flowing and helps to open up your blood vessels hence speeding up your circulation. The continuous application of pressure on your body helps to decongest your body. Massages also help to relieve body pain and offer much-needed relaxation to your body.
Wear Compression Garments
Compression garments play a huge role in preventing the complications that may arise over poor circulation. For most people with poor blood flow in the legs, compression socks offer much-needed relief. The garments are readily available at most pharmacies. They are therefore easily accessible for severe cases and play an important role in the prevention of blood clots.
Manage your Blood Pressure
Hypertension, which refers to high blood pressure can lead to hardening of the arteries. This in turn causes poor blood flow. Keeping your blood pressure under manageable levels can help improve your blood flow.
You should try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow the above tips to improve your blood flow and live a fuller life.
