How to Control Poor Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation has a number of causes, including diet and lifestyle choices. Certain lifestyles can lead to high cholesterol, which contributes to poor circulation. Other causes of circulation problems include eating salty foods and foods that are high in saturated fat, problems with digesting fibre and low water consumption. Thankfully there are numerous ways that you can improve your blood circulation naturally, without resorting to medications.

Foods that lower blood pressure

Elevated blood pressure can cause problems with blood circulation, so it is important to maintain a blood pressure that is healthy. There are many foods which help to stabilise blood pressure and improve circulation. Some of the best foods include: spinach, celery, bananas, potatoes, sunflower seeds, avocado, fish, citrus fruit, skimmed milk and even chocolate. These tasty foods are excellent ways to help the body maintain a healthy blood pressure and therefore reduce circulatory problems.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is a property that gently stimulates the cardiovascular system. This helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating red peppers also reduces your chance of developing atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries and a main cause of problems in the blood circulatory system.

Gingko biloba tea

Gingko biloba tea is an excellent natural way to improve blood circulation because it has the ability to dilate the blood vessels. This helps to improve the elasticity of the veins and arteries, which improves the ability of the blood to move through the body and circulate.

Red wine

Red wine has many benefits to health as long as it is consumed responsibly in moderation. One glass of red wine each evening with your main meal is good for the circulation and this is a habit that could be beneficial to health. Be aware that drinking more than one glass of red wine per day is detrimental to health, so keep your consumption to just the one glass.

Coffee

It has been shown that people who consume one to two cups of coffee each day have improved circulation. This improvement is due to the flavonoids that are contained in coffee.

Limit salt intake

A high salt intake can cause high blood pressure and fluid retention. Foods that are very high in salt also contribute to poor circulation, so it is important to limit the amount of salt you eat. A good way to do this is not to add it to your cooking and only use it at the table. This way you can flavour to taste instead of using salt as a matter of course in every meal.

Massage

Gentle massage can help to improve the circulation because it stimulates the skin and the soft tissues beneath. Using a gentle yet firm pressure, it is best to begin at the feet and move slowly upwards towards the leg muscles, then move up across the body. Massaging in this way increases blood flow to the muscles and this should result in noticeable improvements to the blood circulation.

Hydrotherapy

Similar to regular massage, hydrotherapy is a kind of water-based massage which uses bursts of hot and cold water alternately to stimulate the skin and muscles. By changing the temperature of the water quickly back and forth, from hot to cold and vice versa, the body has to respond by increasing the blood flow to regulate temperature.

Stop smoking

Smoking is one of the worst acts for the health. There are many problems associated with smoking and blood circulatory problems are almost guaranteed with heavy smokers. Problems of this kind can lead to serious diseases so stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your blood circulation and general health.

Put your feet up 

A good way to improve circulation is to rest with your legs elevated. This helps the blood to return to the upper part of the body after you have been on your feet a long time.  Footbaths are also beneficial for the circulation. Simply submerge your feet in a tub of hot water mixed with some ginger root to activate the circulation and stimulate blood flow.

Moderate exercise

Walking is an excellent exercise for increasing blood flow and improving the circulation. Exercise for at least 30 minutes at a moderate intensity. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while you exercise to maintain good hydration levels.