5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Circulation
"Fruits and vegetables of any kind are good for your health, particularly oranges, which provide high levels of bioflavonoids to promote blood flow while also strengthening capillaries."
A variety of conditions can be brought on by poor circulation such as high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, varicose veins, and even DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis, a potentially fatal blood clot that forms in the deep vein system of the legs. To help improve your circulation, Dr. Michael Vasquez, MD, FACS, RVT offers a few simple tips you can start today. Dr. Vasquez is currently a surgeon with the Venous Institute of Buffalo.
Start Exercising - The more active a person becomes, the better their circulation will be. Going for walks can help you build up to other activities such as bike riding or swimming. Be sure the exercise is challenging enough to offer a cardiovascular workout. Before exercising, patients should always consult their doctor to make sure that they are healthy enough for sports and activities.
Eat Right - Reducing the amount of sugar and fat will help to thin the blood, allowing it to flow easier through the body. An increase in fiber will help the body remove dietary fat, thus further increasing blood flow. Fruits and vegetables of any kind are good for your health, particularly oranges, which provide high levels of bioflavonoids to promote blood flow while also strengthening capillaries.
Quit Smoking - It is nearly impossible to increase blood circulation if you smoke. Quitting is vital to those who wish to improve their blood flow. Smoking may cause hardening of the arteries and high cholesterol, which will hinder blood flow.
Support Your Legs - Graduated compression stockings work by applying maximum pressure at the ankle that systematically decreases up the hosiery length. This compression helps reduce swelling from fluid retention, stimulate circulation in the legs, and prevent the onset of varicose and spider veins.
Companies such as Ames Walker offer a wide variety of graduated compression products to fit every lifestyle, wardrobe and budget, from dress and athletic socks, to sheer and opaque tights, all at prices significantly lower than retail.
Relax - Stress may cause the body to divert blood flow from the feet and the other extremities, causing poor circulation in these areas. A simple solution is elevating your feet for a short period of time. Just by lying on the floor and placing your feet on a couch or chair will help to increase blood flow when they are returned to the floor. Access to a pool allows for light exercise in a gravity free environment. Also consider massaging your feet, to stimulate blood flow.
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