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Danger Signs You Have Poor Circulation And How To Fix It Naturally
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From the instant you are born, your body is constantly circulating almost 6 liters of blood throughout your body. Think of your veins and arteries as highways that move blood around your body. Everything in your body requires blood to operate. Blood delivers hormones, nutrients, regulates the PH, and brings fresh oxygen to all your vital organs. In the same way our highways and streets require care and maintenance, your blood vessels do as well.
Poor circulation means that certain parts of your body receive insufficient amounts of blood. There are many factors that cause this: smoking, a buildup of plaque, medical conditions, pregnancy, diabetes, and being overweight are just a few of the conditions that cause poor circulation. Although this condition can occur at any age, left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your kidneys, heart, liver, and brain.
Poor circulation is a dangerous condition because it is virtually silent. It’s easily overlooked and generally found only after it has already caused damage. Read the following list of common problems of poor circulation:
- Discolored Skin – Generally affects the fingers and toes, they tend to look blue.
- Leg Ulcers
- Swelling – Swelling of the hands and feet are because the kidneys are not getting sufficient blood flow.
- Lack of Appetite
- Angina – This feels like someone is squeezing your chest.
- Itching
- Numbness – Usually in the hands and feet or sometimes the legs.
- Varicose Veins
- Cold Hands
- Cold Feet
- Poor Cognitive Function
- Digestive Problems – Such as constipation
- Weakened Immune System
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Exhaustion
- Lack of Appetite
- Dark Circles Under the Eyes
- Blood Clots
- Boils
- Nausea
- Vertigo and Dizzy Spells
- Vision Problems
- Hemorrhoids
- Memory Loss
- Heart Problems/Cardiovascular Disease
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It’s easy to see from the above symptoms that poor circulation is something you should take seriously. Want to improve the blood flow in your body? It’s easier than you might think. Take a look at the top ways you can make a big improvement in your blood circulation.
1. Massage
Massage is one of those wonderful things in life that not only feels good, but it’s also good for you! Massage increases blood flow by stimulating the blood flow to the area of the body where the massage is being done. Massage will release muscle tension, thus releasing toxins, and improve the blood flow to the area.
2. Exercise
Any type of exercise will improve your circulation. Look for ways to get exercise all day long; take the stairs, park a block or two away from your destination and walk, or stand when you are talking on the phone. Also, any habit that you enjoy that gets you moving, such as swimming or riding a bicycle, will get your blood up and pumping. What you choose to do is not nearly as important as just doing it!
3. Lemon Up
Most citrus fruits contain citrate, which naturally improves your blood circulation. Lemons are a great way to help boost your circulation naturally. Put some fresh, organic lemon juice in your morning tea or drink some lemon and water first thing in the morning to get that circulation flowing. Find out benefits of water with lemon.
4. Dry Brush
Dry brushing is a great way to invigorate the skin. When you dry brush your skin you bring it fresh oxygen and increase circulation. This is a great way to warm yourself up on a cold winter morning.
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5. Stop Smoking
If you smoke, quit! Of course it’s not easy; if it were, millions of people would not still be puffing, but you can do it! You are probably already aware of many of the dangers smoking causes, and poor circulation is another one.
6. Try Ginkgo Biloba
Although there are many herbs that can help improve circulation, one of the best is ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba can improve your circulation by opening up the blood vessels and by making your blood slide more easily along the blood vessels. This is according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. You can by ginkgo biloba almost everywhere in form of capsules, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts. If you are taking other types of medication, always consult your doctor before taking gingko biloba.
7. Put Your Feet Up
Well, this is certainly easy advice, is it not? Elevating your legs above your heart is a great way to improve your circulation and get in a little R and R at the same time!
8. Stretching Exercises
If you sit for long periods of time, be sure you get up at least every 30 minutes to stretch, even it’s just for 3 minutes. Do arm circles, put your hands over your head, then drop your head to the floor, or go for a short walk and do punches with your arms. Simply moving around will help improve your circulation.
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9. Drink This, Not That
Your body must have sufficient water, not only for your organs to do their jobs, but for your blood to flow freely. Water helps the oxygen levels in your blood increase, which leads to better circulation. So be sure to drink plenty of water and eliminate or cut down on sodas and alcohol. Find out dangers of sodas.
10. Eat More Garlic
Garlic is well known for its healing abilities, the reduction of cholesterol, preventing heart disease, and, to improve circulation in the body. You simply cannot go wrong by eating more garlic. Aim to eat at least two fresh cloves of organic garlic each and every day.
11. Make It Hot, then Cold
When you alternate between hot and cold on the affected parts of your body, it brings blood to the area, improving the circulation. For example, if you constantly have cold hands, try putting them under hot water for a few minutes, then cold water for a few minutes. Alternate this hot and cold method at least 3 times and you should feel a big difference.
SEE ALSO: 10 Natural Ways to Clear Out Your Arteries
12. Hydrotherapy
Like massage, this is another pleasant way to improve your circulation. Hot water helps to relax those tense muscles and brings fresh blood to the entire body. Soak in a bath for at least 20 minutes. Scrubbing with a soft brush also helps to bring blood to the skin surface and breathing in the steam will help put more oxygen in your body.
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