Introduction
If you’ve been feeling sluggish, fatigued, or have been experiencing other health issues, poor circulation may be the cause. Poor circulation can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and even genetics. Poor circulation can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, headaches, cold hands and feet, and even organ damage. Eating the right foods can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of health problems. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why bad circulation may be the cause of your health problems and provide tips on what to eat to improve circulation.
Reasons Why Bad Circulation May be the Cause of Your Health Problems
Poor circulation can be a major cause of health problems, and it’s important to understand why. Poor circulation can lead to a variety of issues, including fatigue, poor digestion, and even organ damage. Here are some of the most common reasons why bad circulation may be the cause of your health problems.
1. You’re Not Eating the Right Foods
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for good circulation. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help keep your blood vessels healthy and functioning properly. Additionally, foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and walnuts, can help improve circulation. Avoiding processed and sugary foods can also help improve circulation.
2. You’re Not Getting Enough Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for good circulation. Exercise helps to increase blood flow throughout the body, which can help improve circulation. Additionally, exercise can help reduce stress, which can also help improve circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, five days a week.
3. You’re Not Wearing the Right Clothes
Wearing tight-fitting clothing can restrict blood flow, which can lead to poor circulation. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Additionally, avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes, as this can also restrict blood flow.
4. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying hydrated is essential for good circulation. Water helps to keep your blood vessels healthy and functioning properly. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated and your circulation healthy.
5. You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for good circulation. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have enough time to rest and repair itself. Aim to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to ensure your body is getting the rest it needs.
Conclusion
Poor circulation can be a major cause of health problems, and it’s important to understand why. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular exercise, wearing the right clothes, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep are all essential for good circulation. If you’re experiencing any health problems, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine if poor circulation is the cause.
Poor circulation happens when something like plaque, blood clots or narrowed blood vessels interfere with your circulatory system. Diabetes, obesity, and smoking can also cause bad circulation, and if left untreated life-threatening problems can develop, but also other health issues you might not be aware of. Eat This Not That! Health spoke with Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with a background in oncology clinical trials and over 20 years of direct patient care experience who shares how bad circulation can be the cause of certain health problems. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Marchese tells us, “The heart is responsible for pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through your body every day. The circulatory system relies on the heart for blood to reach distant tissues, and the heart relies on the circulatory system to maintain pressure and return blood to the heart. Arteries from the heart carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, and veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart and lungs.”
Marchese explains, “Bad circulation is like bad plumbing. When everything works, it’s business as usual, but one burst pipe or clogged drain can spell disaster. Knowing the symptoms of circulatory issues, such as blood clots, coronary artery disease, or chronic venous insufficiency, can prevent fatal problems such as stroke and heart attack.”
According to Marchese, “Pain in your leg muscles when walking could indicate an issue with circulation preventing the tissues in your legs from getting enough oxygen. Problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and peripheral artery disease can weaken blood vessels and reduce blood travel to your legs and feet. Walking and light activity shouldn’t usually cause pain. Consult a physician about potential circulatory system issues if you get frequent cramps or pain during regular exercise or activities.”
“A blood clot is one of the most dangerous complications in the circulatory system,” Marchese says. “In the legs, this is known as deep vein thrombosis, which can cause sharp, stabbing pains in a localized area on one side of the body. If left untreated, tissues in the leg can slowly die and become gangrenous due to a lack of oxygen or break off and travel to the lungs. A blood clot in the lungs is known as pulmonary embolism and causes cough or shortness of breath and can be fatal if not treated quickly.”
Marchese states, “High blood pressure creates a strong force against blood vessel walls as blood travels through the body. Over time, hypertension can weaken blood vessel walls making it harder for blood to move through and increasing the chance of a ruptured artery. Atherosclerosis, plaque that collects inside arteries, can also contribute to high blood pressure and results from poor diet or lack of activity. Over time, hypertension can damage sensitive organs, including the kidneys and lungs, and increase the risk of other circulatory issues, such as blood clots and stroke.”
Marchese explains, “One of the most apparent signs of a circulatory disorder is swelling in the extremities, known as edema or discoloration in fingers or toes. Varicose veins are caused by weakened veins that limit the ability of veins to return blood to the heart. Blood within varicose veins can flow incorrectly or remain stagnant, leading to blood clots. High blood pressure often contributes to varicose veins as the walls and valves within veins become damaged by the high pressure.”
Heather Newgen