Our body’s circulation system is a highly responsible entity: it sends blood, oxygen, and nutrients everywhere throughout our body, and so, when for whatever reason blood flow to a specific part of our body gets reduced, we’re able to feel it. One of the most common symptoms of this are cold hands and feet.
Causes of Poor Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation is not a condition per se, it is rather a result of other health problems. Although usually not serious, poor blood circulation can affect your whole body and therefore lead to uncomfortable feels such as tingling, numbness, and coldness. However, sometimes it’s more serious than that and can lead to nerve and tissue damage, and even stroke, so it’s important to catch it early.
Some of the most common causes of poor blood circulation include:
- Sitting and standing for long periods of time;
- Restrictive clothing;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Smoking;
- Diabetes;
Natural Ways to Improve Poor Blood Circulation
Luckily, there are easy, natural remedies you can try in order to improve your blood circulation and get started on the path to a healthier you. Here are some of them:
1. Drink More Water
By now, most of us know about the benefits of drinking plenty of water: better focus, skin, nails and hair, healthier organs, digestive and immune system. But drinking plenty of water can also aid blood circulation. Experts recommend 8 glasses of water a day.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise has numerous health benefits but it also promotes blood flow, so it’s essential to do some kind of a physical activity. If you’re not a fan of the gym, it’s ok: swimming, tennis, jogging, dancing, even walking will do.
3. Use Ginger
Ginger is incredibly healthy: thanks to its compounds gingerol and zingerone, it prevents blood clots and, with regular usage, cardiovascular events. For this reason, when it comes to improving poor blood circulation, ginger is your best friend.
4. Use Cayenne Pepper
Like ginger, cayenne pepper promotes blood flow. This is due to a substance called capsaicin, which cayenne pepper contains in large doses. Capsaicin is anti-inflammatory and helps strengthen the arteries and heart.
5. Eat Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions have great health benefits for the whole body, but they also stimulate and improve the health of the circulatory system. These veggies contain organosulfur compounds which eliminate toxins from the blood and liver.
