The body’s circulation system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. Good circulation health includes good blood flow through the arteries and veins, adequate oxygen, and beneficial nutrients.
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What is poor circulation, and why should I be concerned?
Firstly, when the blood flow to a specific part of the body reduces, poor circulation occurs. Several conditions can lead to poor circulation, the most common ones being diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, and arterial issues. To clarify, the most common symptoms of poor circulation include numbness, tingling, muscle cramping, varicose veins, cold feet and hands, and leg cramps. Moreover, untreated poor circulation can lead to severe or life-threatening conditions like gangrene, kidney failure, or brain aneurisms. Vascular disease includes any condition that causes poor circulation. For example, varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, and erectile dysfunction lead to poor circulation.
How can I improve my circulation?
Medication can treat poor circulation. However, your diet is the best and most healthy tool available to improve circulation. So, some foods improve circulation, while others can make it worse.
Foods that improve circulation
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin that helps arteries to dilate. However, heat degrades allicin, so to maximize its benefit, it should be consumed raw.
Cayenne Pepper
The phytochemical capsaicin found in cayenne pepper promotes blood flow by lowering blood pressure and stimulating the release of nitric oxide to expand blood vessels.
Pomegranates
This juicy fruit contains a high amount of polyphenol antioxidants and nitrates, which are potent vasodilators that increase blood flow.
Onions
Above all, onions are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants that improve circulation by helping veins and arteries widen to increase blood flow.
Omega- 3 Fatty fish
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and reduce the “stickiness” of blood platelets, which thins the blood to flow easier. Most importantly, be sure to buy wild-caught, not farm-raised fish.
Nuts
Magnesium found in nuts helps arteries relax, and l-arginine produces nitric oxide, which helps arteries dilate. For example, walnuts, in particular, are loaded with beneficial compounds like alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) vitamin E and l-arginine that stimulate the production of nitric oxide.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon improves blood vessel dilation and blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels.
Turmeric
The compound curcumin found in turmeric helps increase nitric oxide production and decrease inflammation for better blood flow.
Leafy Greens
Collard greens and spinach are high in beneficial nitrates that convert into nitric oxide, improving circulation.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes may help reduce the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which reduces inflammation and improves circulation.
Ginger
This spice reduces high blood pressure, which negatively impacts blood flow.
Foods High in Vitamin C
Oranges, lemons, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, pineapple, and other foods high in vitamin C include not only a powerful antioxidant but benefits for the circulatory system through helping with the formation of collagen.
Beets
Because beets are rich in nitrates, they help arteries dilate, relax blood vessels, and increase blood flow. Thus, beets also reduce high blood pressure. Many athletes supplement with beet juice/powder to help improve their endurance and enhance their exercise performance.
Dark Chocolate
This sweet treat contains an antioxidant that prevents inflammation, and its flavonoids help to improve circulation and blood flow. The higher the percentage of cacao, the better. The recommended daily limit is 1 – 2 small squares.
Fluids
Staying hydrated is critical to all areas of health, including circulation, as dehydration can restrict blood flow. For instance, a healthy goal per day is to divide your weight in half and drink that many fluid ounces of water per day.
Foods that worsen circulation health
Trans Fats
The FDA banned trans fats in foods last year. However, if you cook with oil, trans fats can be created under high heat. Moreover, sauté food instead of frying and be sure to avoid deep-fried foods.
Added sugars
Overeating sugar causes the body to release high amounts of insulin, which triggers inflammation. In addition, there is also a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating too many foods with high sugar content.
Salt (sodium)
Too much salt can slow circulation through its effect on blood pressure, Consequently, sodium in your diet leads to water retention, which increases your blood volume and drives up your blood pressure. Processed foods contain a high level of sodium, so they should be significantly reduced or avoided entirely. We recommend that everyone limit their daily salt (sodium) intake to about one teaspoon. Above all, if you keep salt on your table, reduce your usage.
Therefore, to have a healthy circulatory system, you should be aware of how what you’re eating and how many fluids that you’re consuming can affect your circulation. And for those suffering from poor circulation, they may have to drastically change their diets to improve their circulation and avoid future health complications.
