Having poor circulation can be due to a number of health conditions. This can affect anyone, especially in winter, as the weather gets colder, blood flow around the body can slow down. Having numb fingers and toes during the winter months might not just be because of the cold weather, but maybe a sign of poor circulation. If this is you then this season can be a real struggle as you experience uncomfortable symptoms and have trouble remaining warm. If you’re unsure about whether your symptoms are due to the miserable months or because of a more serious health condition such as restricted blood flow, then keep reading. In this blog we explore how to improve circulation and help you live more comfortably during these freezing months.
What Is Poor Circulation?
Before we delve into how to increase circulation, we must explore what it is. Poor circulation basically restricts blood flow to different parts of the body. This can occur when something interrupts the circulatory system that transfers blood, containing oxygen and nutrients, all over your body. If something interrupts this system, for example, damage to a capillary that affects areas in which your blood gets delivered, this can make it difficult for blood to reach parts of your body. This can affect your toes and fingers, causing coldness and numbness since these are the furthest from your heart. Since blood and oxygen become difficult to reach these parts of the body, it can result in them not being able to function well. This is why looking at how to increase circulation in feet and hands could be beneficial in mitigating these symptoms.
Symptoms Of Poor Circulation
If you’re looking at how to increase blood flow, first we must take a look at some of the symptoms of poor circulation:
- Cold fingers and toes
- Bulging veins
- Pins and needles
- Pale or blue skin colour
- Swelling
- Chest pain
- Ulcers on legs and feet
What Causes Poor Circulation?
Poor circulation can affect anyone, however those over 40 are more likely to suffer. Being overweight, lifestyle choices and certain health conditions like diabetes can also be a contributor. If you’re wondering how to increase circulation, then first we must decide what’s causing this condition so you can receive the necessary treatment.
- Raynaud’s disease
Commonly affecting the fingers, toes, hands and feet, Raynaud’s disease is a chronic condition that affects around 10 million people in the UK. This condition often causes pins and needles, numbness, discoloration and blisters in these areas, that can be painful to live with. These symptoms often occur after being exposed to extreme low temperatures and can also become worse in winter, as the cold weather can make it harder and longer for blood to reach the furthest parts of the body.
- Varicose veins
Varicose veins are bulging veins that appear on the legs. When there is excessive pressure placed on blood vessels in the lower parts of the body, or blood vessels are damaged, this can lead to varicose veins developing. Most common people who are affected are elderly people, or those suffering from obesity. Moreover, this condition can be extremely uncomfortable to live with as it causes heaviness, burning and aching in the legs.
- Diabetes
Diabetes can cause damage to your blood vessels due to having too much glucose in your bloodstream. Damaged nerves and blood vessels can negatively affect circulation, particularly in the arms, legs, hands and feet. If your poor circulation is due to diabetes not only will you have cold and numb hands, but you may also experience cracked skin, slow wound healing and brittle nails.
- Blood clots
Blood clots are serious and can even be fatal in some cases. This is because blood clots can block blood flow partly or all together. Anyone can develop a blood clot and they can occur in any part of the body, those that develop in the legs or arms can lead to problems with circulation. People who are more at risk are those who have trouble with mobility or spend long periods sitting or not moving. If you have pain, swelling or heat in an affected area this could mean you have a blood clot. When looking at how to improve circulation in legs, if you think you have a blood clot it’s crucial that you see a doctor immediately as this can lead to more serious problems.
- Obesity
Those who are obese can have increased risk of problems with circulation, and should look at how to increase blood flow. This is because the buildup of fat in the blood vessels can make it more difficult for blood to travel around the body efficiently. Not only that, but being obese can increase the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, varicose veins and inflammation, which can all lead to circulatory problems.
How To Improve Blood Circulation Naturally
If you think you suffer from poor circulation and are wondering how to improve blood circulation naturally, then here are some lifestyle changes you can make that can help to improve your health and overall wellbeing.
- Supplements
Consuming certain health supplements to improve circulation is an effective way to achieve this. Supplements, particularly enzymes, can increase blood flow, cardiovascular health and improve your overall well-being. Here are some of the best supplements for circulation from Advanced Supplements you should definitely try.
Nattovena
If you’re looking at how to increase circulation, Nattovena is a fantastic option. This supplement contains high concentration of pure nattokinase which helps support circulatory and heart health. It does this by promoting a healthy blood clot formation, as well as properly breaking down clots that could cause damage to your circulatory system. By maintaining normal fibrinolytic activity, clots dissolve adequately thus supporting healthy blood flow.
Neprinol
Neprinol on the other hand is an effective blood cleanse. Neprinol has been shown to thin the blood which can improve circulation. This is because it decreases the chance of developing blood clots. Since the blood is thinner, this helps the blood travel around the body smoother and more efficiently, thus improving circulation. It is also adept at removing fibrinous plaque build ups which can appear on artery walls over time, due to this it can mean more blood can flow easier around the body.
- Exercise
Making sure that you stay active and move around enough can help improve your circulatory health. Not only does exercise improve circulation by helping blood flow around the body, but it can also improve your cardiovascular health, helping blood pump throughout the body smoother and easier.
- Massage your legs
If you’re looking at how to improve circulation in legs then, you should consider a leg massage. Massaging your legs is an effective way to warm up and de-stress, by adding pressure to your strokes you can help shift fluid through your lower body, thus improving circulation.
- Drink water
Staying hydrated will provide you with many health benefits, but did you know that this can improve your circulation? This is because when we are properly hydrated, it’s easier for our hearts to pump blood around our body. Dehydration leads to blood thickening which can be harder to circulate around the body, due to the excessive sodium. It’s recommended that we should be drinking around 8 glasses of water a day in order to stay properly hydrated.
- Quit smoking
The chemicals in cigarettes can be extremely detrimental to our health, and can even damage our blood vessels. These damaged blood vessels make it more difficult for blood to circulate the body, which can lead to circulatory issues.
- Cut out alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake causes veins to expand and constrict which prevents blood from being pumped throughout the body. In order to achieve effective blood flow, restricting alcohol consumption to 14 units a week or less, can help improve your circulation.
Why Should You Improve Circulation In The Body?
If you’re looking at how to increase blood flow and want to try any of the methods mentioned above, it’s important that you seek professional medical advice first. As circulation problems can be due to more serious health conditions that should be addressed, it’s important to understand the cause before trying any treatments. If you’re looking for the best supplements to increase circulation problems, then look no further! Shop our range of enzymes on Advanced Supplements today, and improve your circulation this winter!
