Poor circulation can be caused by any number of physical or physiological causes, and in turn, can be responsible for a wide variety of minor or major health problems. These range from cold, numb, or tingling feet, swelling in the feet, joint pain, and muscle cramping. It can also result in digestion problems and even premature cognitive impairment. Poor circulation can also be responsible for the accelerated development of visible varicose and spider veins.
Patients often overlook the benefits that a healthy and varied diet can bring to their general health, but many foods and supplements can have noticeable beneficial effects as a direct result of improving one’s general circulation. You can benefit from including the following items in your diet, whether or not you suffer from varicose veins or any of the other possible symptoms of poor circulation.
Ginger
Ginger is a traditional supplement known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It can help improve blood circulation, as well as reduce blood sugar levels. It’s effective when eaten raw, cooked, or used to infuse teas.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains several compounds that can help general health, including antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce blood sugar levels. Also known to help relax blood vessels and help to increase blood circulation.
Peppers
Cayenne pepper, in particular, contains capsaicin, well known as a metabolic stimulant. It can help prevent plaque buildup in blood vessels. It can be used raw or cooked.
Onions and Garlic
Onions are a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants, helping to increase blood flow. Garlic also contains allicin, a blood vessel relaxant, and helps prevent plaque build-up.
Pomegranate
Another rich source of antioxidants and nitrates, pomegranates dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Beets
Beets are rich in nitrates, which help the body relax blood vessel walls, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce high blood pressure readings.
Turmeric
The curcumin found in turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can also help relax blood vessel walls.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Green vegetables bring several health benefits; spinach, in particular, can help keep blood vessel walls flexible, in turn helping to lower blood pressure.
Tomatoes and Watermelons
Both contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to improved blood circulation.
Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruit is high in antioxidants and can help prevent blood clotting as well as improve circulation. Vitamin C also brings many other health benefits.
Berries and Grapes
Grapes and many berries are high in antioxidants, protecting blood vessel walls from damage and helping lower blood pressure.
Bananas
A rich source of potassium, bananas help to reduce levels of sodium in the body, increasing urine output and relaxing blood vessels, leading to lowered blood pressure.
Fatty Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids found in many oily fish bring several benefits, including improved heart function and circulation. Fish with high oil concentrations include mackerel, herring, salmon, and trout.
Dark Chocolate
The high levels of flavonoids found in dark chocolate can help stimulate blood circulation, in addition to other health benefits. In particular, choose chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa.
Nuts
Many nuts bring health benefits. Walnuts, in particular, are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 type fatty acid that protects blood vessel elasticity, leading to lowered blood pressure. Almonds are also high in antioxidants, helping to improve blood circulation.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care can help advise you on the most appropriate non-invasive procedure to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. We’re very experienced and medically qualified and can provide you with advice on how best to combine dietary changes with any of the wide range of procedures that we can perform. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have on the most effective ways to address whatever cosmetic problems trouble you, including helping to identify the underlying causes. We pride ourselves on offering the most effective (and cost-effective) ways to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation or visit us online for more information.
