Poor circulation

Natural remedy to improve poor circulation and prevent circulatory system problems.

What is Poor Circulation?

Circulatory system problems arise when there is limited blood flow to the legs, hands, heart and rest of the body, including the fingers, toes and feet. The blood vessels become blocked as a fatty substance called plaque builds up and hardens and constricts the walls of the arteries and veins. This interrupts the normal flow of blood through the vessels and results in poor circulation.A variety of conditions can be brought on by poor circulation such as high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, kidney damage, aneurysms, arteriosclerosis, Raynaud’s disease and phlebitis.

Poor Blood Circulation in Babies and Children

While adults tend to have the majority of circulation problems, babies and children can suffer from poor circulatory conditions as well. Since the heart is the primary organ in the circulatory system, responsible for pulmonary and systemic functioning, infants born with complex congenital heart defects are especially prone to experiencing difficulties.Whether or not temporary or corrective surgical interventions were performed for this condition, any defect in normal blood flow can have a significant impact on a child’s physical and mental development, from growth to behavioral and academic performance.

Poor Circulation during Pregnancy

Many women experience circulation changes during the second and third trimesters, which tend to affect the legs and result in cramping. This is likely attributed to the added weight of the baby and subsequent stress of the leg muscles. Consult your doctor if you experience sudden redness, swelling, or warmth.Stretching the legs before bed or before a long period of sitting such as on a plane can help ease common stiffness that leads to cramping. Try not to stay in one position for too long; get up to move around whenever possible. Regular exercise, including mild walking, can also help keep the blood flowing.Some woman may also experience light-headedness, as blood pressure shifts naturally during pregnancy. Avoid sudden movements like sitting up too quickly, and while resting, lie on your side rather than your back. Extreme dizziness or prolonged light-headedness should be reported to your doctor.

The Effects of Poor Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation can impact the entire body, including:

• Effects upon the brain – poor blood circulation can impact the brain causing fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and frequent and unexplained headaches.
• Effects upon the heart – poor blood circulation can have an impact on the heart, causing inability to perform simple aerobic activities like climbing stairs without breathlessness; high blood pressure and cholesterol, and chest pain can be other symptoms. Heart attack and stroke are major risks of poor circulation that remains untreated.
• Effects upon the liver – symptoms of poor blood circulation in the liver can include lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss, and changes in skin tone.
• Effects upon the kidneys – poor circulation to the kidneys are typically the result when there is swelling of the hands, feet and ankles. Other symptoms can include fatigue, altered heart rate and rise in blood pressure.
• Effects upon the limbs – with poor circulation, cramps in the limbs, numbness and varicose veins can appear as symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Poor Circulation?

Symptoms and signs of poor circulation may include:

•     Numbness or loss of sensation or tingling in the hands, feet, or toes
•     Changes in skin temperature (cold hands, feet, legs, and ears)
•     Fatigue (Lack of or Low Energy)
•     Hair Loss
•     Vertigo or Dizziness
•     Dry Skin
•     Edema or Swelling in the feet, legs and/or fingers
•     Varicose Veins, Leg Ulcers and Foot Ulcers
•     Headaches
•     Muscle Cramps and Pain
•     Dandruff
•     Itching, especially Itchy Skin on Hands, Legs, or Feet
•     Changes in the color of the skin (it becomes more pale, bluish, or reddish- also known as (cyanosis – an indication of inadequate oxygen delivery)
•     Cramping in Legs, Buttocks or Feet During Activity
•     Lower Leg Pain or Claudication
•     Poor discernment of temperature and pain
•     Skin breakdowns, Infection and sores do not heal as well as they should
•     Shortness of Breath
•     Irregular Heart Beats
•     Sluggish memory
•     Lack of stamina

What Causes Poor Circulation?

Circulatory system problems can be caused by certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors and behaviors. Other factors that contribute to circulatory system problems are tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, poor eating habits, insufficient exercise and sitting in a cramped position or no movement for long periods (also known as Economy Class Syndrome/DVT – deep vein thrombosis).

Medical Causes of Poor Circulation

•     Pregnancy
•     Smoking
•     Complications from Flying
•     Anxiety
•     Diabetes
•     Poor Diet
•     High Cholesterol
•     Thyroid Disease
•     Weight Gain
•     High Blood Pressure
•     Obesity
•     Heart Disorders
•     Circulatory Disorders
•     Blood Vessel Disorders
•     Artery and Vein Disorders
•     Arterial Insufficiency/Hardening of the Arteries (Artherosclerosis)
•     Intermittent Claudication
•     Thrombophlebitis
•     Nerve Disorders
•     Anemia
•     Asthma
•     Bronchitis
•     Pneumonia
•     Blocked Blood Vessels
•     Emphysema
•     Eating disorders
•     Food Allergies

Diagnosing Poor Circulation

The diagnosis will be based on the patient’s medical history, family history and lifestyle. The doctor has to determine the root cause of the circulatory disorder before administering treatment.

Treatments for Poor Circulation

Circulatory system problems can be treated with conventional medication, lifestyle changes as well as natural and alternative therapies. The primary objective is to prevent circulatory problems, relieve swelling, pain and speed healing. Mild cases of bad circulation usually require an aerobic exercise program, a healthy eating plan and a low dose of aspirin.

Foods to Improve Circulation

• Fruits and vegetables of any kind are good for your health, particularly oranges, which provide high levels of bioflavonoids to promote blood flow while also strengthening capillaries, as well as watermelon, a natural source of lycopene, which has been known to help prevent plaque buildup, a common hindrance to blood flow, to help promote healthy circulation.
• Nuts are rich in vitamin B3, which helps boost the blood.
• Garlic also helps promote circulation.
• Avoid saturated and trans fats, as well as sugary sodas or fruit drinks. This will help thin the blood so that it passes more easily through the small blood vessels.

Exercises for Poor Circulation

Regular physical activity is a great way to help improve circulation. If you are not already active, consult with your doctor first before starting any new program. Most people can begin with mild exercise and gradually advance to more rigorous activity. Walking, swimming, and biking are all good to get the blood pumping.