Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are packed with antioxidants, including flavonoids. Consuming flavonoid-rich citrus fruits may decrease inflammation in your body, which can reduce blood pressure and stiffness in your arteries while improving blood flow and nitric oxide production ( 37 ).
Poor circulation isn't a condition in itself but can result from various conditions. The most common causes include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues. If you have signs and symptoms of poor circulation, it's essential to treat the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.
Because they are rich in potassium, bananas help the body's circulatory system deliver oxygen to the brain. This also helps the body maintain a regular heartbeat, lower blood pressure and a proper balance of water in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Trans fats, saturated fats, excess salt, and added sugars can all negatively impact circulation. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, and nuts may help improve circulation. Exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking also help improve circulation.
Staying hydrated helps circulation by improving blood flow throughout the body. Warm water is particularly beneficial as it encourages the veins to expand, thus allowing more room for blood to flow.
Vasodilators are medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. They affect the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins, preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing. As a result, blood flows more easily through the vessels. The heart doesn't have to pump as hard, reducing blood pressure.
Fruits: Raisins, prunes, dried figs, apricots, apples, grapes and watermelons not only get the red blood cells flowing but also improve the blood count. Citrus fruits like oranges, amla or Indian gooseberry, lime and grapefruit help to attract iron. They play a very important role in increasing blood count.
Research has shown that in most parts of the body, caffeine acts as a vasodilator by stimulating the release of nitric oxide. That means it widens blood vessels to increase blood flow and improve circulation. Both can help prevent heart problems and the development of heart disease.
Honey intake may help the arteries in the heart dilate, increasing blood flow to the heart. Honey intake also may help prevent the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Under the precepts of Chinese medicine, balance is key, and hot or warm water is considered essential to balance cold and humidity; in addition, it is believed to promote blood circulation and toxin release.
Symptoms of poor circulation are often easy to spot. They include muscle cramping, constant foot pain, and pain and throbbing in the arms and legs. As well as fatigue, varicose veins, and digestive issues. Leg cramps while walking and wounds that don't seem to heal in your legs, feet, and toes are also symptoms.
Ginger has been known to improve body circulation, because it contains magnesium, chromium, and zinc — all minerals known to improve blood flow. Ginger can also help you reduce your flu and cold symptoms if you are feeling under the weather.
“Black tea has cardio-protective benefits that can improve blood vessel function and blood flow,” says Mintz. He also notes this is due to polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants found in plants like tea lives, which research suggests can help prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels.
Compared to men and women who got less than one serving per month, women consuming at least two servings of yogurt per week were 17 percent less likely to develop heart and circulatory conditions, and men were 21 percent less likely.
Makes the heart healthy
Milk also has magnesium and potassium that can help lessen blood pressure and increase blood flow to vital organs that reduces the pressure on the heart as well as the cardiovascular system.
It is one of the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. When your body is not able to produce enough red blood cells it leads to poor circulation of oxygen to different body parts. This condition can make you feel tired and weak. It can even lead to anemia.
Also, keep in mind that honey is a type of sugar, so consuming it will cause your blood sugar levels to rise ( 20 , 21 ). Plus, eating large quantities of honey, especially consistently over a long period, can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
It works as a natural laxative, boosts metabolism, improves memory, helps in combating seasonal flu, allergies, fever, cold, sore throat and has anti- carcinogenic properties, which prevent several types of cancer.
The recommendation for a healthy person, without weight problems, and who does not base his diet on an excessive consumption of sugars would be to take a maximum of one small spoon of honey a day. This is approximately 10 to 12 grams of honey.