Running, biking or walking can help boost circulation—and the same goes for stretching before and after exercising. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can inhibit blood flow, destroy blood vessel walls, and cause plaque to accumulate in the veins. “The sooner you quit smoking, the sooner your health will improve,” says Dr.
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 ).
Pomegranate juice is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which research suggests can improve blood circulation. This juice also has nutrients, including vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels and can improve blood flow in that way.
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.
Packed with potassium, bananas can help improve blood flow by lowering blood pressure. Too much sodium in your diet can cause high blood pressure, but potassium helps the kidneys remove extra sodium from your body, which then passes through your urine. This helps relax blood vessels and enable blood flow.
One of these, in particular, vitamin B3, can help people improve blood circulation. Also called niacin, B3 reduces inflammation and bad cholesterol. The vitamin is also important for increasing blood vessel function. Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach are good sources of vitamin B nutrients.
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.
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.
7. 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.
Plaque buildup, blood clots or narrowed blood vessels can lead to poor circulation. When obstacles or narrow paths slow down blood flow, it's difficult for your body to send blood to every part of your body in an efficient way. Exercise and healthy food can help.
Blood travels through a network of passageways known as blood vessels. Any elements that cause a rise in cardiac output will increase blood flow. It is caused by an increase in stroke volume, heart rate, or both.
Rosemary essential oil is thought to improve blood circulation. Results of a 2009 in vitro study suggest that rosemary oil improves local blood circulation and relieves pain. According to the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy, other essential oils used to increase circulation are: clary sage.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are rich vegetarian sources of iron. Broccoli is rich in B-complex vitamin folic acid, that is required for making red blood cells in the body.
The test: Turn your palms upwards in front of you and stretch out your fingers, almost as if you're reaching for something just out of touch. If the creases in your palm are pale, regardless of skin tone, this may mean you're suffering from poor circulation in your blood vessels due to low iron levels.
Getting regular, low-impact exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can help you avoid further complications caused by poor blood circulation.