Poor Blood Circulation: Everything You Need to Know

Poor blood circulation, also known as peripheral vascular disease, is a medical condition that occurs when blood flow to certain organs or parts of the body decreases drastically. Why does this occur? There are many causes, but the most common are obstruction of the blood vessels, increased rigidity of the walls of these same vessels, or a combination of both.

However, not all organs or parts of the body are affected in the same way by this problem. Indeed, poor blood circulation mainly concerns the extremities of the body such as the legs and arms. And how does it manifest itself? Poor circulation is recognized by varied but fairly characteristic symptoms such as pain in the limbs, numbness, muscle cramps and a permanent feeling of cold in the affected areas. Be careful, this is a condition that can quickly become serious if it is not treated: skin ulcers, more or less serious infections and even in the most extreme situations, gangrene, can ensue.

How does poor blood circulation affect the human body?

Poor blood circulation is a condition in which blood flow could be slowed or blocked. This could occur due to several factors including heart disease, diabetes, obesity or simply aging.

Blood circulation is vital for basic bodily functions, carrying oxygen and essential nutrients to your cells. Poor circulation can therefore have detrimental effects on your health. To understand the consequences of poor circulation, think of your body as a complex machine, and the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients as fuel.

Very often, the symptoms of poor circulation can be multifactorial and vary depending on the underlying cause. However, there are some signs that seem to be constantly present and can help you identify this common health problem. You may experience nighttime pain and cramps , especially in the legs, a common sign that can be easily overlooked. This is not just regular pain, it often occurs after physical exertion and improves with rest.

Feelings of numbness or coldness in your hands or feet can also be a warning sign. As blood has difficulty reaching the extremities of your body, this can cause these unpleasant sensations. In addition, changes in skin color are commonly observed, changing from blue or purple to reddish when your leg or arm is lifted.

Additionally, varicose veins, a condition where veins become enlarged, twisted, and filled with blood, are usually the result of poor circulation. Not to mention foot or leg ulcers, which are open sores that do not heal or take a long time to heal, often caused by poor blood circulation or venous insufficiency . The appearance of these ulcers should be addressed immediately to your doctor.

Feeling constantly tired even after adequate rest could also be a symptom. If you find that your energy levels remain low despite eating adequately and getting enough sleep, this could point to poor circulation. Finally, decreased cognitive function, including difficulty concentrating and remembering, can also be a sign. This is because poor circulation slows the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, leading to decreased mental performance.

What are the main factors that cause poor blood circulation?

We encounter a range of factors that predispose us to poor blood circulation. On the one hand, we have certain major health problems including hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases such as heart failure or myocardial infarction, not to mention atherosclerosis which corresponds to an accumulation of plaque in the arteries. These conditions hinder the proper circulation of blood and can give rise to serious complications.

Furthermore, it is worth highlighting the harmful role of certain daily lifestyle habits. Smoking, for example, causes many lung and heart diseases and is an aggravating factor in poor blood circulation. The same goes for excessive alcohol consumption and a diet rich in saturated fats, which can contribute to obstruction of blood vessels.

Additionally, certain physical conditions also impact your circulation. Pregnancy is one such example, which puts additional strain on your circulatory system. Similarly, obesity puts a strain on your veins and arteries, restricting blood flow. Finally, simply sitting or standing for long periods of time can slow down your circulation, causing swelling, pain, and sometimes varicose veins.

How can lifestyle changes help manage poor circulation?

There is no doubt that your lifestyle choices have a remarkable impact on your health, especially on your blood circulation. It is reassuring to know that a number of habits that can harm your blood circulation can be changed if necessary.

For example, we all know how bad smoking is for your circulation. By making the decision to quit smoking, you can see a significant improvement in your circulation. At the same time, choosing a diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will also help improve circulation.

Regular exercise is another habit to encourage. You don't need to go for a hard workout, just a walk, yoga or other gentle activities will do. The most important thing is to stay active to promote good circulation.

The art of relaxation is also very important. Stress, in fact, can amplify circulation problems. For this, adopting stress reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can be valuable.

In short, a change in your lifestyle can do wonders in improving your blood circulation. Sure, it takes effort and discipline, but the benefits to your health are incalculable.

Are there any natural solutions to improve blood circulation?

Indeed, there are several natural solutions that can help improve blood circulation. These methods are accessible and can be integrated into your daily life without any inconvenience.

First, regular physical activity is considered the best remedy for poor blood circulation. Walking, running, cycling or swimming, all these exercises can help you boost the efficiency of your circulatory system. They contribute to the health of the heart, the organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

By eating a balanced diet, you can improve your blood circulation. More specifically, eat foods rich in omega 3, such as oily fish, flax seeds and walnuts. These nutrients contribute to the fluidity of the blood and prevent the formation of clots in the blood vessels. Also, don't forget fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, which strengthen the walls of the blood capillaries.

Relaxation and stress reduction are also essential, as stress can interfere with proper blood circulation. Take time to relax and engage in calming activities such as yoga or meditation.

These lifestyle tips can make a big difference in how your blood circulation works. So why not give them a try today? Remember, though, that if you have any doubts or worrying symptoms, you should always consult a healthcare professional.

Can dietary supplements help?

In fact, dietary supplements can play a beneficial role in poor circulation. They often contain essential vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen veins and arteries, helping blood flow more easily throughout the body.

Supplements rich in vitamin C and E, or omega 3 for example, are known for their antioxidant properties that can help protect blood vessels from damage. Similarly, those containing gingko biloba or horse chestnut are often recommended to improve circulation.

There are many ideal solutions in the Naturveda range:

• GINKGO BILOBA Organic fresh bud macerate : Ginkgo biloba has distinguished itself for its ability to stimulate blood circulation, particularly in the extremities such as the legs and arms. It is a valuable ally in reducing the symptoms associated with poor circulation, such as feelings of heavy legs , cramps and feeling cold.
• OMEGA 3, EPA-DHA Premium : Known for their beneficial role in supporting cardiovascular health, Omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce blood triglycerides, support good HDL cholesterol and promote overall heart health. Omega 3 can also help maintain healthy blood circulation.
• Comfort Circulation : Natural and innovative, COMFORT CIRCULATION is a food supplement specially formulated to promote healthy and efficient blood circulation. Its unique blend of Ayurvedic plants, all recognized for their beneficial properties on blood circulation, offers a natural and holistic approach to support comfortable blood circulation.