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From: The Lifestyle Blogger UK
Poor circulation can lead to many problems in your body if it’s not dealt with quickly, so the symptoms of poor circulation will show pretty quickly. The issue is knowing what to look out for and how to fix it!
What Is Poor Circulation?
If it doesn’t sound vague, poor circulation of your body can be compared with a home without adequate plumbing. Your body needs a constant supply of water to flush out waste and toxins removed and eliminated by your liver and kidneys. Your cells also require an adequate blood circulation to fetch them oxygen and other vital nutrients through healthy blood.But when you suffer from low blood circulation it may cause “hardening of the arteries” and peripheral artery disease. So in case you’ve left the problem of poor circulation untreated, organs like liver, brain, kidney, heart and lower limbs are at great risk.
Symptoms Of Poor Circulation – Quick verview
- Cold Feet & Hands
- Ulcers on the Legs
- Painful Cramps
- Hair Loss & Patchy Spots
- Swollen Feet & Ankles
- Numbness, Weakness & Swelling
- Exhaustion & Feeling Cold
- Poor Cognitive Function
- Weak Immune System
- Dry Skin
- Brittle Nails
- Constipation
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Weak Pulse in your Legs
- Angina Or Chest Pain
Most Common Causes Behind Poor Circulation
Your continued good health depends a lot on your adequate blood circulation. However, due to some specific medical conditions and lifestyle factors you may have poor blood circulation. It includes:- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Eating disorders
- Congestive heart failure or diabetes
Here are some warning signs prompted by your body that may be showing symptoms of poor circulation…
Read More: How Can Reflexology Benefit Your Health?
Cold Feet
Usually women are more affected by cold feet problem than men because they have a natural tendency of lower core body temperature. But your cold feet may also be due to poor blood circulation, thyroid condition or peripheral vascular disease.Hair Loss & Patchy Spots
If you notice hair loss or patchy spots on your scalp then it may indicate poor circulation. Circulation problems may also be caused by arteriosclerosis in which there will be no hair growth on your toes. In this case check for the pulse in your feet, if it is hard to find see your doctor.Ulcers On Legs
Ulcers developed in your body are one of the most common signs of poor circulation. It means blood is not reaching adequately to your lower limbs. Initially, it may be like a red or irritated rash which will eventually become an ulcer.Swollen Feet & Ankles
In case you observe swelling of feet, ankles or puffiness in hands, remember your poor circulation interfering with the kidneys, may be behind it.If you have to be sitting down for long periods of time, try rocking your feet backwards and forwards on the floor. From tip toes, to the backs of your heels. You could also try wiggling your toes, or scrunching them up and straightening them out. This will help to keep the blood flowing in your lower limbs. Ideally, getting up and moving around would be a better option if possible.
Painful Cramps
Your thigh, hip or calf muscles may experience painful cramps after exercising or on walking some distance at in speed. However, on taking rest it may get better. So these cramps can also suggest you are suffering from poor circulation.Numbness, Weakness & Swelling
When your organs aren’t receiving an adequate supply of blood on a regular basis, it may cause a feeling of weakness, numbness and swelling in those areas.If you ever feel any of these symptoms, try getting up and moving around. Do some stretches, go for a walk, or even give yourself a massage to help get the blood flowing.
Exhaustion & Feeling Cold
Blood is just like fuel for your body. This is needed to maintain optimum energy and temperature levels. In case, blood supply is restricted, it may lead to lethargy, exhaustion, laziness and you may start feeling colder.Poor Cognitive Function
If you observe difficulty while concentrating or problems coming up with your short and long-term memory, it may be due to reduced blood flow in your brain.As the brain depends on blood for proper functioning, poor blood flow in this part of your body may cause poor cognitive functions.
Weak Immune System
Antibodies found in blood are responsible to fight off infection in your body. When blood flow gets restricted, you may be easily affected by infections due to weak immune system. Also, your cuts, wounds or grazes would take more time to heal.A great way to boost your immune system is by eating more fruits and veggies. They are generally packed with all the nutrients your body needs, including vitamin c which will help improve your immune system over time.
Dry Skin
Your skin is the mirror of your wellbeing. So when your skin appears dry or you notice blotches and blemishes in the skin, it may not be getting enough nutrition due to poor blood flow.Of course you can try to moisturise your skin more often, however, that only solves the issue on the outside. To combat dry skin on the inside, try drinking more water and including more healthy fats in to your diet.
Brittle Nails
Weak and brittle nails also suggest you are not getting adequate blood supply.If you have brittle nails, you could also try adding in more calcium to your diet, moisturise your hands, and nails more often, and don’t wear nail varnish.
Constipation
A slow rate of your digestive processes leading to constipation is also an indication for poor blood circulation throughout the body.By drinking more water, you should start to see your constipation subside. The water will help to get things moving through your digestive tract.
Erectile Dysfunction
Sometimes men suffering from poor blood circulation may find difficulties in getting an erection because of insufficient blood flow in their reproductive organs. These erectile problems may be due to one or multiple clogged, blocked or narrowed arteries in your lower extremities.Weak Pulse In Your Legs
Researchers suggest that if the pulse in your legs has become weak, especially in your groin areas, it may be due to poor blood circulation.To combat this, you could start to wear compression socks to help increase blood flow. Another way to help this would be to either elevate your legs when sitting down, or to do more exercise. A gentle walk should help to keep things moving. However, if you can’t do exercise, even doing a few stretches, or foam rolling should help.
Angina Or Chest Pain
When blood flow is restricted to muscles of your heart, there may be a very tight, heavy feeling in the chest. This symptom may be angina, sometimes radiating across your arms, jaw, neck or back.If you have an experience of chest pain just like this, you should immediately contact your doctor to prevent a potentially life-threatening problem.
How Do You Fix Poor Circulation Issues?
- Implement cardiovascular exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Drink green tea
- Eat iron-rich foods
- Dry brush your body
- Reduce stress as much as possible
- Include Omega-3 fatty acids in to your diet
- Wear compression socks
- Elevate your legs
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