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Do you sometimes find that certain parts of your body, especially your feet and toes, feel numb or tingly? Do you find that your hands and feet are often cold, even in warmer months? If so, it may be due to poor blood circulation.
Not only can poor blood circulation bring on uncomfortable symptoms, it can be a major health risk as well.
But there are natural ways you can improve the efficiency of your blood circulation, which will, in turn, promote a healthy and strong cardiovascular system. Having this system of the heart, blood vessels, arteries and capillaries work optimally is critical for good health. After all, when your blood doesn’t circulate well, your body cannot receive all of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to repair and thrive.
Here are some things you can do, starting today, to get your blood pumping better!
Stop Smoking
One of the absolute worst things you can do for your heart is to smoke. Smoking (and even being around secondhand smoke) can weaken your heart’s ability to properly pump blood throughout your body. So, if you don’t smoke – great – never start; and if you do currently smoke, quit as soon as possible.
Wear Shoes That Fit Well
So many people, especially women, will cram their poor feet into ill-fitting shoes simply because they look good or go with their outfit. But, because ill-fitting shoes compress your feet, toes, and ankles, they decrease your blood circulation.
Shoes that do not fit properly may also cause swelling in the feet and legs, which further interferes with circulation. Always make sure your shoes are fitted properly by a professional before wearing them out of the store.
Exercise
There’s a reason why people jump up and down during winter months – it’s a quick way to get the blood pumping and to naturally warm up your body. Exercise is good for us in so many ways, one of the greatest being it improves our circulation.
Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle (one in which less than 30 minutes per day is spent being physically active) can lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and decreasing blood circulation. While all exercise is beneficial, aerobic exercise raises the heart rate, thereby instantly increasing blood circulation.
The best part is, you don’t have to force yourself to run five miles a day or go to a spinning class three times a week. Walking is one of the best exercises to strengthen the heart and get the blood moving.
As a side note – drinking plenty of water every day is necessary to help you maintain normal blood volume for good circulation.
Stop Stressing
Easier said than done. Or is it?
The effects of stress on the body have been well-documented. The primary reason stress is so bad for the circulatory system is because it typically causes people to participate in behaviors that are bad for the heart and blood vessels. When we’re stressed we eat too much, smoke too much, and lay on the couch binge-watching shows about zombies.
Stress is a part of life and we’ve got to get better at handling it, for our health’s sake. There are simple things you can do every day or each week to help you unwind and relax:
- Meditate
- Yoga
- A warm bath
- Get a massage (with aromatherapy oils0
- Take up an enjoyable hobby
- Spend quality time with friends and family
[Editor’s note: If you’ve tried some of these relaxation methods with little or no results, you’ll be excited to learn about Sonic Wave Relaxation Therapy – it’s fun and takes only minutes a day. Click Here for more info on this revolutionary new relaxation method.]
Work on That Posture
Do you know what one of the biggest culprits of poor circulation is? Bad spinal alignment. Sitting in front of a computer all day, slouching in an uncomfortable chair, is a surefire way to wreak havoc on your posture and spine.
Here are some ways to improve your posture and alignment:
- Follow your mother’s advice and sit up straight with feet flat on the floor.
- Use those ab muscles to support your frame.
- Keep those shoulders rolled back.
- Imagine a helium balloon tied to the top of your head, gently pulling it toward the ceiling.
Now, the key is to practice good posture every day. Don’t expect that after one day of doing the above bullet points, you will magically have proper posture for the rest of your life. Like anything worthwhile, you’ve got to practice and keep at it. Over time, proper alignment will happen naturally.
Get to the Root
The next time you write your grocery list, add ginger, onions and garlic to it. These three ingredients are not only incredibly delicious, they are excellent for your circulatory system.
Fresh ginger root is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, improves digestion, and can soothe all forms of nausea. Garlic and onions contain organosulfur compounds which help the body to fight off infection, eliminate toxins from the liver and blood, and can even keep biting insects away. Sure, you may need a few extra breath mints, but your heart will thank you for eating more of these!
Your circulation is what’s keeping you alive and healthy, and these 6 natural methods can help you improve yours starting today.
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