8 Natural Ways to Improve Blood Circulation

Poor blood circulation can cause a range of painful symptoms. Such as muscle cramps, numbness and tingling sensations, aches and pains, digestive issues, fatigue, and more. Are you curious to experience natural ways to improve blood circulation?

If you have reached the point of experiencing some serious ill-effects due to poor blood circulation, your doctor may prescribe some medication to help.

If you’re starting to notice the symptoms of poor circulation, or have been told to make some lifestyle changes, there are plenty of natural ways to increase your blood circulation.

Most of which involve living a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and so on. So, it’s a win-win.

Here are 8 natural ways to improve blood circulation to help you start today:

Exercise

When you exercise, the blood vessels supplying blood to your muscles dilate. This increases the amount of blood flow and circulation to your muscles in your body.

Your muscles need more glucose, amino acids, and oxygen to support the work you’re putting on them. As you consume these nutrients, lactic acid production begins. This lactic acid must move out to your liver. This cycle demands greater blood circulation during exercise.

Drink Tea

Apart from water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage worldwide. It’s readily available, and studies have proven that tea can help improve your blood circulation. It’s the antioxidants in tea like catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids that are responsible for expanding the arteries to improve the flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body.

With hundreds of teas to choose from, black tea and green tea are two of the best. A study published in the AHA journal on Circulation found that black tea is associated with improved blood flow and lowers the chance of coronary artery disease. While green tea has one of the highest amounts of antioxidants.

Don’t Sit for Long Periods

There have been numerous studies into the negative health effects of sitting for long periods, of which poor circulation is one. A study carried out by researchers at John Moores University in the UK showed that sitting for long periods reduces blood flow function.

Most of us have to sit during the day for our jobs. However, by taking regular breaks to stand and take a walk for just two minutes at a time can improve your blood circulation.

Get a Massage

There is a long list of reasons why you should treat yourself to a nice relaxing massage, and improved blood circulation is one of them.

As a massage therapist applies pressure on the areas of your body they work on, they stimulate better blood flow and circulation. This is because a massage stimulates your body to flush lactic acid and lymph fluid. Which improves body function, and they can unblock congested areas with specific techniques. Getting a massage is one of the most natural ways to improve blood circulation while also promoting relaxation.

Eat Oily Fish

Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Which are known to improve blood circulation and cardiovascular health.

These fats stimulate the release of nitric oxide, which dilates your blood vessels and increases blood circulation. You don’t have to eat fish, because fish oil supplements are readily available and do the same thing.

Eat the Right Spices

There are some spices you can add to your cooking or take with a drink that can help improve blood circulation. Some of the more popular spices include:

Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne contains capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the release of nitric oxide which helps dilate your blood vessels.

Turmeric – Turmeric also stimulates your body to produce more nitric oxide. This is due to a compound called curcumin found in this spice.

Cinnamon – Studies show that cinnamon relaxes your blood vessels. This promotes better blood flow and circulation, and in particular, the blood supply to your heart.

Ginger – Ginger is also known to reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation.

Lose Weight If Necessary

Being overweight can reduce blood circulation. Likewise, losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can improve it. A study carried out in 2009 found that weight loss increased adiponectin levels in the subjects being followed.

Adiponectin is a hormone involved in regulating glucose levels and breaking down fatty acids. The higher your adiponectin level, the more effective these compounds are at expanding your blood vessels and increasing circulation.

Eat Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits are rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids.

Flavonoids found in citric fruits stimulates the production of nitric oxide, while reducing inflammatory markers. Both are positive health effects that contribute to improved blood circulation.

Looking for other natural ways to improve your wellbeing? Read more of our healthcare articles for better health and happiness.