Heavy legs, cold hands or feet, oedema… The symptoms of poor circulation are numerous and can affect your comfort in a more or less serious way on a daily basis. Discover our 7 tips to improve your blood circulation!
Why do we have poor blood circulation?
The circulation of blood in the veins and arteries helps supply the tissues with oxygen and essential nutrients. Needless to say, the importance of the proper functioning of such a system! If you feel that your blood network is not fluid, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor. If you are unsure, here are some of the most common symptoms of poor blood circulation:
- Regularly, you have numb extremities or ants in your hands and feet;
- You often have cold hands or feet;
- Often, you notice the formation of edema in the legs (swelling, swollen ankles, etc.);
- You suffer from joint pain or muscle cramps;
- You feel very tired.
Tip n°1: Avoid trampling
The ultimate enemy of blood circulation, especially in the legs, is trampling. Especially common if you work in commerce, for example, it does not stimulate your blood circulation and can have short or long-term consequences on the proper functioning of your blood system. If you can avoid, prefer alternating between real steps and a static position.
Tip n°2: Choose certain foods
Like every small hassle related to the human body, poor blood circulation can be cured from within. This is because certain foods are known to stimulate blood circulation in the body. So remember to stock up on:
- dark chocolate at least 70%;
- ginger;
- watermelon;
- garlic;
- turmeric;
- cayenne pepper;
- green tea;
- salmon;
- Goji berries;
- red fruits;
- red cabbage;
- Figs;
- Plums;
- nut;
- organic eggs;
- Broccoli;
- spinach;
- wheat germ;
- citrus fruits;
- kiwi;
- parsley…
Tip n°3: Make a cure of food supplements
In the form of capsules, ampoules or herbal teas, some natural ingredients are particularly suitable for poor blood circulation. Red vine, Ginko Biloba turmeric, ginger… Abuse these very effective natural remedies to stimulate your blood system, in the form of a cure of a few days, when you feel the need.
- Red Vine – Particularly rich in antioxidants (flavonoids and resveratrol), the red vine relieves the symptoms of venous insufficiency and varicose veins;
- Ginko Biloba – This plant promotes the dilation of blood vessels and acts as an anti-coagulant which facilitates the circulation of blood in the body;
- Turmeric– This spice with many virtues is appreciated for its thinning power on the blood;
- Ginger– Stimulant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric acts as an anti-coagulant, which facilitates circulation.
Tip n°4: Avoid wearing tight clothes
Wearing tight clothing, especially in the groin and legs, can interfere with the proper functioning of blood circulation in the lower body. Slim jeans, tights, socks and underwear can compress the veins and slow down their oxygenation. The blood may then stagnate in the lower limbs and cause a feeling of numbness, heavy legs or varicose veins. So remember to wear loose clothing during periods of circulatory discomfort, especially if you spend the day sitting.
Tip n°5: Take cold showers
Cold water stimulates blood circulation and thus delays the appearance of varicose veins and other inconveniences. It will act on the pores of the skin by closing them. In this way, it helps to retain a maximum of oxygen in the blood, which facilitates its circulation. If you don’t have the courage to take a cold shower early in the morning, consider reducing the temperature of your shower slightly and end with a jet of cold water all over your body.t especially the legs.
Tip n°6: Lift your legs
The symptoms and consequences of poor blood circulation are mainly felt at the end of the day. The blood ends up in the legs and struggles to rise. One of the simplest tricks to put in place, and certainly the most effective, is to lie down with your legs elevated. On a couch or in your bed, set your legs up against a wall for several minutes or place a cushion under your feet. You can also apply this method during the night by sliding a pillow under your mattress at leg level. This trick will boost your blood circulation by allowing blood to flow better through your veins.
Tip n°7: Dry brushing
Coming from the Nordic countries, dry brushing is very fashionable. It helps eliminate dead skin, but also stimulates your blood circulation. Using a soft brush, before showering for example, make wide oval-shaped movements starting from the feet and going up towards the heart. Applied every day, this method significantly improves your circulatory comfort, especially if you slip into a cold shower right after!
