Blood Circulation – Importance and Ways to Boost It

Posted on: Nov 1, 2022 | | Written by:

Blood Circulation – Importance and Ways to Boost It

Published on October 31, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Did you know that a lot of health issues you might be facing are because of poor blood circulation? Yes, your blood circulation affects every cell in your body. Blood vessels come together to form a highway system of sorts through which blood travels, delivering oxygen and other nutrients to all your organs. Which is why, proper blood circulation is immensely important for maintaining optimal health. Without it, our wounds won’t heal fast, our brains won’t be sharp, our immune systems won’t be strong, and our hearts won’t be healthy. Therefore, learn more about what causes poor blood circulation and how you can avoid it. Having a health insurance planis also important to protect your finances in case there is a medical emergency due to poor circulation or something else.

What Leads to Poor Blood Circulation?

Several conditions can lead to poor circulation, such as:

• Atherosclerosis:

One of the most common causes of poor circulation, atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque (fat and cholesterol) builds up in the arteries. As a result, arteries become narrow and hardened, thereby limiting blood flow. Atherosclerosis mostly affects the arteries of the heart, brain, arms and legs.

• Diabetes:

Over time, diabetes can affect blood vessels, leading to plaque build-up. If blood glucose levels are not controlled, diabetics are at increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and high blood pressure.

• Blood clots:

Blood can clot anywhere in the body leading to poor circulation. Sometimes, it can completely block the flow of blood. If a clot travels to other parts of the body, it can cause a stroke or heart attack. So, apart from boosting circulation, keep health insurance handy as well.

• Smoking:

Smoking damages your blood vessels which leads to poor blood flow. Smoking increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart diseases. It also increases the premium on medical insurance. So, avoid or stop smoking.

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD):

In PAD, arteries and blood vessels become narrow and hard, restricting blood flow in the legs. This condition is caused by atherosclerosis.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis:

In this condition, a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body, most commonly in the leg. If the clot breaks loose, it can cause a life-threatening blockage in the lung called a pulmonary embolism.

• Varicose veins:

When your blood pressure shoots up, it can cause damage to the veins. These damaged or varicose veins, found mostly on the back of the legs, cannot circulate blood as efficiently as the other veins, and so, proper circulation becomes a problem.

What You Can Do to Boost Your Circulation

• Exercise:

Cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, biking can help boost blood circulation. At least 30 minutes of exercise every day will improve your body’s ability to take in and use oxygen. It will help improve the capacity of the blood vessels to dilate and work efficiently. Remember to get a good health insurance plan with adequate coverage too, as no one can predict an emergency.

• Quit smoking:

According to the American Cancer Society, within 2 weeks to 3 months of quitting smoking, the circulation improves and lung function increases. The sooner you stop smoking, the sooner your blood circulation will improve.

• Green or black tea:

The antioxidants present in these teas help improve cardiovascular health and blood circulation. According to a study, while green tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues, black tea improves the health of blood vessels.

• Take more Omega-3 fatty acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids present in oily fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna are great for a healthy heart and help improve blood flow.

• Manage stress:

Stress is said to be a silent killer and can be a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Learn to manage stress by practicing yoga, meditation or just spend quality time with loved ones.

• Dry brush your body:

Yes, you are reading it right. We are talking about brushing your body with a soft-bristle brush before a shower to stimulate blood flow. Gently brush in long, upward strokes starting from your feet up to the heart.

• Wear compression socks:

Compression socks, recommended for varicose veins, will put pressure on the calves and feet, forcing the blood in that area to go back to the heart. These socks help create continuous flow of blood throughout the circulatory system. Also make sure you have an active health insurance plan so that in case of any complication or hospitalisation, you don’t become financially vulnerable.

• Elevate your legs:

Sitting or standing for long can lead to swelling or cramping in the legs. Keeping your legs elevated for just 20 minutes a day can help boost circulation.

• Eat iron-rich foods:

If you are iron-deficient, there are not enough red blood cells in your body to circulate oxygen throughout the body. Include iron rich foods such as spinach, legumes in your diet.

Importance of Proper Blood Circulation

Proper blood circulation is important for proper functioning of our organs. It ensures our organs get enough oxygen and nutrients. Proper circulation keeps our heart healthy, brain sharp and helps to heal wounds faster. If the circulation is poor, blood doesn’t circulate as efficiently and can harm the heart, brain, kidneys, etc. So, trying to boost it is a good idea. Also, in case of any medical emergencies due to poor blood circulation, your health insurance plans will shield your finances.

Conclusion

Blood flow is vital for our body to function well. There are many reasons for poor blood circulation but there are also ways to boost circulation, as mentioned above. If you experience any symptoms of poor blood flow such as numbness in the hands and feet, lack of energy or concentration, seek immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to many other health conditions. And if you have health insurance, you can breathe easy as all the hospital expenses will be taken care by the insurance provider.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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