The blood circulatory system (or cardiovascular system) delivers nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in your body. It consists of the heart and the blood vessels running through the entire body. The arteries carry blood away from the heart; the veins carry it back to the heart. All cells in the body need to receive oxygen and nutrients, and have their waste and cellular byproducts removed and cleared. This is the function of the circulatory system.
Let us understand the role of the circulatory system in our overall health while we deep dive into this topic.
Are circulation problems serious?
Yes, over time poor circulation can lead to a lack of oxygen reaching your vital organs such as the brain and the heart. Risks include cardiovascular failure, stroke, and complications such as infected skin, ulcers or blood clots.
Being overweight, smoking or drinking too much alcohol put you at greater risk of developing circulation problems.
If you have issues with your circulation, your body is less able to fight off disease as well. If you have poor circulation wounds tend to heal more slowly, and it takes longer to recover from illnesses. Other symptoms include varicose veins, ulcers in the legs or feet, digestive problems, memory loss, and fatigue. Elderly people with this condition and who are immobile are at greater risk of stroke and blood clots. Other risks include fatigue, lethargy and a lower life expectancy.
Can circulation problems cause neuropathy?
Yes. Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area. Neuropathy can occur when blood flow to the arms and legs is decreased or slowed by inflammation. It frequently begins in your hands and feet, however, other parts of the body can be affected too. Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy and is usually accompanied by poor blood circulation.
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis. This is often the result of compressed nerves, extreme coldness, a lack of magnesium, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Another obvious sign of poor circulation is swelling in the lower extremities.
If you or a loved one are dealing with poor circulation, one of the first symptoms you may notice is coldness in the legs and feet. As unpleasant as cold extremities are, poor circulation may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
Why is circulation important?
Circulation is important because it supplies the body’s vital organs with the oxygen and nutrients needed to operate. Proper circulation is key for maintaining optimal health. It also helps to heal wounds faster, keeps your brain sharp, keeps your heart healthy and it even gives your complexion a natural flush..
Are circulation boosters good for diabetics?
Yes. Anything that supports proper circulation can benefit diabetics. In this context, a circulation booster is a therapy or activity that can increase or support healthy circulation. Some examples of circulation boosters include: exercise, lots of good water, stress lowering activities, alkaline foods, or therapies that improve micro-circulation like the Avacen medical device.
How to help circulation?
There are many ways to boost your circulations such as increase in cardiovascular exercises like running, walking and biking. Perform regular cardiovascular exercise which is any exercise that raises your heart rate. This will get the blood flowing to your feet, legs, hands and other parts of your body.
Black and green tea contain antioxidants that can help increase the width of the blood vessels so your blood can flow more freely. Decreasing your stress and including omega- 3 fatty acids in your diet may also help.
Maintaining a healthy body and healthy circulation can make all the difference in your daily energy and desire to participate in your life and engage with the people around you. All it takes is a decision to switch one unhealthy habit with a new one until you are living the life you want to be living. Remember the old adage, “health is wealth” and take steps to increase your vitality and body wealth one day at a time!
