Your body has a built-in roadway system that distributes the blood. This blood acts as a logistics partner to any organs, which deliver nutrients, oxygen, and energy.
The blood carries these essential goods to make sure that every part of the body is functioning well, keeping you healthy and thriving.
This roadway allows all organs and parts of your body to be well-nourished and interconnected with each other.
From your brain to your toes, balanced blood circulation is like the moving economy of your body. It will cause great damage once it is blocked, slowed down, or unequally distributed.
Poor blood circulation is not something to be disregarded. At times, your body cannot possibly recover from it.
Much worse is that your body becomes vulnerable to chronic illnesses. Developed over time due to the effects of obstructed blood circulation. The worst outcome? Getting heart complications.
Know these health warnings earlier. Here are the 10 signs that your body has poor blood circulation.
Cold Feet and Hands
Do you experience where your hands or feet get cold, while the rest of your body is hot? That’s one thing to know that you have poor blood circulation.
This happens because the warm blood took too long to reach your hands or feet. The blood flow may appear blocked or circulate slowly.
To reduce having cold hands or feet, wear warm socks, and wiggle your toes. And shake your fingers throughout or at any time of the day.
You can also do some light stretching, allowing the warm blood to be transported to the hands or feet immediately
Having the Feeling of Tingling and Numbness
If you feel like having a sensation of pins and needles in your feet or hands, this can be a sign of poor blood circulation.
It happened because the nerves failed to get sufficient oxygen-rich blood.
Another scenario that contributed to the poor blood circulation is having narrower blood vessels and slower flow.
To reduce the feeling of tingling and numbness, you must reduce leg crossing and sitting for longer periods. Moving regularly through exercise or stretching can also improve blood circulation.
Swelling Legs or Ankles
Poor circulation can also cause swollen legs or ankles. Due to poor blood circulation, fluid pooling may appear out of nowhere.
This condition is connected to a kidney strain or a heart problem. Others call it edema.
To reduce the frequent swelling of legs and ankles, reduce salt intake, and stay hydrated.
You can also elevate your legs every day for 15 minutes as part of your routine. Elevating the legs helps the blood to go back from its source.
Low in Energy, High in Body Fatigue
Poor blood circulation makes it harder for your body to receive the sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen it needs.
This results in a tired body, regardless of whether you came from a long rest or not.
Your energy is much drained because poor circulation puts pressure on your heart to work harder. Leading to a conflicting feeling of rest and functioning.
Low energy and high body fatigue can be slowly reduced by consuming lean meats, eggs, and iron-rich foods in your diet.
Exercising for at least 30 minutes is helpful for you in this situation.
Wounds Heal Slowly
Do you sometimes wonder why your small bruises and cuts took forever to heal on their own?
At times, the medication is not the problem. But the blood itself.
Due to poor blood circulation, your blood is not properly distributed. It is also lacking in nutrients enough to heal the damaged tissue.
This can be reversed by eating foods that are rich in Vitamins C and E. These vitamins can promote a faster healing process and improve your blood vessels.
The Presence of Varicose Veins
Have you noticed some purple or blue veins twisting along your legs? It’s not normal. It is a sign that you have poor blood circulation.
The varicose veins happen when the vein valves weaken, causing the blood to pool and put pressure on the walls.
The existence of varicose veins is due to several factors, including pregnancy, age, or weight increase.
To prevent the varicose veins from spreading further, it is advisable not to sit or stand for too long. Wear compression socks if necessary.
Loss of Hair in Feet or Legs
The growth of hair in either legs or feet is dependent on the steady blood supply.
If you experience poor blood circulation, your hair follicles weaken. It causes patchy loss or thinning of your leg or foot hair.
To ensure that blood circulation in your legs is normal, do some regular leg massages. Leg massage can improve circulation and support the blood vessels.
Skin Discoloration
Another sign that you have poor blood circulation is that you are experiencing paleness or discoloration in your skin.
Discoloration happens when your skin tissues are not getting sufficient oxygenated blood. The decrease in blood flow affects your skin color.
To prevent further skin discoloration, you have to maintain your skin as warm. Stay active and avoid wearing tight clothes, which can affect blood circulation.
Erectile Dysfunction (for Men)
Blood flow is essential for the male genitalia. It plays a vital role in keeping their sexual health protected and active.
Poor blood flow affects the performance of a man during intercourse. Making it challenging for the man to erect their genital.
Low blood circulation can also cause chronic diseases related both to the heart and to men’s sexual health.
To avoid erectile dysfunction, eat foods that are good for the heart. Limiting alcohol and processed food intake is necessary. Exercising can also help promote men’s sexual health.
Chest Pressure or Shortness of Breath
Getting shortness of breath or chest pressure easily is a sign that you have poor blood circulation.
This happens because your heart is struggling to pump more blood. It is not a simple problem that goes away on its own.
If you are experiencing this most of the time, a medical checkup is necessary. You may have a weakened heart and would need a better strategy to bring back blood circulation to its normal course.
How to Boost Your Blood Circulation?
Maintaining a balanced and better blood circulation can be achieved by small lifestyle changes. Here are the effective ways to make sure you have improved blood circulation:
- Always set your body in motion. Make body movements to keep your blood circulating. Stretch, walk, exercise, or dance; keep moving.
- Stay hydrated with water. This gives your blood a favor. Water makes your blood oxygenated and smooth when passing through.
- Eat healthily. Consider lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, and fresh fruits in your diet.
- Stop smoking. It makes your arteries narrower, making it challenging for the blood to circulate.
- Make some de-stressing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Your heart needs oxygen as it supports improved blood flow.
Keep the Blood Circulating
Poor circulation is not just about having blood issues. Most people don’t realize that poor circulation is just an effect of the combined bad lifestyle choices. Allowing the chronic illnesses to develop over time.
The signs that are shown in your body often tell you an obvious message. To take care of your body.
If you take care of your body, that also means you have to prioritize resolving your body’s poor blood circulation.
This can only be achieved through making lifestyle changes that slowly remove yourself from being sedentary to become a health-conscious individual.
While it’s early, move often, eat healthily, and provide better care for your body. Keep your heart strong by choosing the essential care that your body needs.