7 Things You Need To Start Doing If You Suffer From High Blood Pressure, Varicose Veins, Or Strokes
Oct 12, 2018 by apost team
If you experience a numbness in your toes or cold feet every once in a while, you shouldn’t worry. If it starts to happen every day, this is a sign that you may need some help. This signals that you have poor blood circulation, which could result in varicose veins, kidney problems, and other issues.
We have put together a list of foods that you can add to your diet and actions you can take that will help improve your circulation.
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1. Get a pet
When you own a pet, especially a dog, you can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. This is because of the special bond most people end up forming with their pet. This lowers your heart rate and will help reduce your stress level. You’ll also receive the added bonus of cardiovascular exercises, such as when you get out and walk your animal.
2. Drink wine
A clinical trial concluded that drinking wine instead of beer can improve the health of your heart. Wine contains plant compounds and antioxidants that are beneficial to your body. Women should limit their consumption to one drink a day, while men should not drink more than two glasses a day.
3. Eat spicy foods
Foods like red pepper and cayenne pepper will expand your blood vessels. This increases the blood flow and helps your cardiovascular system work better. Your blood pressure will also be regulated. These two spices will also help warm up your feet and hands, an added bonus.
You can also add more garlic and onion to your diet if you have trouble consuming spicy cayenne pepper. Garlic will relax your blood vessels and improve your circulation. Onion contains antioxidants, which fight against blood clots.
4. Wear the right type of clothes
Doctors say that we should not wear tight clothes for a long period of time. That is because tight jeans or shirts will hamper proper circulation and will also increase the development of varicose veins. Wear lightly fitted clothing that allow your blood to circulate freely.
5. Take in enough folic acid
Foods that are rich in folic acid can help prevent anemia and promote cellular growth and regeneration. Blood clotting can happen if you do not get enough folic acid in your diet.
To get enough of folic acid, incorporate the following in your diet:
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Lentils
- Peas
- Dark leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach
- Lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Citrus fruits
- Carrots
- Corn
- Cauliflower
6. Elevate your feet
When you put your feet up above your head, it helps to improve your circulation. It takes any pressure off of your legs and veins while helping you relax. You can also reduce your stress by elevating your legs. While your legs are up, move your toes and feet around. Keep this up for twenty minutes, once a day, to see an increase in your blood circulation.
7. Enjoy a massage
Getting a proper massage will help to increase your local blood circulation. It will stimulate your blood flow in your soft tissues. There have also been studies that show that a massage will positively help your peripheral vascular function. Firm and gentle movements that are aimed at your heart will also promote venous and lymph blood flow.
If you can manage a massage a couple of times a week, this will help your blood circulation the most. If you wish to self-massage, use a foam roller by placing it on the floor and pressing your sore muscles against it.
Have you felt any numbness in your toes or fingers? Do you have any other tips to get rid of the feeling? Let us know in the comments and then pass this on to others!
Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!