The heart is an important muscle, responsible for circulating blood that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. Since your body needs a constant supply of blood in order to function properly, it is critical to maintain optimal circulation through diet, exercise and supplementation.
Poor circulation is the result of reduced blood flow and can result from a number of contributing factors. Major causes include damage to the circulatory system from environmental pollutants, inadequate nutrition, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and toxins. When your body does not obtain enough vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, then free radicals and bad cholesterol (LDL) in your circulatory systems react to create inflammatory responses. Over time, inflammatory responses can damage your veins, arteries and capillaries, and contributes to the formation of arterial plaque, another major cause of poor blood circulation. Some of the primary symptoms of poor circulation include cramping, numbness or tingling in the limbs, changes in body temperature, and slow healing of infections. Long-term circulation problems are linked to chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke, among other serious cardiovascular concerns such as peripheral artery disease.
For people who suffer from poor circulation, there are various methods for increasing blood flow throughout the body and therefore improving heart health. For immediate relief, massages, warm baths and mild exercise can help. In addition, minor dietary changes such as using healthier oils such as olive oil and coconut oil, instead of highly processed oils or other oils high in trans fat can improve circulation by providing the body with healthy fats and antioxidants. Herbs such as garlic and ginger are also known to maintain heart health and improve blood circulation.
In addition to sustaining heart health, improving blood flow throughout the body can provide you with a multitude of other health benefits, such as increased immune function, stronger lungs, and more sustained energy and vitality. It can also increase blood cell counts as well as the absorption of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body’s tissues. For a more in-depth report on heart health, download a complimentary wellness guide at www.dreliaz.org/wellness-guide/cardiovascular.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz is a respected author, lecturer, researcher, product formulator, and clinical practitioner. He has been a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine since the early 1980s. Dr. Eliaz is a frequent guest lecturer on integrative medical approaches to health, immune enhancement, and cancer prevention and treatment.