Being healthy and strong means that your body functions are working optimally to keep you going. However, at times, you may find that some issues may crop up that affect your overall bodily functions.
Poor blood circulation is one of the conditions that can slow you down leaving you feeling weak and unable to get much done. Disruption to your blood flow can be a result of underlying health conditions and blocked or narrow paths. Finding the cause and addressing it is the best way to fully restore your normal blood flow.
When blood is not efficiently getting to all the parts of your body, you’ll notice signs alerting you to the problem at hand. In this post we’ll cover the different signs you should watch out for and what to do when you have poor blood circulation.
Signs of Poor Blood Circulation
Cold Hands and Feet
The nerve endings of your hands and feet will be greatly affected by poor blood circulation. When this happens, you’ll experience a change in temperature resulting in colder hands and feet compared to the rest of your body.
You’ll notice your hands and feet get cold even when it’s hot. So, don’t dismiss cold hands and feet claiming that the weather is what’s affecting you. Take the time to consider your blood flow to ensure that you address any issues that may occur.
Cognitive Dysfunctions
If blood is not adequately getting pumped to the brain, you may suffer from memory loss and other cognitive dysfunctions. Studies done on heart failure patients show that cognitive impairment is a significant side effect that clinicians should consider during treatment.
The studies suggest that when the heart is not functioning at its best and there is poor blood circulation, the brain will be affected. So, if you notice issues with your memory or experience cognitive challenges like attention deficit or language problems, consult your doctor.
Doing this may help you address the problem earlier to avoid developing other more complicated health problems.
Skin Color Changes
The change in skin color alerts most people to their insufficient blood flow. It is what is most commonly associated with less blood in the body. If you happen to see changes in your skin color then blood circulation could be an issue.
When you’re suffering from poor blood circulation affecting certain parts, they may appear pale or blue. Additionally, if the blood is leaking from the capillaries and blood vessels, those areas will turn purple.
If you notice a change in your skin color, implement ways to help you boost your blood levels and circulation.
Fatigue
If you wake up or spend the day feeling fatigued and lacking the energy to get anything done, the issue may not be motivation. You may have a problem with your blood levels or circulation.
When your blood vessels are blocked or you don’t have enough blood your heart works extra hard to meet the needs of your body. The extra effort may lead to fatigue affecting your energy levels significantly.
Muscle Cramping
Poor blood circulation limits oxygen from reaching different parts of your body like the legs and arms. When this happens, you may experience muscle cramping that may prove to be quite painful.
In addition, this may also result in joint pains especially when you are on your feet for a long time. You may also experience some pain when your cold hands and feet start warming up and the blood is flowing easier.
Extreme Numbness and Tingling
I bet you’ve had instances where you feel some pins and needle sensation either in your feet or hands. To extreme levels, this can be a sign that you are suffering from poor blood circulation. You may also experience numbness in these areas prompting you to consult a doctor or improve your blood flow.
What to Do When You Have Signs of Poor Blood Circulation
Consult Your Doctor
The first thing to do when you realize that you have signs of poor blood circulation is to talk to your doctor. You’ll have to take tests to help the doctor determine what exactly could be the issue.
If your blood circulation problems are due to a serious pre-existing condition like Diabetes, your doctor will recommend a more comprehensive treatment approach. It is better to treat your poor blood circulation by addressing its main cause to avoid a reoccurrence.
As you get treatment for the main condition, your blood flow will improve and reduce the signs you were dealing with.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat will go a long way to help you improve your blood levels and circulation significantly. Be mindful of your diet and stick to healthy choices that are good for your body and overall immune system.
Avoid processed and junk foods that may lead to excess weight and the accumulation of fat around the heart and blood vessels. Such things contribute greatly to poor blood circulation. In addition, drink more water and stay hydrated to help improve your circulation.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks come in handy to help promote blood flow in the leg. If you have cold feet or swollen legs, you can invest in men’s collection of cool compression socks to help boost blood flow. Compression socks will be a great investment especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. The socks will make you comfortable and relieve any pain you may have.
But, first, consult with your doctor to ensure that wearing compression socks is a good choice for you. It will help you avoid making the situation worse.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise has a great impact on your heart health and also helps you maintain a healthy weight. Taking time to do some yoga, go for a walk, or swim will help you boost your blood flow. Focus on low-impact exercises to avoid straining your heart too much.
Elevate Your Feet
If you have swollen feet, a good way to relieve them and encourage blood flow is by elevating your feet. Legs swell when blood pools and is not circulated back to the heart. So, elevating your feet will help to give your circulation a boost.
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