When it comes to healthy veins, improving your circulation can help improve and maintain their overall condition. It can also help keep problems like varicose veins, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis at bay. Some signs of poor circulation may include:
- Pain and cramps in the legs
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Consistently cold feet
- Purple, blue, or red tinted toes
People with diseases and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and peripheral artery disease are at a greater risk for poor circulation, as are people who are overweight, people who sit or stand for long periods of time, and those who smoke or eat an unhealthy diet. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help improve your circulation. Just be sure to check with your doctor before doing them, especially if you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned above.
- Start wearing loose clothing. Jeans and other garments that are tight in the waist, hips, or legs can hinder your circulation. So can belts, underwear, pantyhose, and socks.
- Exercise. If you aren’t getting 30 minutes or more of cardiovascular exercise each day, you are at risk for poor circulation. A brisk walk is perfect for people who don’t like to exercise. Biking, swimming, and dancing are also great choices.
- Snack on nuts. When it comes to circulation and diet, nuts are one of the best foods to help increase blood flood. They contain several vitamins (A, B, C, and E), as well as nutrients like magnesium and iron that are all essential for healthy blood flow. Almonds are best, and eating them raw ensures you get the most nutrients.
- Cut back on the salt. If you eat a lot of processed foods, you may not be aware of how much salt you are taking in each day. Too much of it can raise your blood pressure, harden arteries, and lead to poor circulation. Cutting out fast food and processed foods is a great way to limit your salt consumption. When cooking, try using other herbs and spices to add more flavor to your dishes.
- Get a massage. Massaging your body in the direction of your heart can increase blood flow through your veins. It can also help reduce stress. If you can’t afford a weekly professional massage, do it yourself at home a few times a week. You can use coconut or olive oil, which is also good for your skin. To improve circulation in the lower half of your body, which is prone to vein issues, use a gentle upward motion and work your way towards your heart.
- Cut out the caffeine. Do you drink a lot of sodas or coffee? If so, it could he hindering your circulation. Caffeinated beverages can also dehydrate you, another thing that can lead to poor circulation. Try replacing those drinks with water as often as possible.
- Brush your skin. While the jury is still out on this one, research suggests that brushing your skin with a dry brush made from natural materials can improve blood circulation. Like a massage, work your way up from your feet to your heart and use a gentle circular motion.
- Stop smoking. By now we know smoking can cause a number of types of cancer, but it can also lead to high blood pressure, poor circulation, narrowing of the blood vessels, and thickening of the blood.