Poor circulation can lead to a number of health problems, such as heart arrhythmias, diabetes and strokes. You will need to find out if you suffer from poor circulation and are at risk of any of these problems. You may be able to alleviate the problems by making some simple dietary changes.
Best Foods to Improve Circulation
There are a number of different types of foods that you can eat to improve blood flow. There are also some foods that you should try to steer away from. Here are some dietary tips to consider. You may want to speak with an expert at the Pueblo Vein Center for more information.
Eat Garlic
A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that eating garlic appears to improve blood flow. The authors found that consumers that ate 600 miligrams of garlic a day had significantly better circulation in their calves. Follow up studies show that garlic appears to improve circulation in other parts of the body as well.
Reduce Inflammatory Substances
You will also need to decrease consumption of substances that cause inflammation. Highly acidic substances such as caffeine and alcohol tend to be worst contributors of poor circulatory problems. Foods that are high in processed sugars and saturated fats are also shown to cause inflammation in your veins and arteries.
Find Leaner Protein Sources
Protein is a very important nutrient for promoting good circulation in your veins. However, many foods that are rich in proteins are also loaded in fats. Try looking for leaner sources of protein instead. Poultry, fish and nuts are some of the best sources of protein for people with circulatory issues.
Fiber Rich Foods
Madelyn Fernstrom, founder and director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Weight Management Center, reports that most Americans aren’t receiving nearly enough fiber in their diets. Increasing fiber consumption will significantly reduce your risk of developing circulatory problems in your veins and arteries.
Stay More Hydrated
One of the most important things that you can do to improve blood flow is make sure that you are properly hydrated. You will want to drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day. You may need to drink even more water if you are exercising heavily or live in a very warm or dry climate.
You will also want to minimize consumption of foods and other substances that cause dehydration. This is another reason to be careful about the amount of alcohol and caffeine that you consume.
Foods with Omega-3
Omega-3 is an important nutrient for improving circulation. You can receive plenty of Omega-3 by eating a little bit of fish oil a couple times a week. If you don’t want to stomach that, then eating more fish will suffice.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored guest post.
