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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol: Top Five Foods to Lower Your Numbers
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
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How to Increase Blood Flow & Circulation
Your circulatory system includes your heart, veins, arteries and capillaries. It transports your blood, which provides nutrients and oxygen to all cells within your body. When this system fails, death follows. With planning and lifestyle changes, you can maintain and improve your blood circulation.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Watch Your Diet
High cholesterol can cause platelet aggregation or arterial buildup. This condition can block the flow of blood and even cause a heart attack or stroke. Foods high in saturated fats tend to increase cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com notes that eating foods that contain soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, can absorb some of the cholesterol before reaching your blood stream 1. Adding rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as coldwater fish, nuts and canola oil, can help maintain healthy arteries. High blood pressure can impede blood circulation by causing your arteries to thicken and narrow. Reducing your salt intake and increasing your potassium though natural sources and increased vitamin D can all help manage or prevent high blood pressure.
- High cholesterol can cause platelet aggregation or arterial buildup.
- High blood pressure can impede blood circulation by causing your arteries to thicken and narrow.
Benefits of Exercise
Herbal Treatments for Deep Vein Thrombosis
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Exercise can reduce your weight, reduce stress and strengthen your heart muscle. All of these benefits can increase blood flow and its effectiveness. Start slowly to prevent injury and gradually increase your activity level. Try to reach about 60 minutes of a cardiovascular activity per week to reap the most benefits. Participate in yoga, which can improve your breathing technique. Before beginning any exercise routine, speak to your physician.
- Exercise can reduce your weight, reduce stress and strengthen your heart muscle.
- Participate in yoga, which can improve your breathing technique.
Herbal Stimulants
Herbalists consider ginger, cayenne and ginseng to be cardiovascular stimulants and hold that ginseng also increases your overall energy level or vigor. Herbalist Michael Tierra suggests taking a quarter teaspoon of cayenne three times a day to improve a lagging circulatory system, and herbalist Richard Mabey states that using a cayenne poultice on an area of concern can increase blood flow there 34. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners may suggest the use of cinnamon or peony to increase qi, or blood circulation. The stimulants ephedra and guarana is not recommended due to their tendency to sharply and rapidly increase heart rate and blood pressure. Talk to your physician before taking a stimulating herb or supplement.
- Herbalists consider ginger, cayenne and ginseng to be cardiovascular stimulants and hold that ginseng also increases your overall energy level or vigor.
- The stimulants ephedra and guarana is not recommended due to their tendency to sharply and rapidly increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol: Top Five Foods to Lower Your Numbers
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra; 1998
- "The New Age Herbalist"; Richard Mabey; 1988
Resources
Writer Bio
Catherine Smith has been writing professionally since 2000. She runs a client-based wellness office in Bastrop, Texas. She specializes in pain and stress management using herbs and alternative medicine She received her doctorate in natural health with a concentration in herbal studies from Clayton College of Natural Health.