Blood circulatory problems, both arterial and venous, are a constant in society, especially those related to the peripheral circulation, causing varicose veins and spider veins.
However, there are other conditions resulting from alterations in the circulation much more serious, that can eventually lead to heart attacks and gangrene. To avoid these diseases, it is important to lead a healthy life and, therefore, proper nutrition and healthy.
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Causes of circulatory problems
The “poor circulation” is a deeply rooted popular expression, totally wrong and inappropriate, which refers to the inconvenience of a malfunction of the circulatory system, ie, arterial and venous problems.
The most common cause of arterial circulatory disturbances is called atherosclerosis and is a degenerative process that has no cure and causes blockage in the arteries with consequent cessation of blood supply in certain parts of the body, causing serious consequences as : myocardial infarction, stroke, gangrene in the fingers, etc..
On the other hand, very different and less serious for the health of the sufferer, is the “poor circulation” resulting from changes in venous return. When we are standing still, the veins have a valve devices that do not allow the weight of the blood is transmitted to the feet.
If these valves close evil, causing increased pressure, among other symptoms, heaviness, fatigue, pain and swelling in the legs, which can lead to the development of varicose veins in the lower extremities. These alterations may also result from episodes of thrombosis of the veins of the legs.
Finally, it should bear in mind that sometimes have similar symptoms of heaviness and edema (leg swelling), but traffic is bad. This situation is possibly due to environmental factors (heat, altitude, humidity, …), working (working standing high number of hours seated without mobility …), or hormonal (fluid retention) or personal (obesity, sedentary lifestyle).
Tips to promote circulation
Whether the problem is lack of adequate arterial blood supply and venous insufficiency, daily exercise is one of the most beneficial for improving circulation. Walking an hour a day helps circulation by muscle contractions that act as catalysts in the veins and increase the flow in the arterial circulation.
In the case of venous insufficiency or tired legs, the use of compression stockings and rest according to the degrees can improve the quality of life. Postural drainage with elevated legs sometime during the day also helps to improve fatigue and edema. In some cases, the best solution is to sleep with a slight elevation of the feet on the bed.
Adequate food
No food specifically favors certain circulatory status. However, it is shown that a balanced diet and avoid saturated fats that damage the artery walls can stop the development of atherosclerotic plaques blocking the arteries that end.
Thus, the Mediterranean diet is one of the most desirable for their invaluable contribution of vegetables, fruits and other fiber-rich foods that promote fat absorption in the intestine.
The consumption of polyunsaturated fats such as vegetable oils or oily fish are also highly recommended for this type of circulatory disorders. Also, eat an adequate daily fluid volume as water, tea or juice and avoid excessive consumption of salt in foods, especially for those who are hypertensive patients.
Habits that damage our circulatory system
You must radically abandon snuff. Nicotine and combustion products of cigarette and pipe damage the artery wall so sometimes irreversible. The vasoconstrictor effects of coffee or tea may be restricted in some circulatory diseases, like alcohol abuse.