How to improve your circulation

Every where we look it seems like people just want to lose weight and focus solely on doing that, however we should take a step back and think about how our body is working – particularly our circulatory system.

Maintaining our circulation is just as important as having a healthy diet, and in fact, they go hand in hand.

Imagine your circulatory system as a network of tubular highways reaching every part of your body. Now imagine a traffic jam on one of those highways, with massive delays, excess pollution and a high risk of accidents.

There are two types of circulation: your cardiovascular circulatory system and the lymphatic circulatory system. Your cardiovascular circulatory system pumps blood through your blood vessels, supplying every part of your body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs for proper functioning. Your lymphatic circulatory system works directly with your cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in balance and flush toxins out of the body.

To keep your circulation moving, here’s how to improve your overall health and avoid any speed bumps.

1. Drink plenty of water

As circulation is vital to all of the body’s functions and water makes up a large part of blood volume it is important to drink enough water every day. Don’t allow yourself to get dehydratedas this will cause stress to your circulatory system.

2. Exercise regularly

If you’re not already exercising, start out by doing some Pilates or easy yoga to get yourself moving. Even going for a walk or light jog can do you a world of good.

Aqua aerobics is a fabulous way to get your blood pumping and have resistance.

3. Take a hike

Grab your dog or a friend and go for a brisk, uphill walk if you can manage it. You will feel the blood pumping and will feel energised. Don’t forget to drink a lot of water too.

4. Eat spicy food

Spicy food i.e. chilli peppers are a source of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is essentially a taxi service that shuttles fats and cholesterol in the water-based solution of your blood stream and helps your body dissolve any blood clots that may potentially form.

The capsaicin in hot peppers helps tackle inflammation, too, and because spicy foods are rich in vitamins A and C, they raise your body’s temperature, which increases blood flow and gets your blood moving.

5. Ginger and turmeric root

Ginger can help jumpstart blood flow, as can turmeric root, which has anti-inflammatory properties. These two in unison can create a very nice rhythm in your blood flow and will help to flush out any toxins.

6. Celery

Celery is rich in Vitamin K, an important nutrient needed for healthy blood flow and healthy blood clotting (which is necessary during times of injury). Celery is also important for flushing out waste and being a natural diuretic.

7. Oats

Oats have the ability to remove cholesterol from the body and are also anti-inflammatory. These are also some of the most antioxidant packed grains you can eat in just a small serving. They also help provide energy.

8. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are much like celery in their ability to shuttle out wastes and remove toxins, but they also they provide water, potassium, Vitamin C, and fibre, which can greatly benefit blood flow. They are also an anti-inflammatory.

Other foods that are great for circulation are carrots, avocados, tomatoes, squash, and other root vegetables.

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