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Diet and blood circulation: are you treating your body right?

It goes without saying that we are what we eat. As with the heart, brain, skin and other organs, the key to strong veins is a healthy dose of nutrients and vitamins. A balanced diet ought to include circulation-friendly foods in order to help tone and strengthen vein tissue, thus improving blood flow throughout the body.

Venous insufficiency is a fairly common health problem that manifests itself in part by the feeling of heavy legs or the development of varicose veins. While proper blood flow can be limited in the lower body due to gravity, there are certain ways to promote circulation, such as an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, and wearing compression stockings.

 

Do you have poor circulation? Here are some foods to avoid

Swelling, constipation, varicose veins, and numbness are all symptoms of poor blood circulation, though they can be improved by making some key adjustments to your diet.

For one thing, it’s important to avoid foods that cause fluid retention, a metabolic disorder characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissues, particularly in the lower limbs. If you already suffer from circulatory issues, a high-salt diet should be avoided. Fast food and other processed meals are quite high in sodium and ought to be set aside.

Poor circulatory health can have adverse effects on the digestive system (cramping, constipation, diarrhea, etc.), so in addition to cutting out salt, an overabundance of dairy, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided. Bananas and white rice can also lead to constipation, so you might want to be careful and dose the intake of these foods.

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital in improving blood flow. Regular physical activity is highly recommended, and you should also say goodbye to fried, high-fat, and processed foods.

 

A good diet for healthy veins

If you’re looking to keep your veins and circulatory system healthy, here are some foods you can eat within your balanced diet plan.

Firstly, whole grains are a great choice as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, setting the foundation for a healthy diet that optimizes circulation. Garlic, tea, dark chocolate, red fruits, apples, grapes, spinach, broccoli, and olive oil are all rich in flavonoids, which promote strong antioxidant activity.

Next up, foods that are high in potassium have the power to reduce fluid retention in the body, helping to avoid swelling and heavy legs. Lentils and beans are potassium-rich, as are spinach, avocados, prunes, kale, almonds, and a variety of other nuts.

Finally, be sure to eat fibrous foods, which are known to cleanse the digestive system and improve blood flow. Nuts, seeds, oats, and lots of veggies should be staples of your daily menu.

Sticking to a healthy diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, and wearing compression stockings are all good habits to adopt in order to improve your circulation. However, if you think you may be suffering from venous insufficiency, we recommend that you promptly consult a healthcare professional.