Leukemia Overview: Symptoms, Signs, Treatment and Causes
Poor Circulation
One of the few highlights of this dreary time of year is packing my thermal underwear and heading for the ski slopes.
Because I suffer from naturally low blood pressure and don't have the greatest circulation, I feel the cold very easily, which is why I pack copious layers of clothing. I've found, over the years, that regular exercise helps to keep my circulation performing as best it can, but when skiing in the extreme cold, my extremities always turn blue.
Poor circulation is a common problem, particularly among women, the downsides being that you tend to look pale, may suffer from a sluggish digestive system and constipation and may also feel constantly washed out ¿ it's as though your heart and lungs can't get enough oxygen to the body's cells to enable them to produce energy.
More seriously, poor circulation can be a symptom of a damaged heart muscle or hardening of the arteries, both of which prevent the blood from flowing easily through the blood vessels, and specifically those in the hands and feet, so if you're badly affected by any of these symptoms, it's worth having a blood test to see whether you¿re suffering from high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), which may be furring up your arteries.
For many people, however, having a poor circulation is simply a fact of life, albeit one that may cause you to develop chilblains, extremely painful, hot, itchy swellings, usually on the hands and feet, that can burst like blisters.
Exercise is a good way of minimising chilblains because it keeps the blood pumping around the body, but there are also certain nutritional strategies that can help to improve your circulation.
Boosting your intake of chilli, ginger (best fresh), mustard, garlic and buckwheat (which some wheat-free breads and vegetarian bakes contain) is one because all of these foods stimulate blood flow, so think along the lines of throwing some freshly chopped chilli and garlic into stir-fries or infusing a cup of hot water with some freshly grated ginger, honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to make a literally heart-warming drink.
I'd also recommend ensuring that your diet is rich in such antioxidants as vitamins C, D and E, beta carotene and selenium by eating plenty of fresh fruits (the vitamin C-rich ones include blueberries, kiwi fruits and citrus fruits like satsumas and mandarins, which are both prevalent at this time of year and easy to eat without making a mess), oily fish, whole-grain seeds and nuts and red wine (which contains powerful antioxidants, including procyanidins, but only drink it in moderation).
Vitamin E, a particularly effective circulation-boosting nutrient, is found in vegetables oils like sunflower and corn oil, sunflower seeds (delicious roasted and sprinkled over cereals and salads), sun-dried tomatoes, hazelnuts, peanuts, brazil nuts and almonds, making a muesli-based cereal mixed with warmed milk an excellent start to a chilly day.
For their part, oily fish, specifically fresh tuna, salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel and herrings (and pickled herrings taste wonderful when teamed with a warm potato salad), are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which prevent the blood from becoming so thick that it has difficulty travelling through the blood vessels. And if your diet is well balanced, you should derive sufficient quantities of vitamin D, beta carotene and selenium.
Taking a Gingko biloba supplement (the recommended dose is usually in the region of between 40 and 120mg a day) can help to improve blood flow to the feet and hands, but don't take it if you're pregnant. Some chilblain-sufferers swear by bathing in either mustard or carrot juice, which sounds bizarre, but can bring relief, especially if you rub your chilblains with an old-fashioned potato poultice or gently massage them with such essential oils as geranium or a blend of geranium, lavender and rosemary mixed with a base oil.
Finally, because nicotine damages the lining of the blood vessels and decreases blood flow, smoking is just about the worst thing that you could do if you have poor circulation or chilblains - yet another reason for giving up!
Winter fruit compoteSERVES 4
225g/8oz dried fruit (such as figs apricots, peaches, pears, prunes, mango)
300ml/0.5 pint water
2 Cloves
1 Cinnamon stick
Grated zest of 2 oranges
Soak the dried fruit overnight in the water, with the clove, cinnamon, lemon and orange zest.
The next day, put all the ingredients into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the fruit is tender, and then remove the cinnamon stick and clove. Chill before serving with fromage frais or thick natural yoghurt.
{"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=158152, assetTypeId=1"}Standing For Long Periods Can Be Bad For Your Health – Just Like Sitting, Study Finds
To sit or to stand, that is the question. Though previous research has extensively outlined the dangers of prolonged sitting, a new study suggests standing for extended periods may not necessarily be the antidote — and may have its own negative health impacts.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found people who sit for more than 10 hours a day have higher risks for cardiovascular and circulatory diseases. Standing for long periods was not linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. But researchers said it may increase the risk for circulatory diseases.
MORE: How long you can stand on one leg is a telltale sign of aging
"Collectively, our findings indicate increasing standing time as a prescription may not lower major CVD risk and may lead to higher orthostatic circulatory disease risk," the study authors wrote.
The study used data from more than 83,000 adults in the United Kingdom, investigating the influence of sedentary behavior on heart disease and orthostatic circulatory disease. For every hour of sitting beyond 10 hours, the risk of heart disease increased by 15% and the risk of orthostatic circulatory disease went up by 26%, the study found. After standing for 2 hours, every additional 30 minutes of standing was linked to an 11% increased risk of orthostatic circulatory disease.
Cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally, are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. They include heart attack and stroke. Orthostatic circulatory disease refers to a group of conditions related to circulation, including orthostatic hypotension and varicose veins.
This new research on the health effects of standing may seem to run counter to the standing desk trend, which research has found to ease lower back, shoulder and neck discomfort. But the new research is not necessarily saying standing at work or elsewhere is negative – it's more focused on the dangers of prolonged inactivity.
"I do think standing is better than sitting overall, because you do tend to move a little bit more when you're standing," said Kang Han, a primary care physician with Cooper University Health Care who was not involved with the study. "But obviously just standing may not be enough to get your blood pumping and going. ... You still need to move around for your blood vessels to start moving around."
Many people fall into sedentary lifestyles, because modern offices and work-form-home settings do not promote much movement, and then they relax at home in front of the TV. Here's what to know about negative health effects of being stationary for long periods of time, and simple ways to begin combatting them:
What's so bad about a sedentary lifestyle?"Research has been very consistent on this particular topic that we are designed to be moving, and so sitting for long periods of time definitely have tons of negative outcomes, mainly related to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, all of the big things that we really care about in cardiology," said Kevin Curl, cardiologist and director of cardiac rehab for Virtua Health.
A study published in January found that people who mostly sit at work were 16% more likely to die of any cause – and 34% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease – than those who do not mostly sit at work. And the effects of being sedentary can be felt beyond the heart.
"(Cardiovascular health) has not only to do with the health of the circulation to the heart muscle, but it also has to do with your overall vascular health," said Sabrina Islam, associate professor of medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. "So brain health, kidney function, liver function, as well as the health of the heart, it has to do with your longevity and your quality of life. So I think we have a better understanding that there are so many ways that your body is impacted by your physical activity and having a sedentary lifestyle can manifest not only as having something happening to the heart itself, but it has implications for all of the organ systems of your body."
Being sedentary for prolonged periods also increases the risk of weight gain, diabetes, dementia and cancer. Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle also can impact mental health, increasing the risk for depression, anxiety and chronic stress. It can potentially affect cognitive health, too.
"In terms of later in life, whether or not you develop cognitive impairment or dementia or progression of other medical conditions; some of that can be tracked to how we've led our life earlier in life, or also how we lead our lives day to day, and how much physical activity we have," Islam said. "So even many chronic medical conditions that people might develop over their lifespan, they can be better managed through physical activity — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, your metabolism overall, or the weight that you carry, distribution of body fat — a lot of that can also be impacted by your physical activity."
When people sit, the largest muscles in the body – located in the legs – barely contract. Since the muscles are inactive, they require minimal fuel and therefore take in smaller amounts of sugar from the bloodstream. They also do not release biochemical substances that usually help break down fatty acids in the blood. This leads to blood sugar and cholesterol build up in the bloodstream.
Stationary standing for too long can lead to issues with venous circulation, when blood is returned to the heart, Islam said. She added that the gravitational forces of the standing posture over time can lead to chronic blood-pooling, swelling or ulcers in the legs due to poor circulation.
How to combat the impacts of a sedentary lifeThe American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. But only about 1 in 5 adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health, the AHA says.
For office workers, getting active on a daily basis can be as simple as taking a break and going on a brisk walk for 20-30 minutes. Taking the stairs or parking at the far end of the parking lot to require a longer walk into the office also provide benefits. And having a smart watch or a walking buddy can help people remember to get up and move.
If people don't have time for a walk around the block during the work day, there are other ways to stay active.
"You can also still do exercises in place; you don't have to walk," Islam said. "As long as you're using your lower extremities, that would be very helpful to help bring the blood flow back to the heart as well."
Han suggested people try "pedaling" motions with their feet. There are stationary pedaling devices or mini treadmills that people can park under their desks to kickstart circulation. For people with standing desks, even switching between sitting and standing adds a little movement into an otherwise stationary work day.
People who work remotely may experience "more difficulty" in adding in physical activity to their days, Curl said.
"If you're going to just be on a phone call, can you do that while you're walking inside on a treadmill or outside in a quiet space, and really just try to build it into your day to day?" Curl said.
Han said she tells her patients they don't have to become Olympian-level walkers; they can start at their own pace and still reap the physical and mental benefits.
"Starting slow is okay: start slow, if it's 10 minutes, 15 minutes per day, and then slowly increase," Han said. "Think of it as more lifestyle change, not 'I'm just going to do this for three months' kind of deal. I think walking also helps with your chronic stress level, because everybody has stress, so (walking is) just time to decompress and meditate. ... Walking outside also helps with getting some sunshine, with vitamin D levels too, which will increase your energy and mood, reduce your stress and fatigue. So, yeah, I think it also correlates well with your mental health."
One of the most important things to keep in mind when getting active is to stay consistent, Curl said. He recommended sprinkling in physical activity throughout the course of the day.
"For each one minute of exercise that we do, we are adding at least several minutes to our lifespan," Curl said. "And so when you think about investment that we make for ourselves, there's almost no better investment than being physically active on a consistent basis."
Top 8 Best Circulation Supplements In 2024
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Our overall health heavily relies on circulation, which is the flow of blood across our bodies that enables our organs and tissues to receive oxygen and essential nutrients. Poor circulation can lead to several health issues, such as numbness, a feeling of tingling, and even critical conditions, including heart disease. Fortunately, there exist supplements that can help improve circulation.
When it comes to choosing the best circulation supplement, there are a few critical factors to consider. One of the most important is the ingredients. Look for supplements that contain natural ingredients like ginger, ginkgo biloba, and cayenne pepper, which have been shown to improve blood flow. It is also essential to consider the dosage and the form of the supplement, as this can impact its effectiveness.
We spent hours researching and testing various circulation supplements to identify the ones that are the most effective. In this article, we will be discussing the top circulation supplements on the market and what makes them stand out. Whether you are looking to improve your overall health or address specific circulation issues, we have got you covered.
Best Circulation SupplementsWe understand the importance of maintaining good circulation in our bodies. Poor circulation can lead to a variety of health issues, including fatigue, numbness, and muscle cramps. That's why we've researched and compiled a list of the best circulation supplements on the market. Our team has evaluated each product based on its ingredients, effectiveness, and customer reviews. We are confident that our list will help you find the right supplement to improve your circulation and overall health.
1. HerbaMe Blood Circulation SupplementWe highly recommend HerbaMe Blood Circulation Supplement for those looking for a natural way to improve blood circulation.
Pros
Cons
HerbaMe Blood Circulation Supplement is a proactive daily health supplement that can fortify leg, heart, and cardiovascular health while giving you more stamina and endurance to stay active. The supplement is suitable for men or women with poor circulation and those who spend a lot of time standing in one place, in sedentary jobs, are pregnant, on hormone medications, or struggle with a family history of varicose veins or weight issues.
The supplement is crafted in a GMP-certified facility, formulated in the USA, and third-party tested. It is safe, effective, and free of artificial flavors for premium support. It's also backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
In conclusion, HerbaMe Blood Circulation Supplement is a natural and effective way to improve blood circulation and promote overall health.
2. HumanN SuperBeets Circulation GummiesIf you're looking for a natural way to support your heart health, then humanN SuperBeets Circulation Gummies might be the right product for you.
Pros
Cons
We've tried humanN SuperBeets Circulation Gummies and found that they are easy to take and have a pleasant taste. The combination of French Grape Seed Extract and Beet Root Powder provides a natural way to support nitric oxide production and circulation. The gummies are also vegan-friendly, sugar-free, and pectin-based, making them a great choice for those who are health-conscious.
However, the taste might not be suitable for everyone, and some customers reported that the energy boost was not sustained throughout the day. It's important to note that the effects may vary depending on the individual's health condition and lifestyle.
Overall, if you're looking for a natural way to support your heart health, humanN SuperBeets Circulation Gummies might be worth trying.
3. Clinical Daily Blood Circulation SupplementsWe highly recommend Clinical Daily Blood Circulation Supplements for anyone looking for a natural and effective way to improve blood flow and circulation.
Pros
Cons
Clinical Daily Blood Circulation Supplements is a natural and safe way to improve circulation and alleviate symptoms of poor blood flow, such as leg cramps and heaviness. The combination of ingredients is carefully formulated to provide a comprehensive solution for vein and artery health, and the supplement is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients.
The butchers broom, horse chestnut, and hawthorn in this supplement work together to improve blood flow and strengthen the walls of veins and arteries. The cayenne and arginine help to boost nitric oxide levels, which can improve oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. The niacin and ginger root provide antioxidant support to help protect the veins and arteries from damage.
While some users have reported experiencing acid reflux after taking this supplement, this side effect is relatively rare. Additionally, the capsules are relatively large and may be difficult for some people to swallow. However, the benefits of Clinical Daily Blood Circulation Supplements make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their circulation and overall health.
4. Healthy Delights PowerBeetsWe highly recommend Healthy Delights PowerBeets for anyone looking for a natural way to boost their energy levels and improve their circulation.
Pros
Cons
PowerBeets is a great tasting, nitrate-rice superfood that helps to boost your body's production of Nitric Oxide, an essential molecule that helps to regulate healthy blood circulation. We love that it's made with optimal nutrition in mind and is free from GMOs and artificial ingredients.
We found that mixing PowerBeets with a glass of water 30 minutes before a workout provided a natural energy boost that helped us power through our workouts. The antioxidant support and nitric-oxide-boosting nutrients also make it an excellent source of nutrition for overall health.
While some customers have reported that the product does not dissolve completely in cold water, we found that stirring it firmly helped to solve this issue. Additionally, the taste may not be to everyone's liking, but we found that it was easy to mix with other beverages or smoothies to mask the flavor.
Overall, we highly recommend giving Healthy Delights PowerBeets a try if you're looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels and improve your circulation.
5. Dr. Christopher Blood Circulation FormulaWe highly recommend Dr. Christopher Blood Circulation Formula for anyone looking to improve their circulation. It is effective and made with natural ingredients.
Pros
Cons
We have been using Dr. Christopher Blood Circulation Formula for a few weeks now and have noticed a significant improvement in our circulation. The formula is fast-acting and we could feel the effects within the first hour of taking it. We appreciate that it is made with natural ingredients, which is important to us.
One thing to note is that taking the supplement on an empty stomach may cause heartburn. We recommend taking it with food to avoid any discomfort. Additionally, the recommended dosage may need to be adjusted for individual needs. We started with two capsules per day, but found that one capsule per day was sufficient for our needs.
Overall, we are very satisfied with Dr. Christopher Blood Circulation Formula and highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their circulation.
6. Blood Circulation SupportWe highly recommend Carlyle Blood Circulation Support for those who are looking for a natural supplement to support their blood circulation.
Pros
Cons
Carlyle Blood Circulation Support is a scientifically designed supplement that is expertly crafted to support blood circulation in both men and women. The supplement is made with a balance of nutritious foods including a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It also contains a precise blend of ingredients for wide-ranging nutritional support.
This one-per-day supplement features a dynamic blend of 6 herbal ingredients in each quick-release capsule! Our premium formula is made with Horse Chestnut, Butcher's Broom plus Bilberry, Cayenne, Ginger, and Ginkgo for ultimate support. Carlyle Circulation Support is a testament to our commitment to excellence, made with powerful ingredients rooted in wellness.
Carlyle is a trusted manufacturer of supplements. They provide premium, honest supplements in your pursuit to healthy living. Their expertise in sourcing the purest ingredients combined with advanced technologies makes them proud to deliver premium, honest supplements at the best value. Carlyle Blood Circulation Support is naturally free of gluten, wheat, yeast, lactose, artificial sweetener, preservatives & non-GMO.
In conclusion, Carlyle Blood Circulation Support is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a natural supplement to support their blood circulation. It is made with a blend of potent herbs and is free of harmful additives.
7. HumanN SuperBeets Heart ChewsWe highly recommend the humanN SuperBeets Heart Chews for those looking to improve their circulation and blood pressure levels in a natural way.
Pros
Cons
We've tried a lot of circulation supplements, but the humanN SuperBeets Heart Chews are by far the best we've come across. The clinically studied polyphenols in these plant-based, non-GMO, caffeine-free chews may support Nitric Oxide production, which is essential for healthy circulation and blood pressure support.
The unique Grape Seed Extract in each chew may also help prevent destruction of Nitric Oxide by free radicals, making these chews an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall cardiovascular health.
We also love the fact that these chews are individually wrapped, making them the perfect on-the-go convenience. And with a delicious pomegranate berry flavor with no artificial sweeteners, they're a pleasure to take every day.
While they may be a bit pricey, we think the benefits of the humanN SuperBeets Heart Chews are well worth the investment. However, keep in mind that they may not work for everyone, and some users may not like the chewy consistency.
Overall, we highly recommend giving the humanN SuperBeets Heart Chews a try if you're looking for a natural way to support your circulation and blood pressure levels.
8. UMZU Redwood – Nitric Oxide Booster SupplementWe highly recommend UMZU Redwood for those looking to improve their circulatory health and boost energy levels.
Pros
Cons
We have been using UMZU Redwood for a few weeks now and have noticed an improvement in our energy levels and overall well-being. We have also noticed an improvement in our workout performance and recovery time. The ingredients, such as vitamin C and garlic, work together to support healthy nitric oxide production and blood flow, which is essential for circulatory health.
One thing to note is that the price may be a bit steep for some, but we believe the benefits outweigh the cost. Additionally, it may take a few weeks to see noticeable results, so it's important to be patient and consistent with taking the supplement.
Overall, we highly recommend UMZU Redwood for those looking to improve their circulatory health and boost energy levels. It's easy to take and has a powerful blend of vitamins and herbs that work together to support healthy blood flow and circulation.
Buying GuideWhen it comes to choosing the best circulation supplement, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a product:
IngredientsThe ingredients in a circulation supplement are the most important factor to consider. Look for a product that contains ingredients that are scientifically proven to improve circulation, such as nitric oxide boosters, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Make sure to read the label carefully and avoid products that contain fillers or harmful additives.
DosageThe dosage of the supplement is also important. Look for a product that provides a therapeutic dose of the active ingredients. Be wary of products that provide a low dosage or do not disclose the amount of each ingredient.
FormCirculation supplements come in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. Choose a form that is convenient for you and fits your lifestyle. For example, if you have trouble swallowing pills, you may want to choose a liquid or powder form.
Brand ReputationChoose a reputable brand that has a good track record of producing high-quality supplements. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have positive reviews from customers.
PricePrice is also a factor to consider when choosing a circulation supplement. However, do not compromise on quality for a lower price. Look for a product that provides good value for money and has a reasonable price for the quality of ingredients and dosage.
In summary, when choosing a circulation supplement, look for a product that contains scientifically proven ingredients, provides a therapeutic dosage, is convenient for your lifestyle, has a good brand reputation, and provides good value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions What supplements are good for blood circulation?There are several supplements that are good for blood circulation, including Ginkgo Biloba, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements have been shown to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body.
Do blood circulation supplements work?Yes, blood circulation supplements can work. However, it is important to note that not all supplements are created equal and their effectiveness can vary. It is important to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
What is the best natural thing for circulation?The best natural thing for circulation is exercise. Regular physical activity helps to improve blood flow, strengthen the heart, and reduce inflammation in the body. Other natural remedies that can help improve circulation include drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
What drink opens up arteries?Green tea is a drink that has been shown to help open up arteries. It contains catechins, which are antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Other drinks that can help improve circulation include beet juice, pomegranate juice, and ginger tea.
What are the benefits of blood circulation pills?Blood circulation pills can provide several benefits, including improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and improved heart health. These pills can also help to reduce the risk of certain conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Are there any side effects of blood circulation supplements?Yes, there can be side effects of blood circulation supplements. Some common side effects include stomach upset, headaches, and dizziness. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to ensure they are safe for you to use.
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