Poor circulation is a very common problem, especially in health conditions related to the heart. Learn what foods increase blood flow.
Poor blood flow or circulation is characterized by pain, muscle cramps, numbness, digestive issues, and having cold hands or feet. There are several things that influence poor blood flow, such as peripheral artery disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and Raynaud’s disease.
If you suspect you have poor blood flow, talk with your doctor about what is causing it. Meanwhile, if you’re treating symptoms with medications and supplements, there are also foods that can help improve circulation.
The following are different foods that may be able to help increase circulation and blood flow.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids that promote increased blood flow. This happens because omega-3 promotes nitric oxide release, which is an amino acid that dilates blood vessels.
Additionally, omega-3 hinders the clumping of platelets, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. Omega-3 contributes to better blood pressure and circulation, even during exercise. You can find it in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.
Beets
Beets are rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide opens and relaxes blood vessels, which increases blood flow to muscle tissue.
Similarly, beet juice or beet supplements stimulate blood flow, oxygen delivery, and help boost performance for athletes. It’s also great for improving blood flow in people with circulatory issues.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are full of nitrates, which work as a vasodilator to improve blood flow. Nitrate-rich foods are great at improving circulation, dilating blood vessels, and increasing blood flow. Foods rich in nitrates include leafy greens such as spinach and collard greens.
Ginger
Ginger is a staple in traditional Indian and Chinese that has been used for thousands of years. One of the benefits of ginger is that it can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Some studies suggest ginger may reduce high blood pressure, which impacts blood flow. You can consume ginger in a variety of ways, such as in food, ginger tea, or ginger supplements.
Walnuts
These nuts are full of l-arginine, alpha-lipoic acid, and vitamin E, all of which stimulate nitric oxide production. Walnuts may help reduce blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, and decrease inflammation, which is especially helpful for diabetics.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper helps with blood flow because of a phytochemical called capsaicin, which gives it its spicy flavor. Capsaicin increases blood flow to tissues by lowering blood pressure and stimulating nitric oxide production.
Moreover, research suggests that consuming cayenne pepper increases blood flow, strengthens blood vessels, and reduces plaque buildup in your arteries.
The Outlook
A healthy diet rich in leafy greens, oily fish, and spices can help increase blood flow and improve heart health. If you’re finding it hard to add these foods into your diet, supplements are a simple way to get the same nutrients.
Circulation Boost works to support your circulatory system by increasing nitric oxide production. It contains l-arginine, l-citrulline, and other key ingredients that promote circulation and vasodilation.
By expanding your blood vessels, your heart will pump blood easier and better throughout your body. Try Circulation Boost along with some of the foods we mentioned if you want to promote your heart health.