How to Improve Poor Circulation in the Body

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By Elander Guthrie
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Improve Poor Circulation

Maintaining good blood circulation in your body is one of the central tenets of good health. Blood is the means by which oxygen and nutrients are carried to all corners of your body, from your feet and toes to your hands and deep inside your brain.
Improving poor circulation is central to helping to stave off all manner of debilitating disorders, from kidney disease and inability to think clearly to heart disease to diabetes.
Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to ensure good cardiovascular health and help prevent the onset of disease later on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Exercise to Improve Poor Blood Circulation

Exercise regularly and as often as you can. There is a reason why doctors almost always recommend a comprehensive exercise program - it works. Regular cardiovascular exercise performed at even a moderate intensity has been shown to improve poor circulation, lower blood pressure, boost metabolism, improve overall heart health, and help you lose weight. You can't go wrong with exercise. Even regular stretching has significant benefits.
Step 2

Take herbal supplements for better health. Herbs and spices such as cayenne, ginkgo, and ginger have been traditionally taken for the blood and to stimulate circulation. Garlic and onions have also been shown to be beneficial, as has a newer supplement known as pycnogenol. Pycnogenol has been used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency because it has been shown to support the capillaries and improve poor blood circulation in the extremities, namely your legs, feet, and hands. Also, a good multivitamin is critical in ensuring that your body gets all the minerals and nutrients it needs.
Step 3

Stop Smoking for Better Health

Stop smoking. Quitting smoking is the key to better health if you are a smoker. Everything from lung cancer to high blood pressure has been linked to smoking.
Step 4

Brush your skin daily. Dry body brushing has been gaining popularity recently as a means of improving skin health and softness, as well as improving poor blood circulation. There have been testimonials that it also helps reduce loose skin after weight loss, but there have been no studies or medical evidence to back it up.
Using a wash cloth or very soft bristled brush, begin at your hands and feet and gently brush toward your heart. You may want to do this just before you shower so you can immediately wash away all the dry skin that has flaked off.
Step 5

Lose weight! This may seem like an obvious final step, but being overweight contributes to all manner of health issues, including poor blood circulation.