Poor circulation can be caused by many factors including smoking, diabetes and peripheral artery disease, according to The New York Times. The American Diabetes Association states that low blood flow can cause sore feet, inhibit healing and make it harder for your body to fight off infections. If you suffer from poor circulation, talk to your doctor to determine the reasons for your condition. You can also add certain foods to your diet to help promote healthy circulation.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain essential vitamins that can improve your blood flow, according to the Women Republic website. Snack on nuts to add niacin to your diet, a healthy vitamin that can prevent circulation problems from developing. Eating pumpkin seeds can also reduce your risk for blood clots and improve your blood flow. Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of beneficial vitamin E, another nutrient found to improve the overall health of your circulatory system.
Fruit
Adding various forms of fresh fruit to your diet can help reduce your risk of blood circulation issues. Enjoy fresh watermelon, which is full of lycopene, a phytochemical that can reduce plaque buildup in your arteries and promote healthy blood flow. Citrus fruits such as oranges are full of vitamin C, which can help make your capillary walls stronger and lead to improved circulation.
Spices
The Food Scout website suggests adding a variety of spices to your diet to improve circulation. Garlic and ginger are commonly used spices that work to improve your blood flow. Turmeric is a spice used often in Indian cooking that can contribute to healthy circulation throughout your body. Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties and functions like a blood thinner, which leads to improved blood flow.
Dark Chocolate
A study performed at the University of California in San Diego found that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can promote healthy blood vessels and improve blood flow. The flavonoids in dark chocolate are most beneficial when consumed daily. A diet rich in flavonoids can reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or blood clots. Participants in the study showed improved blood vessel function after consuming 1 1/2 oz. of dark chocolate per day for two weeks.
