Poor circulation can be affected by many things. While some people are genetically inclined to having better circulation than others, many factors in your life can affect how well blood and oxygen are delivered to various parts of your body. This can cause side effects ranging from minor to pronounced, including cold and darkened extremities. Poor circulation may also be exacerbated by certain conditions, including diabetes. There are several things you can do to help your circulatory system function as it should.
Step 1
Stop smoking, if you currently do. According to MayoClinic.com, smoking can damage your arteries, making it more difficult for blood and oxygen to be distributed throughout the body. Quitting smoking is considered by some to be the single most effective thing you can do to improve circulation.
Step 2
Eat a heart-healthy diet. Avoids foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and make sure you are getting good daily doses of vitamins A, B6, C and E. Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to reduce the occurrence of poor circulation in individuals.
Step 3
Exercise several times a week. Even moderate levels of exercise increase your heart rate and the speed at which blood is pumped through your body. This leads to an increase in circulation that is maintained for the duration of your exercise. But even when the exercise ends, frequent working out can train the circulatory system to distribute blood and oxygen better throughout your day, improving circulation.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about possible medications that may improve your circulation. Depending on your circumstances, some blood thinning medications may be useful, or your doctor may have other recommendations. Medications may be necessary if natural approaches to treatment don't yield much success.
