“My hands and feet are always cold . . . and not just in cold weather either!”

“When I wake up in the morning, my leg is stiff. It is hard for me to straighten it out.”

“Sometimes my hand goes numb.”

“When I get up after being still for awhile, I feel dizzy.”

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? It could be that you have a blood circulation problem.

What is Blood Circulation?

The movement of blood in different parts of the body is known as blood circulation. Blood circulation is basically responsible for the movement of nutrients to and from the cells present in the body.

You can’t survive without the circulation of blood in your body. The blood is pumped in the body by the heart through veins and arteries.

Blood circulation that is not optimum results in many huge problems of the body.

In fact, blood circulation problems can affect the reproductive, nervous, and cardiovascular system as well as cause damage to your eyes, kidneys, and brain function.

Possible problems caused by blood circulation problems:

• Cold feet and hands
• Dark circles beneath the eyes
• Blood clotting
• Dizziness, tingling in the body’s extremities
• Itching in different parts of the body
• Memory loss and more

Things like these might  seem minor in themselves but in fact they turn out to be one of the most serious health problems known to medical science: poor movement of blood throughout your body.

6 Tips for Improving blood circulation naturally:

1. It is very important to keep moving. If you have a sedentary job such as sitting in an office or doing computer work, be sure you take regular breaks to walk around and stretch. When possible, move around while on the phone for a natural “working break.”

2. If you have high blood pressure, keep it under control through diet, exercise, and prescribed medication. When you have continual high pressure within your arteries, you will experience long-term damage to the vessels as well as the organs they supply blood to.

3. Prop your head up on a wedge pillow at night to help send blood down to your legs and feet using gravity.

4. Elevate your feet when you are sitting. This gives your feet a rest, helps your circulation, and aids your relaxation. Win-win.

5. Get a massage. A massage helps to stimulate blood flow to your soft tissue.

6. You can improve your blood circulation naturally by improving your diet and whole food supplementation.

Nutrients to include in your diet for better blood circulation:

1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital in providing a better blood circulation. Foods that include vitamin C improve circulation because vitamin C is an important asset that improves capillary walls in the body. Vitamin C can be found in citrus containing fruits like oranges and lemons. Vitalized Immunity has the Vitamin C equivalent to that found in 16 oranges.

2. Cocoa
Who doesn’t like chocolate, right? But what if I tell you chocolate can improve circulation naturally? That’s right! Dark chocolate includes cocoa that contains natural flavonoids that improve circulation naturally and keep you in the shape you want to be. Just be sure to go sparingly on the accompanying sugar!

3. Vitamin E
I bet you like sunflowers, don’t you? But did you know eating sunflowers can help you improve your circulation? Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E that heavily reduces the formation of blood clots and improves circulation naturally. A small amount of these delicious seeds should be added to the diet for best results. Other good Vitamin E sources are almonds, spinach, kale, and hazelnuts.

4. Omega 3
Salmon is a personal favorite of mine and many other food lovers. But salmon also happens to be a great addition in the diet to improve circulation naturally. Salmon and avocados contain Omega 3 fatty acids that are healthy for the heart. Other great sources for Omega 3s are fresh tuna, mackerel, eggs, and milk, among many others. I also like to add in a high-quality fish oil.

5. Fiber-rich foods
Fiber is vital in maintaining a healthy immune system which improves blood circulation and provides a healthier body. Fiber can be found in bran, beans and legumes, berries, grains, greens, nuts and seeds, and more. A little dose of fiber can help you keep your blood moving well.

Remember that improving your blood circulation is important for foundational good health and feeling of well-being. Incorporate these tips into your healthy lifestyle and feel the benefits for many years to come.

First published: December 2014

Updated: August 2020

Health Disclaimer: This information has not been approved by the FDA and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Remember to seek medical advice from your health professional for all your health concerns including how to improve your blood circulation naturally.