Proper blood circulation is one of the most important functions of the body. Blood circulation distributes oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body; without it, our organs would not work properly.
Aside from delivering much needed oxygen, it also helps improve skin tone and cell regeneration. Poor blood circulation can be caused by smoking, lack of exercise, and blood clots.
Because they are located far from the heart, the feet sometimes suffer from poor circulation. Many people wonder how to improve blood circulation in feet. Cold feet is one of the most common symptoms of poor circulation in the area. Other symptoms include bloating or swelling of the toes or feet, cramps, and pins and needles.
What Causes Poor Circulation?
- Aside from the above-mentioned reasons, poor blood circulation is also caused by aging. As a person gets older, the arteries lose some of their elasticity which makes them narrower. Since the passageways are now smaller, the heart has to pump harder to get blood through. This results in decreased circulation and high blood pressure.
- Smoking is a big contributor to poor blood circulation as well. Smoking causes the buildup of plaque along the arterial walls, making the passageways narrower. The heart now has to pump faster, resulting in hypertension. The same thing is true with obesity, since plaque buildup is also present.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle is another culprit of poor blood circulation. If you spend all day sitting at your desk and being inactive, blood flow becomes sluggish and clots form. Sitting for long periods of time slows down circulation in the legs and feet.
Why Is This a Big Issue?
Poor blood flow is a big issue because it can lead to heart disease. Having poor blood circulation could be an indication of plaque deposits or narrow arteries that cause the heart to pump harder. Making the heart work hard for long periods of time can lead to heart failure, which could be fatal.
Poor blood flow means that your blood moves at a sluggish pace, which causes blood clots. Blood clots are dangerous because they can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Below are some tips on how to improve blood circulation in feet at home.
How to Improve Blood Circulation in Feet
1. Massage
One of the best ways to improve blood circulation in your feet at home is to massage them. Massaging your feet with rosemary oil can help relieve cramped, numb feet.
If you don’t have rosemary oil, you can try eucalyptus or lavender oil. Massage is great for your feet because aside from relieving tired and sore muscles, it can help increase blood flow to the area.
2. Avoid Stimulants
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, cigarettes, and diet pills contain stimulants like caffeine. Stimulants cause the arteries to become narrow, making the heart pump faster.
The good news is that you don’t need to cut off your coffee supply immediately. You can dial it down so that you only consume two to three cups of coffee per day. Coffee is rich in antioxidants so it is good for you in small doses.
3. Switch to Green Tea
Another way to improve circulation in the feet is to switch to green tea. If you really need coffee or black tea to function first thing in the morning, drink green tea instead.
Green tea has one of the lowest caffeine content among teas so you still get a fix. It is also known to help improve heart health and blood circulation because it is rich in flavonoids.
4. Exercise
We all know that leading a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy, so start exercising to counter the effects of sitting in your chair all day long.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to lift weights or take part in Olympic training. Light cardio exercises such as aerobics and jogging will do. You can also play sports to get moving. Try a new activity like tennis or swimming, or go biking or kayaking so you can enjoy the outdoors at the same time.
5. Turmeric
Loading up on turmeric is another good way to improve blood circulation in the feet. Turmeric is a gold colored spice that is related to the ginger family.
According to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research, turmeric contains curcumin, which helps prevent blood clots from forming and reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
To enjoy this home remedy, you can take turmeric supplements or add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of milk twice a day. You can also include generous amounts of the spice to your daily cooking.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil used to have a bad reputation because of its high fat content. However, scientists have discovered that this type of fat is actually beneficial to the body.
Monounsaturated fats contain medium-chain triglycerides which help decrease inflammation in the arteries. With regular use, coconut oil can boost blood circulation in the feet and the rest of the body.
You can add 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil to your daily oatmeal, coffee, or tea, or smoothie.
7. Root Crops
Can blood circulation in the feet be improved with food? Yes! Simply add onion, garlic, and ginger to your cooking. These root crops can be found in most kitchens around the world.
Garlic, onion, and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory properties which can enhance the blood circulation in your feet. They contain high amounts of sulfur that activate the anti-inflammatory enzymes of the body.
If your feet are painful or cramped, rub garlic on them. Garlic’s anti-inflammatory powers will help reduce pain and swelling.
8. Avoid Alcohol
A cold glass of beer can be very comforting after a long day at work—it helps you loosen up and unwind. However, overdoing it can have serious consequences on your feet. Heavy drinking can lead to issues like obesity and heart disease as well.
How can you improve circulation in your feet while still enjoying a drink? If you have to drink, limit your intake to two glasses max. Also, switch to healthier choices such as red wine, which contains resveratrol, a heart-friendly antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation in the body.