The circulatory system encompasses the heart, blood vessels, arteries, veins, plasma, capillaries and platelets. This system pumps blood through each vessel, making life possible. When the circulatory system is impaired, circulation is compromised, and often in the legs. Signs of poor circulation are frequent leg cramps and numbness, and foot sores that take longer to heal. To improve leg circulation, eliminate known causes of artery blockage, such as junk food, alcohol and fats.
Instructions
1. Cut back on fats and red meat. Give your body a chance to burn off the bad fats that are already in your system. By cutting down on artery-clogging foods such as ice cream, potato chips, cheese, fattening salad dressings and red meats, you will start to eliminate them from your circulatory system.
2. Start an exercise program. Get up from a sitting position every 15 or 20 minutes to get the blood flowing through your veins and arteries. When you're able, go for a short walk with a friend for support. This will perk up your circulatory system and get the blood flowing easily through your veins and arteries. Eventually, increase your workout to a level you're comfortable with, but take care that you don't overexert yourself. Finally, include stretches into your exercise regimen to loosen the muscles and increase flexibility. This will improve the blood circulation in your legs.
3. Add cayenne pepper to your foods to increase blood flow. Cayenne pepper is a natural stimulant known for it ability to increase metabolism, which leads to better blood circulation throughout the body, including the legs.
4. Get a professional massage two or three times a month as part of your overall program. Tell your masseuse that you want special attention paid to your legs and feet. A massage does more than relax you. It is also therapeutic, stimulating the muscles and joints as well as facilitating optimal blood circulation.
5. Visit an acupuncturist to help improve leg circulation. Research any practitioner you're considering, and choose a well-regarded establishment. Ask questions before you consent to treatment. Tell the practitioner exactly why you're there; specifically, to increase circulation in your legs.
Tags: circulatory system, blood circulation, blood flowing, circulation your, circulation your legs, improve circulation