EDITOR’S PICK:
Good health depends on a lot of different factors, and proper blood circulation is one of its main ones. The blood in our bodies is the responsible fluid to take nutrients and oxygen from one spot to another. Helping our body function correctly and be balanced. Whenever our blood circulation fails to deliver the proper nutrients to the specific parts of our body, that leads to a diverse range of health issues.
1. Swelling of lower extremities
A number of causes can produce swelling on your feet. For example, sitting or standing for a very long period in the same position. Or suffering from obesity, malnutrition or PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). Among others such as high salt intake, ageing, leading a sedentary lifestyle or being pregnant. However, these listed types of swelling are only temporary and do get better within hours.
If the swelling or oedema on your feet lasts for a long time, then the reason may rely on poor blood circulation. The explanation for this is that the lack of proper blood circulation makes it so that the kidneys are unable to function as they should. By not being able to keep fluids in the blood vessels where they should be. The result of this is the leaching out of fluids which then settle in the surrounding tissues. This leads to swelling. In very severe cases, this poor blood circulation process can cause leg ulcers.
2. Numbness of hands and feet
Numbness of hands and feet can be a consequence of numerous factors. But it can also be a sign of poor blood circulation. Numbness is usually felt in two different ways. The first one is a slight tingling on your extremities. This is reported to feel like little insects or ants walking over your skin. Just like when your hands or feet fall asleep and start waking up again.
The second symptom is what is usually called numbness. A feeling of numbness is when you stop feeling your extremities the way you usually do. When poor blood circulation comes into play, you will have this feeling that your hands and feet are swollen and cannot feel what you touch. Like if your extremities had fallen asleep and couldn’t really wake up.
In this case, you need to be careful not to hurt yourself when doing normal activities as you won’t have full sensitivity in your hands and feet. Whenever your blood circulation is not at its best, there are several things you can do to help your extremities.
3. Cold hands and feet
Similarly to the above, having cold hands and feet is a symptom of bad blood circulation. It usually goes hand in hand with numbness and tingling, but not always. You may experience them together or separately.
Our blood is what maintains our body temperature. Thus, when having poor blood circulation, your extremities may suffer from a loss of temperature. Your hands and feet are the furthest parts of your body, so, normally, they suffer first. Including your fingers and toes. Additionally, blood circulation is what takes the oxygen to the cells around the body. When oxygen levels drop in your cells, this can lower the body’s temperature.
4. Persistent tiredness and fatigue
Tiredness is a typical symptom of physical effort and can also be linked to numerous drugs. Nonetheless, when consistently feeling weakness and fatigue, the reason may lay in poor blood circulation to various body parts.
Struggling organs will fight to make sure they continue functioning correctly. It even influences the way muscles to work. As they are not getting enough nutrients and oxygen.
Alongside weariness and tiredness, a few people may significantly experience the ill effects of shortness of breath, absence of stamina and sore muscles. These are a few of the associated symptoms of poor blood circulation related to your system. More reasons for tiredness include excessive drinking (alcohol abuse), uncontrolled intake of caffeine, lack of quality sleep, inactivity, bad dietary patterns, anxiety, grief, depression and stress.
5. Slow healing and weak immune system
A slow blood circulation (also called circulatory system) will directly affect your immune system and general health. Because of poor blood circulation, your body is not receiving the vitamins and minerals that it needs to fight off diseases and infections. As these are not distributed promptly or even in proper amounts. This directly affects the capacity of your body to recognise, diagnose, and fight off pathogens.
Whenever your immune system is weak, you will notice that your body suffers more often from common diseases or takes you longer to heal. You may also notice that you get bruised easily, this is due to blood thinning. Or even small wounds hurt more and take very long to heal or scar. Your gums may bleed as well as your nose.
6. Varicose veins
Varicose veins developing in the legs can be a side effect and also a reason for poor blood circulation. Because of an incorrect blood circulation system, there is a pressure buildup in your legs. This leads to varicose veins just under the first layer of the skin. Veins then become extremely visible, twisted, and swollen.
Varicose veins tend to show up on the lower part of the legs and cause itchiness, irritation, pain, restlessness, heaviness and burning sensations. The presence of protruding veins is a beautiful concern for those suffering it and having to show off their legs at work or social events. However, varicose veins are not only caused by poor blood circulation. They are also common symptoms of hereditary diseases, obesity, hormonal changes, jobs that require standing still, the use of birth control pills, and even constipation.
7. Hair loss
Balding for no apparent reason is an unmistakable sign that blood isn’t getting pumped appropriately around your system. The moment your scalp is not receiving the appropriate amount of essential nutrients, you will feel your hair becoming thin and dry. Thus falling out at a higher rate than usual.
When the hair loss issue is related to poor blood circulation, the use of specific shampoos is unnecessary. Instead, it is very important to activate the follicles in your scalp. To do so, make sure to wash your hair with your head downwards and massage it throughout. This will activate the cells of your scalp and bring more blood circulation to it.
FURTHER READING
Another way to diagnose blood circulation issues is to check your skin and nails. If you get brittle and weak nails, as well as dry skin and hair loss, you are not getting the proper nutrients. Which is usually related to poor blood circulation.
Click to watch our video of the week:
An airstrike targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group has tragically resulted in the bombing of two…
Appeals for peace in the Middle East Calls for release of Israeli hostages Begs for…
The Federal Government of Nigeria spent N8.73 billion on airport power infrastructure in 2024, according…