Poor circulation is a common problem caused by many conditions, like peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, obesity, smoking and Raynaud’s disease. Low blood flow can lead to pain, muscle cramps, numbness, digestive issues and a feeling of coldness in the hands and feet.
Circulatory issues are often treated with medication, but eating certain foods can also help optimize blood flow. Here are nine of the best foods to help increase blood flow and circulation in your body:
- Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, which help open the blood vessels to allow more blood to flow through. It is also known for keeping the arteries from becoming stiff and thick. - Onions
Onions are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants, which benefit heart health and circulation by helping your arteries and veins widen when blood flow increases. - Fatty fish
A diet rich in fish that are low in saturated fat and high in Omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with improved blood flow and a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. - Beets
Beets are rich in natural chemicals called nitrates. Through a chain reaction, the body converts these nitrates into nitric oxide, a chemical that helps improve blood flow and blood pressure. - Leafy greens
Leafy greens thin the blood and help oxygen circulate around the body more efficiently. - Citrus fruits
Consuming flavonoid-richcitrus fruitslike oranges, lemons and grapefruit may decrease inflammation in your body, which can reduce blood pressure and stiffness in your arteries while improving blood flow. Watermelon can also improve blood flow, as it contains lycopene, a natural antioxidant linked to improving circulation. - Walnuts
Nuts like walnuts and almonds help improve circulation by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in the arteries. - Tomatoes
The lycopene in tomatoes can protect against cardiovascular disease. The vitamin K in tomatoes helps control bleeding and blood clotting as well as improves circulation. - Berries
Blueberries and strawberries contain flavonoids, which help dilate arteries, reduce plaque buildup and increase blood flow.
If you or a loved one needs to increase blood flow and circulation, but needs additional support from a skilled specialist, please call Carolina Vein Specialists at 336-218-8346. We are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders and interventional procedures.
FAQs
Pomegranate juice also has nitrate, which can widen blood vessels and facilitate blood flow.
How can I quickly increase blood flow naturally? ›
Try any of the below:
- Increase cardiovascular exercise. ...
- If you smoke, quit. ...
- Drink black or green tea. ...
- If you are anemic, take iron supplements or eat iron-rich food. ...
- Dry brush your body. ...
- Decrease stress. ...
- Include more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. ...
- Wear compression socks and elevate your legs.
Pomegranate juice also has nitrate, which can widen blood vessels and facilitate blood flow.
What foods repair blood vessels? ›
10 Foods to Improve Your Vascular Health
- Avocados. Avocados are rich in healthy fats and can aid in managing high cholesterol. ...
- Beets. Beets are rich in nitrate, which your body turns into nitric oxide. ...
- Berries. ...
- Cayenne Pepper. ...
- Citrus Fruits. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Leafy Greens. ...
- Oats.
Trans fats, saturated fats, excess salt, and added sugars can all negatively impact circulation. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, and nuts may help improve circulation.
What foods clean your arteries? ›
Avoid Clogged Arteries with These 8 Healthy Foods
- Fish. Fatty or oily fish such as salmon and tuna are a great source of omega-3 fats, compounds which have been shown in studies to reduce the amount of plaque which sticks in your arteries. ...
- Seeds & Nuts. ...
- Green Vegetables. ...
- Olive Oil. ...
- Berries. ...
- Avocado. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Chocolate.
You can improve your poor circulation symptoms in these ways:
- Exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Lose weight.
- Manage your stress.
- Wear compression gloves or stockings.
You can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of vein disease with lifestyle changes. But there's no way to fix the diseased vein valve. The only way to permanently treat poor circulation is to destroy or remove the diseased saphenous vein responsible for your vein problems using minimally invasive procedures.
What opens blood vessels immediately? ›
Vasodilators are medicines that open, also called dilate, blood vessels. Vasodilators affect the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins. They prevent the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing. As a result, blood flows more easily through the vessels.
What is the best vitamin for blood circulation? ›
Top Vitamins for Healthy Circulation
- B-Complex Vitamins. Vitamin B deficiency can harm your health in many ways, including circulation. ...
- Potassium (Vitamin K) Potassium is an essential mineral for many important bodily functions, including blood circulation. ...
- Vitamin C. ...
- Vitamin E.
Heart-healthy drinks (other than water)
- Sparkling water (try adding chopped fruit or herbs; for example, fresh mint).
- Unflavoured milk.
- Plant-based milks with added calcium, like soy, almond, oat, rice milk.
- Tea.
- Coffee.
- Small glass (125ml) of 100% fruit or vegetable juice.
Regular exercise is known to boost circulation. Whether you choose to take a walk, ride your bike, run, or go for a swim, exercising regularly can help keep your blood pumping and improve cardiovascular health. Stretch. In addition to exercise, make sure you're stretching.
Which fruit is best for blood circulation? ›
Pomegranates. The tiny juicy red seeds inside a pomegranate are packed with nutrients, in particular antioxidants and nitrates. These can boost your circulation. And they widen (dilate) your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.
What drugs increase blood flow? ›
Vasodilators are drugs that open your blood vessels. Your provider may prescribe vasodilators to treat high blood pressure, chest pain or heart failure. Most people take vasodilators as part of an overall treatment plan. To improve your heart health, you also need to eat a nutritious diet, exercise and manage stress.
How to increase blood flow to pennis? ›
Ways to do this include:
- Eat a Healthy Diet. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. ...
- Stay Hydrated. Dehydration can reduce blood volume and affect blood flow throughout the body. ...
- Maintain a Healthy Weight. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Reduce Stress. ...
- Stop Smoking.
Increase physical activity
Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, supports the circulatory system's health and improves circulation. Research from 2018 notes that regular cardiovascular exercise is associated with improved cardiovascular performance and lower blood pressure.
What triggers increased blood flow? ›
Vasodilation occurs naturally in your body in response to triggers such as low oxygen levels, a decrease in available nutrients, and increases in temperature. It causes the widening of your blood vessels, which in turn increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
What can I drink to increase my blood? ›
Drinks high in iron include:
- Apple juice.
- Apricot nectar.
- Beef broth.
- Beet juice.
- Cocoa using natural cocoa powder.
- “Green” smoothies. Usually containing ingredients such as kale, spinach, celery, Swiss chard, wheatgrass, cucumber, parsley, and mint.
- Orange juice.
- Pea protein smoothies.
