Do you need to boost your circulation or your memory?

Healthy blood circulation is crucial for maintaining good health and vitality. However some of us suffer with cold hands and feet, especially older people. When it comes to memory and mental acuity, this too needs healthy blood flow to your head and brain. How do you know that your circulation needs a boost? Poor circulation occurs when the flow of blood to and through a part of your body is restricted. It can occur when blood vessels narrow, due to cold or other factors, and this results in a decrease in blood flow to important areas.

Here are some of the symptoms you may experience when your circulation is not at its best

5 possible effects of poor circulation to your limbs

1. Cold hands and feet
2. Dry skin
3. Fluid retention
4. Varicose veins
5. Pins and needles, numbness and frequent cramping

5 possible effects of poor circulation to your head

1. Forgetfulness
2. Poor memory
3. Risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia
4. Headaches
5. Dizziness

Although those with poor circulation have an increased risk of developing such conditions, it’s exciting to know there are many simple and highly effective actions you can take to reduce the debilitating effects of poor circulation.

5 Diet and lifestyle recommendations to boost your circulation:

1. Increase deep-sea oily fish - These include sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies and tuna. These fish are high in omega 3 fatty acids.
2. Increase high antioxidant foods - Antioxidants have been shown to improve brain function and memory and support a healthy cardiovascular system. High antioxidant foods include berries, broccoli, all colourful fruits and vegetables, onions, garlic, green tea and small amounts of red wine.
3. Get moving! Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, increases circulation, boosts brain function, improves memory and reduces risk of obesity and diabetes. Gentle and often is the key when it comes to moving and this applies whatever your age. Don’t sit for prolonged period of time – get up and move around regularly.
4. Don’t smoke - Smoking will increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, it hardens and constricts arteries, reducing blood flow and decreasing oxygenated blood to your brain, causing memory loss, fogginess and fatigue.
5. Massage – Massage helps to increase blood flow to the extremities. Massage your feet, hands and arms on a regular basis use cold pressed oil such a Macadamia or Jojoba and add a few drops of essential oils such a Rosemary, Cypress, Juniper or Lemon. These are all good circulatory stimulants and smell wonderful!

5 natural health supplements to reduce and prevent poor circulation

1. Fish Oil – Fish oil is high in essential omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are crucial for decreasing your risk of cardiovascular disease, maintaining healthy brain function and memory and alleviating dry skin
2. Ginkgo – Ginkgo is a powerful herb ideal for improving circulation and improving memory. This herb has been shown to increase the microcirculation in peripheral areas of your body through its ability to dilate the blood vessels. In the brain it has been found to be protective of the neurons as well as bringing nutrients and oxygen to the brain tissue
3. Hawthorn – This is herb is extremely beneficial in strengthening the heart and encouraging dilation of peripheral blood vessels
4. Rosemary – Rosemary is one of the key herbs for stimulating circulation improving memory and concentration. It is also a valuable cellular antioxidant.
5. Water! – remember to keep hydrated with regular intake of good quality water

Mr Vitamins recommends

Blackmores Ginkgoforte

Helps you to enhance your working memory and thought processes. Ginkgo has been shown to increase blood flow and so can increase tissue nutrition throughout your body Find out more and shop online for Blackmores Ginkgoforte here

Blackmores Omega Triple

A triple strength formula that provides omega 3 fatty acids minus the fishy aftertaste Find out more and shop online for Blackmores Omega Triple here