The circulatory system is formed of the heart, lungs and blood vessels that are responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, hormones and cells to every part of the body. It doesn’t require anything to get the circulatory system moving but it does help to improve and strengthen it to maintain a healthy body.

Helping to stimulate the blood circulation can help to boost just about every bodily function and can improve overall health. Diet, exercise and supplements can all play an important role in this. Here are a few tips to help boost your blood flow;

Diet is the Key

Looking after your weight and diet is helpful when trying to control your blood pressure and giving your circulation a much-needed boost. Trying to decrease the intake of sodium within the diet, such as processed food and replacing it with potassium such as; dark, leafy greens and bananas. Having too much sodium stored in the body can cause the blood vessels to contract affecting those with circulatory disorders. Similarly, keeping track of your cholesterol levels can also help to avoid any interference within the blood flow. On average it is recommended that the total cholesterol levels for a healthy adult should be 5 mmol/L, it is always advised to get your levels checked regularly.

Keep Moving

Love it or hate it, it is a well-known fact that exercising can do your body a world of good! It can help to strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure. Any form of cardio activity that gets you moving; walking, running, cycling, swimming etc. can make a difference as it helps to raise your heart rate and gets the blood pumping around the body. Start of slowly if you are new to exercise and keep building it up, as you get stronger. Even ten minutes a day is better then doing nothing.

Add in Some Gingko Biloba

This supplement is an all-round circulation booster that helps to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery. It helps to maintain cardiovascular function by opening the vessels that deliver blood to the brain to help the blood flow more efficiently. In some cases it is also believed to help memory and cognitive functions by protecting against nerve damage caused by Alzheimer’s.

Deskercise

If you have a primarily sedentary job that requires being inactive for the best part of the day you may find it difficult to fit in exercise into your daily routine. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time has been known to be bad for circulation and also for you posture. Taking time to go for a short walk during a break or doing leg extensions under the desk can be beneficial to keep your blood circulating.

The Power of Garlic

Garlic is a common herb that is best known for flavouring foods and has been an integral part of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, it is beneficial as part of an every day diet- either in food, or as a supplement. It has also been known as an all-round tonic, helpful for cleansing the blood that can help to lower blood pressure slightly in people with hypertension.