Poor blood circulation is a dangerous killer

Maureen Minto, Contributor

Did you know that poor blood circulation is a dangerous killer? Poor blood circulation often causes thrombosis (blood clot) that very often results in heart attacks and even death. Poor blood circulation contributes to many life-threatening illnesses. These include high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, varicose veins, phlebitis, heart disease and diabetes.

Causes

The major contributors to poor blood circulation are:

❏ Blockage or constriction of the arteries

❏ Having high cholesterol or high blood pressure

❏ Being diabetic or overweight

❏ Constipation

❏ Lack of exercise

❏ Smoking

❏ Advanced age

❏ Stress

❏ Poor eating habits

Poor blood circulation may be experienced when there is excess fat on the walls of the arteries. Our fast- and false-food generation encourages poor blood circulation. We consume too much protein and processed carbohydrate and far too little of life vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables. This damages the liver, which then results in poor blood circulation.

Symptom

Some people with poor blood circulation may have no symptoms or symptoms only when walking or climbing stairs or heaviness in the leg muscles may occur. Other symptoms include poor memory, migraine headaches, dizziness when standing quickly, irregular heartbeat, chest pain on exertion, high cholesterol level, cold hands and feet, numbness, varicose veins, leg cramps, swollen ankles, pain when walking, nose bleed, vision problems, pale skin, sores on feet, toes or legs that take longer to heal and poor nail growth.

It must be remembered that it is the blood that:

❏ Transports food, including oxygen to every living cell of the body

❏ Carries antibodies (our fighter cells) to areas of infection

❏ Carries 15 per cent of our blood supply to the brain, and this keeps us alert

❏ Helps in the elimination of waste and

❏ Transports heat or warmth to the skin

Recommendation

Here are some useful tips on how to encourage good blood circulation:

❏ Decrease your cholesterol levels and increase elimination of waste by increasing your intake of fibre

❏ Strengthen your veins and tissues by eating more fruits, especially citrus

❏ Increase circulation with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper

❏ Avoid red meats, fried and fatty foods, caffeine, salts, refined foods and sugar, smoking and alcohol

❏ Eat fewer meals daily

❏ Drink plenty of freshly prepared natural juices

❏ Don't smoke

❏ Apply hot or cold compresses to affected areas

❏ Get regular massage by a professional massage therapist

❏ Exercise

The blood is very important to the body and must be free of toxins and have free unrestricted passage throughout the body. It is, therefore, vital to cleanse the blood and all vital organs a few times per year. There are herbal treatments that can improve blood flow and clear the blockages, removing all the symptoms of poor blood circulation.

Remember that the bible says that life is in the blood. The character of man is in the blood so when we take blood we are taking in an unknown person's character. The quality of your life depends upon the quality of the blood circulating throughout your body. It is necessary for you to pay attention to your blood circulation, as poor blood circulation can be a sudden killer.

Remember that healthy living is a lifestyle.

Maureen Minto is the chief naturopathic consultant at the Healthy Living Herbal Clinic and president of the Caribbean Natural Remedies Association. email healthylivingjamaica@gmail.com; yourhealth@gleanerjm.com