{"id":679,"date":"2018-11-26T15:44:47","date_gmt":"2018-11-26T15:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/msa-vascularservices.com\/?p=679"},"modified":"2021-07-19T03:04:24","modified_gmt":"2021-07-19T03:04:24","slug":"heart-smart-habits-better-blood-flow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/msapc.com\/vascular-services\/heart-smart-habits-better-blood-flow\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart Smart Habits for Better Blood Flow"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good circulation is essential for staying healthy from head to toe – literally! It is your blood\u2019s job to carry necessary nutrients to all parts of your body, so if blood flow is impaired, your blood will struggle to deliver what your body needs, especially considering how far it has to go to reach your extremities. The fact is, poor circulation can lead to serious health complications, including chronic swelling, numbness, ulcerations and even amputation. <\/span><\/p>\n

Smoking, obesity, and underlying conditions such as <\/span>peripheral arterial disease<\/span><\/a> and diabetes, can all have damaging effects on blood flow. However, you can reduce – and sometimes even eliminate – \u00a0your risk of circulatory, or <\/span>vascular, health issues<\/span><\/a> by making just a few lifestyle changes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Blood circulation starts with your heart, so it makes sense that heart smart habits will help to <\/span>boost your blood flow<\/span><\/a>. Here is a list of healthy habits you should start, as well as others you should try to break:<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t smoke <\/b>– and while you\u2019re at it, avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible! The chemicals in tobacco damage blood cells as well as the structure and function of your blood vessels, narrowing passageways with plaque and creating dangerous blockages. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get regular exercise <\/b>– staying active keeps your body moving, your heart pumping and thus, your blood flowing. In addition, exercise helps to reduce stress and maintain a healthy weight, two other major factors that affect your vascular wellbeing. <\/span><\/p>\n

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet <\/b>– not only does this help with weight, but also in controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure which are crucial contributors to your circulation health. <\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy:<\/strong><\/p>\n