How to improve your circulation
Your body has more than 60,000 miles of blood vessels. And it's important that every mile is a well-paved highway or byway that allows your blood and the oxygen, nutrients, minerals, enzymes, hormones and immune cells that it contains to reach every corner of YOU.
Unfortunately, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, magnesium deficiency, varicose veins and peripheral artery disease, which affect tens of millions of folks, all contribute to the development of a sluggish or obstructed circulation. Symptoms might include achy muscles, slow-to-heal wounds, chronic chilliness, tingling or swelling in your extremities, skin color changes, even digestive and cognition problems.
If you think you have circulation problems, see your doctor pronto for diagnosis and treatment. And start today, making sure you're well-hydrated, you get at least a 30-minute walk in daily (you are aiming for an hour-plus) and work up a sweat. Use a brush on your skin from feet to shoulders and arms (do it in the shower) to stimulate blood flow. And eat a healthy, plant-based diet, free of excess saturated fats, red and red processed meats, fried foods, and highly processed foods. That will lower your lousy LDL cholesterol and help prevent plaque from clogging your circulatory system.
The rewards are far-reaching. You'll improve your brain power, increase your strength and agility, and slow down aging, protecting yourself from everything from osteoporosis and arthritis to obesity and dementia.
For 30-plus more ways to keep you circulating through life with joy and good health, check out my book "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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