Winter Special: Poor circulation

The cold contributes to the appearance of problems related to blood circulation. Learn how to prevent poor circulation in winter.

Deterioration of blood circulation is a very common symptom in winter. Due to the cold, the blood vessels constrict (a natural measure, in order to prevent the body from losing heat), thus limiting the reach of the bloodstream, and the most affected parts are those that are furthest from the heart. : the extremities of the body, such as the hands and feet.

Poor circulation is a condition independent of the cold, which can occur throughout the year, but which is exacerbated by it, just as it is by taking some medications or being overweight.

Symptoms of poor blood circulation range from swollen legs, cold hands and feet, increased incidence of cramps, appearance of varicose veins and even more serious situations. If you have any of these symptoms, we advise you to consult your doctor. However, if you only feel that your blood circulation is worse on colder days, that is, you feel that your feet and hands take longer to warm up than the rest of your body, if you have chilblains, or if you are sitting down cross-leg gets a little tingling (which quickly disappears when you change position), you can take some measures to avoid the repercussions of this seasonal poor circulation.

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Avoid overly tight clothing (such as garters or belts), which compress the legs or waist, as well as tight shoes, as these garments act as tourniquets and hinder blood circulation.

2. Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and unsaturated fats

Eating foods rich in Vitamin C, resveratrol and flavonoids - such as oranges, acerola, grapes and blueberries - helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and thus make them more resistant and less susceptible to temperature changes. Already the intake of unsaturated fats, increase the fluidity of the bloodstream, help regulate blood pressure, dilation of vessels and blood clotting. Unsaturated fats are found, for example, in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, or in vegetable oils (corn, soy, sunflower). Finally, avoid salt - responsible for retaining liquids and causing circulatory problems - you can replace it with aromatic herbs, to add flavor to your cooking.

There are also some superfoods, such as Ginko Biloba, which improve blood circulation, having an effect not only on the body's extremities but also on cognitive function, due to an improvement in cerebral oxygenation. To get all the benefits of this plant, just take one tablet a day of Absorvit Ginko Biloba + Vitamin B1 . The ideal is to start taking it preventively, before winter, and continue taking it throughout the cold season.

3. Exercise regularly

Regular practice of physical exercise benefits health on several levels, including blood circulation. When exercised, muscles compress veins, pushing blood to the upper body. In addition, physical activity increases arterial flow. Practices such as walking, swimming, running or cycling help favor the cardiovascular system, control weight, lower blood pressure and reduce the level of LDL ("bad" cholesterol). But of course, on the coldest days, do not exercise outdoors, in order to avoid exposure to low temperatures, which can have other consequences for your health.

Thirty minutes a day is all it takes to improve your health.

4. Drink water

Drinking about two glasses of water a day facilitates the elimination of toxins and improves blood circulation. You can also use infusions such as Caudalie Tisanas Draining Biological tea, which favors the drainage of liquids and toxins, avoiding symptoms such as swollen legs.

5. Elevate your legs and avoid crossing them

If you spend most of your day sitting with your legs crossed, know that you are harming your blood circulation. You should keep your legs flat on the floor, forming a 90º angle with your knee, and raise them a little, keeping them elevated for a few minutes. You should also make a habit of getting up regularly and, if possible, stretching your muscles, not only to improve your blood flow, but also in terms of posture.

6. Get massages periodically

Massages activate blood circulation, facilitate the emptying of vessels, especially the most superficial ones, and improve tissue irrigation. And you don't need to resort to a professional massage therapist to put this tip into practice. You can do it at home, massaging feet and legs from bottom to top, from ankle to thigh. Take the opportunity to do these massages with a moisturizing cream, as the colder weather also affects the skin. Savaii Moisturizing Massage Cream with 10% Urea hydrates the skin while massaging it.

7. Hydrate to prevent

One of the consequences of poor blood circulation is the so-called chilblains, which result from the action of cold on superficial blood vessels, and can appear on the hands, feet, ears and even the nose. Symptoms include swelling, redness and itching. To prevent their appearance, you should avoid exposure to the cold, hydrate your skin very well, especially with an insulating cream such as Uriage Cold Cream Repair Cream. blood vessels, which is the origin of chilblains. So, if you needed one more reason to quit smoking, here it is. Giving up this addiction is not easy, but there are some solutions that can help, such as sucking pills or patches. If you want advice to find out which one is most suitable, talk to our pharmacist!

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Sources: National Health Service and CUF Institute

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