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Posted By: bepart Solutions to Improve Circulation - 02/26/06 01:46 PM
Just wondering if anyone has any solutions to improve circulation? I have Raynaud's and, quite frankly, had never heard of it until the doctor told me I had it. Basically, cold hurts, and when my body tries to warm up from the cold, it overcompensates and my hands turn this Christmas red. It really is odd. The medical solution is to take a pill designed to reduce blood pressure but since I do not have high blood pressure, I would prefer to find an alternative solution. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Posted By: AltmedVictoria Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 02/26/06 11:10 PM
Studies suggest that if you have Raynaud�s, you may need more vitamin C and selenium, a mineral found in unprocessed foods. Without these two nutrients, you are more likely to suffer irreversible tissue damage.

In order to protect your fingers and toes, eat lots of citrus, cantaloupe, strawberries, peppers, papayas, mangos, vegetables, grains, and if you like meat you can try liver. A multivitamin containing as antioxidant formula would be a good idea too.

The herb ginkgo will help dilate your blood vessels, and can improve circulation. It helps move your blood to the tips of your fingers, which relieves pain and restores the natural color of your skin. First talk with your doctor before starting ginkgo since you are on high blood pressure medication.

Circulation Problem-Raynaud�s Syndrome <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art41147.asp
Posted By: bepart Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 02/28/06 12:56 PM
Victoria,

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I had wondered if there were any foods that would help. Those are all my favorite types of food to eat (except maybe the liver) so it won't be too difficult to add more to my diet.

I cannot wait to read your article. THANK YOU!!
Posted By: babyquacker Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 02/28/06 10:52 PM
Since cold hurts, you should avoid exposure to cold, like cleaning fruits, vegetables in cold water or cutting defrosted meat into pieces, washing your car in cold weather, etc. Wear gloves if you are going to be outside.

Another thing to remember with Raynauds is to avoid smoking. That again has to do with the blood pressure not being the same (or equal) throughout the arm, into the fingertips. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Emotions can sometimes make your fingers and feet go from pale to pink to red, just like cold can. (Kinda like blushing, I guess).

The food choices sound like a great start to some natural healers, too, along with a good multi-vitamin/mineral! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Trish
Another thing to avoid or cut down on is caffine, which can affect blood vessels and cause dilation (especially if you drink it in large quantities). Caffeine is a big no-no when you have migraines for this reason.

Also, keeping your entire body at a regular tempurature is important, because when your body gets cold, it automatically pulls circulation away from the extremities to keep your core warm. So hands and feet will always be the coldest part of your body. (And my nose, I swear its ALWAYS freezing!)
Posted By: bepart Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 03/18/06 02:51 PM
Thanks everyone for the tips. I do not smoke (never have) but I do drink a fair amount of caffeine.

It's odd, but I have just as much of a problem with the indoor AC as I do with the outside cold temp. This isn't a problem at home b/c I can control the temp but at work and other places it can become a real problem. I have learned to wear layers so that I can be warmer inside but not too hot when I go outside.

While this is bothersome, I hate to complain about it b/c I know there are far worse medical problems that people must deal with on a daily basis.

Thanks again for the tips!!
Posted By: babyquacker Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 03/18/06 10:28 PM
You are smart to have never smoked! It's much easier than trying to stop! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I don't smoke either, now, but 30+ years ago I did, in college. I still have problems with bronchitis because of it. Do you drink alcohol? I think that also does something to your circulation in your toes and fingertips. I remember hearing that if you're outside in the cold, you shouldn't drink to warm up because it really doesn't warm you up or your extremeties. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I don't think it's odd that you have a problem with indoor AC. My son does, too, but he just wears his socks all the time. (actually, I do too!) Something else we do is keep a shawl or afghan on the sofa, in case we are visiting each other's house and one of us gets that "cool" feeling. Believe it or not, this is not as unusual as you might think.

Take care. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Trish
Posted By: geoffolden Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 03/20/06 06:01 PM
Hydrotherapy treatment is wonderful for improving circulation, getting rid of aches and pains, and de-stressing! What easier way to feel better than lying in a hot whirlpool bath!
One of the best ways to keep a healthy heart and good circulation is to make sure that you get plenty of Essential Fatty Acids in your diet (Omega 3,6,9).

Good sources include cold water fish - mackerel, sardines etc.
Linseed/ Flaxseed Oil, Hemp Oil
Here's sending you lots of warming vibes.
Posted By: FashionFiend Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 03/22/06 09:32 PM
I also experience severe circulation issues. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> My entire lower leg will "fall asleep" very easily. Lately I have woken up, from naps never a full nites sleep, with numb hands.

My doctor believes I have a condition called hypermobility disorder. Caffeine definitely affects me. I was fortunate to not abuse caffeine in my school days, but in the work world my abstention went out the window.

I am also incredibly suspectible to alcohol- I actually get migraines from as little as half a glass of white wine.

Does anyone else experience this? I haven't found many resources on hypermobility so would appreciate input.
Posted By: candy3 Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 10/28/06 02:52 AM
Massages also help circulation.
Posted By: Roni Re: Solutions to Improve Circulation - 05/18/07 06:09 PM
It has been shown that meditation and guided imagery help with these issues...

a cautionary note...gingko can and does raise blood pressure(in those susceptible), it should never be taken by those taking coumadin(wayfarin) and taken with caution by those on a regular aspirin regimen(it can thin the blood). If you get headaches while taking gingko or experience rising Blood pressure numbers(and you need to check often) discontinue it's use...
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