How to Improve Circulation in Your Legs
Keep some of these tips in your mind to assist those limbs and keeping the blood flowing!
Our legs have a big job – they support and transport us from place to place, help to keep us upright, and play a huge role in keeping our circulatory system healthy and moving – at any age! Our jobs or lifestyle often keep us more sedentary than is ideal, which does not promote good health. Keep some of these tips in your mind to assist those limbs and keeping the blood flowing!
Hydrate
You hear this a lot – drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. There’s a reason. Dehydration can thicken your blood, impeding good circulation (among other things). Remember that alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating!
Exercise
Walking is the best and most obvious choice if you are able. No equipment required, increases circulation throughout the body particularly the lower extremities
Try a Yoga Class
Yoga is more than simply stretching and offers myriad benefits to your entire body, including your nervous system. The postures increase circulation throughout the body and many of them provide stretches for your legs. Postures can vary in intensity and complexity. Start slow and build strength and stamina. Find a class taught by a knowledgeable and experienced teacher.
Your Diet
Including foods in your diet containing omega 3 fatty acids (avocado, certain fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel) chia and flax seeds, Vit E (found in leafy greens, olives, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, Vit C (in citrus) all encourage better circulation.
Elevate your Legs
Lying with your feet above your heart encourages blood and other fluids to return to the core and keeps those fluids from pooling in your feet. While reading or watching TV are good times to do this!
Sit Properly
We don’t think much about how we sit. Many of us cross our legs, slouch, sit too long. Try to avoid leg crossing and sit instead with your feet flat on the floor, weight distributed evenly between your feet and your hips with a straight but relaxed spine.. If at your desk, try putting something underneath your feet to keep your knees and hips in alignment.
Each of these alone or in concert can help keep your circulatory system tuned up. The more of them you can incorporate, the better!