How to boost your circulation and why it’s important

Did you know a human heart beats more than 100,000 times a day? Good blood circulation is one of the most important functions of the body and plays a major role in overall health. It ensures that blood and oxygen continuously flow throughout the body, allowing the lungs, heart, brain and muscles to operate properly and efficiently.

 

It is also important for the immune system, helping to fight off and avoid potential diseases and sicknesses. During a time when colds, flu and COVID-19 are prevalent, it’s especially important for people to make sure their circulation is optimal.

 

TV legend Ray Meagher, best known for his much-loved role as Alf on Home and Away, explains why he takes good circulation seriously.

 

“Staying active is really important to me. On set, I am often on my feet for a lot of the day, and I also really love walking, but I get leg aches and cramps. I have learned that good circulation is really important. It is incredible the impact it has on your health,” says Ray.

A person with poor circulation may experience tingling, numbness or throbbing in the arms or legs, muscle cramps and foot pain. Other symptoms can include varicose veins, digestive issues, wounds that won’t heal in the legs, feet and toes, or feeling fatigued. Confusion or memory loss can also happen because of a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain.

 

The most common causes of poor circulation in the feet are obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which all affect the blood flow due to plaque which narrows the arteries. Certain lifestyle choices can significantly impact circulation, including smoking, and failing to exercise regularly.

 

The first step for anyone who suspects they may have circulation issues is to get a check-up with their GP as it is important to diagnose any underlying conditions and prescribe any medications that might be needed.

“Let’s face it, this has been one of our toughest years yet. I encourage everyone to get active in the new year and look at ways to get the blood pumping!” says Ray.

 

With a doctor’s approval, there are many simple and effective ways to improve blood circulation.

 

1. Stay active: Exercise is essential for heart and circulatory health. Low-impact exercise such as walking, stationary bicycling, yoga, and swimming can reduce the discomfort caused by poor circulation. According to Better Health Victoria, inactivity contributes to over three million deaths worldwide each year - causing 27% of diabetes and 30% of heart disease. Almost 70% of Australian adults are classed as sedentary. Making an effort to get up regularly, walk around, and stretch can help fight circulation issues, as well as many other problems that result from spending too much time sitting.

 

1. Monitor your weight and blood pressure: If you’re overweight, losing weight can help control blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake, such as from processed foods, and increasing potassium levels, with foods such as dark, leafy greens and bananas, can also help with blood pressure.

 

1. Stop smoking: We’ve all heard it, but it is true. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve your circulation, almost immediately. Smoking causes a build-up of plaque in your arteries that can ultimately lead to poor circulation, medically diagnosed as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

 

1. Stay hydrated: Blood is more than 90% water, so to keep it moving it is important to stay hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, the amount of blood circulating through your system decreases and retains more sodium, which can increase blood pressure. Check your pee to see if you’re getting enough fluid – anything darker than straw-coloured or clear means you’re dehydrated!

 

1. Consume omega-3 fatty acids: Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids promote cardiovascular health and improve circulation. The Heart Foundation recommends all Australians should aim to include 2–3 serves of fish (including oily fish) per week as part of a heart-healthy diet.

 

1. Try a theCirculation Booster: Revitive Circulation Booster is a drug-free therapy option using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) that may offer people relief from symptoms of poor circulation. It is the only device of its kind to be endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and registered as a medical device with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

 

Leg symptoms, especially where combined with certain underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or diabetes may be an indicator of poor circulation associated with peripheral arterial disease. If you have any of these conditions, consult your doctor, who can advise you on a suitable plan that includes good nutrition and exercise to keep you moving.

*Consult with your health care professional before use. Do not use if fitted with an electronic implanted device such as a heart pacemaker or Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), you are pregnant, being treated for, or have symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): such as pain, swelling and tenderness, heavy ache, warm or red skin in the leg. Always read the label. Follow the instructions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Revitive is a complement to your existing treatment plan. 

About Actegy Health AU/NZ - Makers of Revitive

Actegy is a family-owned company started in 2003 with a mission to create life-changing drug-free health solutions which enable people to get more out of life. Over the last decade, Actegy Health has continued to develop and improve its range of products, working with designers, engineers and medical experts from leading UK universities. Revitive products are medical devices which have been rigorously tested to ensure their efficiency and safety.

For further information visit: https://www.revitive.com/au