We live hectic lives, which often saps our energy and leaves us feeling drained and incapable of functioning. Some people seem to have so much more energy than others, however, that it makes you wonder what their secret is. I believe it all comes down to poor circulation, which is by far one of the most important operations in our bodies.
Low energy occurs when poor blood flow causes the body to have to work harder to supply nutrients to all the areas that depend on it, which results in general physical fatigue. So why does poor circulation occur, how do you identify the problem and what can you do to treat it?
Causes of Low Energy
Through the circulatory system, oxygen travels to the brain and other organs, and if anything hampers it en route you begin to experience the effects of oxygen depletion. Poor circulation can be caused by multiple issues, including:
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise, which includes sitting for long periods of time
- Obesity and diabetes, which cause damage to the blood vessels that results in plaque accumulation, blockages, and blood clots
- Varicose veins
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of high cholesterol deposits in the arteries.
If any of these occur, your brain and other organs don’t get the oxygen they need to promote healthy body and skin through cell growth.
Poor Circulation Symptoms
When you’re experiencing poor circulation, the symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life. What’s more, they can actually cause severe chronic conditions. Watch out for any of these signs that your circulation isn’t what it should be.
- A numb sensation in hands and feet, caused by restricted blood flow. This is followed by a warm, tingling feeling as the obstruction shifts and the blood rushes into the area. The feeling is often referred to as “pins and needles.”
- Cold extremities, which is also caused by restricted blood flow. This results in changes in the temperature of your skin, and the nerve endings in your hands and feet.
- Swollen legs and ankles, which is called edema. This is most often caused by fluid collecting in these parts of the body. It also happens during heart failure, because the organ struggles to pump enough blood through the circulatory system. Pressure builds up, causing the joints to stiffen and develop pain, while the skin over them feels tight and hot.
- Mental fog, memory loss and problems paying attention are all cognitive issues stemming from poor brain function. While this can be attributed to various causes, reduced blood flow through the body into the brain and the resulting changes in blood pressure are common reasons for mental dysfunction.
- Digestion also depends on blood flow, and if your circulation is inadequate you may develop abdominal cramps and pains, constipation, diarrhea or bloody stools.
- A bluish discoloration of the skin on your lips, nose, and ears, as well as the nipples, hands, and feet from lack of blood flow to these areas.
- Varicose veins and ulcers on the legs and feet, which are challenging to heal due to the reduced blood circulation to the tissues.
All this highlights the importance of good blood circulation, and shows that the #1 way to improve consistent low energy is to improve your circulation, and especially microcirculation! I look forward to sharing why microcirculation is so important in my next article.
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