Blood Flow Boosting Foods

Blood Flow Boosting Foods

Blood flow is essential to the body. A balanced eating pattern supports cardiovascular health, but no single food reliably treats poor circulation or replaces medical care.

Try these foods as part of varied meals rather than as a circulation cure. New leg pain when walking, persistent coldness, color changes or slow-healing wounds should be discussed with a medical clinician.

1. Fish, nuts and seeds. Salmon supplies the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA; walnuts and chia seeds supply ALA, a different omega-3. These foods can fit a heart-healthy eating pattern without a promise that they repair blood vessels.

2. Leafy greens and other vegetables. Arugula, broccoli and Brussels sprouts add fiber and nutrients. If you take warfarin, discuss keeping vitamin K intake consistent with your prescribing clinician.

3. Beets. Beets are a nutritious vegetable. Some research examines dietary nitrates and blood pressure, but beet juice is not a substitute for prescribed hypertension treatment.

4. Unsweetened tea. Tea can replace a sugary drink if it suits you. Caffeine may affect sleep or cause symptoms in some people; research associations do not prove green tea prevents coronary disease.

5. A small portion of dark chocolate. Cocoa contains flavanols, but chocolate also supplies calories and may contain substantial added sugar. There is no need to eat chocolate or take cocoa supplements to maintain circulation.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe limb pain with a cold, pale or numb limb, or chest pain or shortness of breath. Chiropractic adjustments are not an established treatment for poor circulation.

For questions about services listed by the practice, contact our Waynesville office; a medical clinician or registered dietitian can advise on cardiovascular nutrition.

Further reading: NHLBI heart-healthy eating.

Further reading: NIH omega-3 information.