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18 Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

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18 Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

Poor blood circulation can result in several health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease and Raynaud’s disease. It can also cause digestive issues, numbness, muscle cramps, a cold sensation in the feet and hands, and pain. While one can treat circulatory issues with therapies, proper nutrition is also essential. The foods listed here not only optimize blood flow but also improve a person’s blood count—the vital cells in the blood.

Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper gets its spiciness from a phytochemical called capsaicin that reduces blood pressure and promotes blood flow by triggering the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a popular compound that ensures blood flows seamlessly through the arteries and veins by relaxing the tiny muscles in the blood vessel walls and expanding the blood vessels. Studies suggest that cayenne pepper also improves blood vessel strength and lowers plaque buildup in the arteries. Interestingly, this spicy pepper is a typical inclusion in pain-relieving creams because it amplifies blood flow to the affected area.

Beetroot
Beetroots are a powerhouse of healthy nutrients like nitrates, which help improve blood flow and regularize blood pressure. Beetroot juices are an absolute hit among health fanatics as they are also a great immunity-boosting food.

Nuts
Nuts can shield a person against cardiovascular diseases, especially when supplemented with other healthy foods. Many nuts have high levels of amino acids like L-arginine that form nitric acid. Nitric acid, as discussed, helps regulate blood pressure and widen the blood vessels. Nuts are also an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which collectively help reduce blood pressure. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are some of the best nut varieties for better health.

Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps improve blood flow and lower blood pressure levels. Excessive sodium intake is a prevalent cause of high blood pressure, and adding bananas and other potassium-rich foods to meals helps the kidneys eliminate excess sodium from the body via urine.

Garlic
Garlic helps maintain a robust immune system and lower blood pressure. It has sulfur compounds that cause vasodilation and improve blood flow in body tissues. Studies reveal that people who consume 1,200 mg of allicin (a compound obtained from garlic) twice daily depicted a 50 percent better blood flow.

Berries
Berries are a rich source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that gives them their purple and red hues. Anthocyanin guards the artery walls and makes blood vessels flexible. They also release nitric oxide, which aids in reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow.

Avocado
Avocados are rich in potassium and monounsaturated fats that can reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, making it easier for the blood to circulate. The fruit is a storehouse of other essential vitamins, too, like vitamins E, C, K, and B6.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet flavored bark that can make any dish delicious. It is a must-have spice for anyone looking to better their blood circulation. Cinnamon improves the blood flow in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. It also helps with blood vessel dilation in other body parts.

Citrus fruits
Besides being an excellent vitamin C source, citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are healthy compounds that positively impact blood pressure and nitric oxide production, helping improve blood flow.

Radish
Radish is a helpful inclusion for enabling the circulatory system to work effectively. It is rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, improving blood flow to the organs and tissues by loosening the blood vessels.

Pomegranate
This red, juicy fruit is rich in nutrients, nitrates, and antioxidants that amplify blood circulation. Pomegranates dilate the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to travel to the muscles and other tissues. A healthy blood oxygen level is a must for an active lifestyle as it brings a significant performance boost.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a herbal ingredient widely discussed for its health and therapeutic benefits. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties accentuate blood circulation and open blood vessels. Studies suggest that curcumin in turmeric amplifies nitric oxide secretion, reduces inflammation, and helps fight oxidative stress.

Onions
Onions contain flavonoid oxidants that boost blood circulation and improve heart health by helping the veins and arteries widen. One can add onions to their meals or try onion juice to enjoy their benefits.

Leafy greens
Green leafy vegetables like collard greens and spinach have a high nitrate level. Like the other nitrate-rich foods on our list, they help with blood circulation and ensure better blood flow by dilating the blood vessels. Research suggests that people who regularly add spinach and Chinese cabbage to their meals have a lower blood pressure than those who avoid meals with many vegetables.

Sweet potatoes
A rich source of iron and other essential minerals, sweet potato helps with red and white blood cell production. It is a healthy and delicious addition to the nutrition regimen for improving blood circulation.

Cherries
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption in the body. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Cherries can be used in various recipes or eaten fresh after washing and removing the stem.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes lower the functioning of specific enzymes in the body to help control blood pressure. They also help widen blood vessels to improve blood flow. Further, tomatoes disrupt platelet aggregation and lower inflammation, which betters blood circulation.

Grapes
Deep purple-hued grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, which boost blood flow by relaxing the blood vessel walls. They also ensure the blood vessels work properly. Further, grapes contain compounds that reduce inflammation and make the blood less sticky, reducing the susceptibility to blood clots. So, adding these sweet treats to meals can go a long way in lowering circulation issues.

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Health

4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
02
Health

6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
03
Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
04
Pets

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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