How to improve circulation

For people looking to improve their circulation, there are some first steps to take. These include:

avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke
reducing the intake of saturated fats
trying to avoid sitting still for extended periodsTrusted Source
There are also various other ways a person can help to improve their circulation.

Maintaining a moderate weight helps promote good circulation. Carrying excess body weight may negatively affect circulation.

Although everyone needs some fat to remain healthy, too much can lead to a buildup of fat in the arteries.

Increase physical activity
Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, supports the circulatory system’s health and improves circulation.

Practice yoga
Yoga is a low impact form of exercise that is easy to modify for beginners. It involves bending, stretching, and twisting. These movements can help compress and decompress a person’s veins, improving circulation.

Yoga postures can improveTrusted Source flexibility, balance, and heart health.

Drink tea
The antioxidants in tea promote cardiovascular health and may improve circulation. This is true for both black tea and green tea.

Keep iron levels balanced
Iron is an essential mineral for the circulatory system. The body needs it to make hemoglobin, which is one of the major components of red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.

Stop smoking
According to the American Cancer SocietyTrusted Source, circulation improves and lung function increases within 2 weeks to 3 months of quitting smoking.



Risk factors for poor circulation
The health of a person’s circulatory system determines how well the blood circulates the body. There are various factors that can affect this circulation.

Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure that the blood places on the walls of the blood vessels as it circulates. Blood pressure measurements include readings of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. 

Heart health
The heart is the muscle responsible for pumping the blood around the body. The stronger and healthier a person’s heart is, the better their circulation.

Blood vessel health
Healthy veins and arteries are easier for blood to pass through. Excessively high cholesterol levels can injure and block blood vessels.