Healthy Ageing Heart Health & Circulation

What are some natural ways (diet/supplements) to improve circulation? Or any other suggestions?

Thank you for your help

Thanks for posting these tips for improving circulation, which is also one of my health issues.
I've also noticed that I bruise easily just from everyday activities and I ususally walk around sporting several random bruises on my legs and arms when I can't recollect how they may have occurred. One of my friends suggested this may be as a result of poor circulation. Is this true or is there something specific you can suggest to avoid such frequent bruising?

Thanks - Louise

Hi Louise, my name is Kim and I am a Blackmores Naturopath. Bruises may be caused by anything that injures the blood vessels, allowing blood to leak out of them. Besides accidents, other causes may include side effects of certain medicines, deficiency of vitamin C, or specific health conditions that affect blood clotting.

We do become more susceptible to bruising as we get older and our blood vessels and skin become more delicate, so it’s not uncommon for older people to experience bruises of significant size without being able to recall any trauma to the tissue.

Occasionally, bruising is a symptom of a more serious underlying disease so it may be wise to consult your doctor just to rule this out.

You may like to take some supplements to help strengthen the skin collagen which may help to reduce the incidence of bruising. A vitamin C supplement that contains bioflavonoids as well as a grapeseed supplement could be helpful. Zinc is also beneficial to skin repair and wound healing. Include plenty of citrus and other fresh fruit in your diet to provide vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Berries are also considered especially useful for helping to maintain healthy circulation.

Creams or ointments made from arnica or comfrey are traditionally used to promote the healing of bruises, but should not be applied to broken skin.

All the best Louise. If you would like to chat to a naturopath, you can contact us on 1800 803 760, thanks Kim.

Particularly in winter, I constantly have cold feet (even with boots and socks on). I also get a cold nose, and find it difficult to stay warm. My mum suggested this is because I have poor circulation. Is this correct, and what would be the best solution? Thanks, Jayne

Particularly in winter, I constantly have cold feet (even with boots and socks on). I also get a cold nose, and find it difficult to stay warm. My mum suggested this is because I have poor circulation. Is this correct, and what would be the best solution? Thanks, Jayne

I have terrible trouble with my feet & hands & trying to keep them warm. My hands in particular tend to go blue & white & there is very little I can do do get them, & keep them, warm. Feet, even with good wool socks & boots don't warm up easily either. Doctor basically said there is nothing wrong with me, and I am assuming it is to do with circulation. Is there anything I can do/take to help?

Kellie, it sounds as though you are affected by Raynaud's phenomenon (as are my mother and I) where one or more fingers or toes goes white and numb. Only thing that helps us is prevention, ie don't allow your hands and feet ever to feel cold. It's quite a nuisance, and if anybody in cyberland has a solution it would be fantastic. I tried using supplements of vitamin B3 once but it just gave me unpleasant hot flushes (I was only 30 yo at the time!). I have even had my fingers go numb and white while driving the car, and my toes bleach at the beach in summer while swimming!