Good circulation is essential to maintaining optimal health. It ensures the proper functioning of every organ by ensuring the continuous circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body. It helps wounds heal faster, keeps your brain fit, keeps your heart healthy, and even brings out the natural color of your skin.

 It's especially important to make sure your circulation is working properly during a time when colds, flu, and COVID19 are common. However, certain conditions can make it difficult to maintain good circulation.

 What Causes Poor Circulation?

 Dr. 'Peripheral artery disease (when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow), obesity, anemia, untreated blood clots, uncontrolled diabetes, and high blood pressure can all affect circulation,' says Moghaddam. 'Smoking can also cause poor circulation.'

 If you think you have poor circulation, note any of the following symptoms:

•  lack of energy or concentration
•  cold extremities (hands and feet)
•  Hair thinning or hair loss
•  Delayed or slow recovery due to a weakened immune system
•  erectile dysfunction in men

 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Circulation

 The good news is there are a few things you can do to get your blood pumping. Try any of the following:

 Increase cardiovascular exercise. Running, cycling or walking can help increase circulation, and the same is true for stretching before and after exercise.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking can impair blood circulation, damage blood vessel walls, and cause plaque buildup in the arteries. Dr. “The sooner you quit smoking, the faster your health will improve,” says Moghaddam.

Drink black or green tea. Dr. 'The antioxidants in these drinks help increase the width of your blood vessels so your body can pump blood more easily,' says Dr.

If you have anemia, take iron supplements or eat iron-rich foods. When you have an iron deficiency (or anemia), you don't have enough red blood cells to circulate oxygen throughout your body. Talk to your doctor about whether an iron supplement is right for you or whether to include iron-rich spinach, legumes, and red meat (in moderation) in your diet.

Dry the body. Before taking a bath or shower, try this technique to stimulate blood circulation: Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush the skin in long upward strokes. Dr. “Make sure you start with your feet and rise with your heart,” Moghaddam says.

Reduce stress. Dr. “This can be done through meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones safely face-to-face or virtually,” says Moghaddam.

Add more omega3 fatty acids to your diet. Dr. 'Fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines can help improve blood flow and are great for heart health,' says Moghaddam. Try to eat them two to three times a week.

Wear compression stockings and elevate your legs. Raising the legs helps blood move up the body, compression stockings put pressure on the feet to help blood vessels push blood from the body to the heart. They can also help reduce swelling and may be beneficial for pregnant women, diabetics, or those who stand all day.