Symptoms of Poor Circulation In this article, we will focus on the symptoms of poor circulation and when you should seek medical help. Signs of Poor Circulation 1. Varicose Veins If the valves in the veins of the legs are damaged, your blood will find it difficult to get back to the heart. This results in engorged veins and will eventually cause varicosities in the legs. Varicose veins are more common to those who regularly stand for long periods. 2. Painful Muscle Cramping The most common symptom of poor circulation is claudication, described as muscle discomfort or painful cramping, particularly in the legs. This is felt when you exercise or walk and usually disappears after resting your legs. The muscles that are most involved are the hips, thighs or calves. Claudication happens if there is a hindrance to the normal blood flow. For example, in atherosclerosis, where there is a buildup of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels, the muscles cannot get enough blood during physical activity. The cramping pain is the muscle’s way of warning you that it is not getting enough blood during exercise to meet its increased demand. 3. Numbness or Weakness Reduced blood flow to different body parts may cause slow and irreversible damage to the nerves, which may be felt as tingling, numbness or weakness in that area. This is particularly alarming because having numbness on the extremities decreases your skin’s sensitivity to pain. As a result, there may be instances where your skin has already been damaged or wounded, but you cannot feel it. 4. Temperature Differences in the Extremities Poor circulation can lead to fluctuations in your skin’s temperature regulation. For example, reduced blood flow to your hands or feet may make them colder than the other parts of your body. To assess the temperature of your skin, you can use the back of your hands for a more accurate assessment. 5. Wounds That Do Not Heal or Heal Slowly Wounds heal by the different components and cells delivered through the bloodstream to the affected area. When blood flow is compromised, the healing process takes much longer and may even lead to infections. Even the slightest break in the skin may lead to catastrophic changes that could lead to amputation, especially in people with diabetes. 6. Change of Skin Color When there is insufficient blood flow, the skin may appear pale or blue (cyanosis). The change of color in the skin indicates that the oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach those tissues. The commonly affected body parts that may have this symptom are the toes, fingers, palms, soles and lips. [youmaylike] 7. Poor Hair or Nail Growth Hair and nails need the nutrients in your body to keep them healthy. Nutrients are delivered to the hair and nails through the blood. Therefore, any blockage or hindrance of the normal circulation of blood may affect the growth of healthy hair and nails, which can lead to hair loss or poor nail growth. 8. Shiny Skin on Legs Shiny skin on the legs can indicate that the skin stretched due to excess fluids in the legs. Poor circulation can cause blood pooling in the legs, resulting in fluid leakage from the blood vessels to the surrounding tissues. In turn, the skin will stretch, giving it a shiny appearance. 9. Weak Pulses When blood flow is restricted, the usual, brisk pulses on the extremities become weaker. Doctors usually include this in their physical examination to rule out any peripheral arterial disease. 10. Erectile Dysfunction in Men The penis is made up mostly of blood vessels. Penile erection happens because the arteries of the penis are filled up with blood to elongate and stiffen the organ. When there is poor circulation, blood cannot fill up the blood vessels in the penis. Most cases of impotence are a complication primarily of the arterial system. What is Poor Circulation? Poor circulation is not a condition in itself, but having any of its symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Uncontrolled diabetes. Blood clots. Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in the vessels). Heart conditions. Having poor circulation may not be apparent initially. Still, whether you experience symptoms or not, it is important to be aware of them early on to help detect the underlying cause. For example, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are all factors that increase the likelihood of a person experiencing poor circulation symptoms. In Review The symptoms of poor circulation may vary for each person. In general, conditions that cause poor circulation are easier to treat when your doctor detects it early. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that it may be caused by a dysfunction in your normal blood circulation, it is essential that you see your doctor for assessment and treatment right away.
Diet for Bariatric Surgery
If you have tried everything within your power to lose weight or you have a health condition that prevents you from losing weight, your doctor may suggest bariatric surgery. Frequently called gastric bypass, this type of procedure often involves sealing off the top of the stomach, which decreases the amount of food you can consume and reduces nutrient absorption. As a result, it’s much easier to lose any excess weight. But what should a diet for bariatric surgery include and what can help you recover? In this article, we are going to explore all the foods, supplements and vitamins you might want to consider after your bariatric surgery. Let’s dive in!
Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet Tips
After bariatric surgery, you need to be cautious about what you consume. It’s recommended to:
- Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day.
- Delay drinking anything after a meal for 30 minutes.
- Eat slowly.
- Consume protein-rich foods.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Limit caffeine.
- Thoroughly chew each and every bite.
Phase 1
Initially, you will be only allowed to consume liquids. This gives your stomach (and body) time to heal and recover. Some of these liquids may include:
1. Broth
Broth is gentle and soothing on the digestive tract. In fact, it is frequently recommended for those with digestive issues due to its healing capabilities. Bone broth, in particular, contains protein and various minerals that help with your gut lining, ensuring you obtain adequate nutrition.
2. Unsweetened Juice
Added sugars may irritate your stomach and digestive tract. Thus, choose unsweetened juices that naturally contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that can accelerate the healing and recovery process. You can also slowly suck on a popsicle or gelatin that is sugar-free.
3. Decaffeinated Tea or Coffee
Caffeine should be avoided due to its stimulatory effects on the digestive system (which can mean you end up absorbing next to no nutrients from your food post-surgery). However, you can try decaffeinated varieties, receiving plenty of antioxidants and other nutrients.
4. Milk
Milk can help you obtain adequate calcium and protein. Go for skim or 1% to avoid overloading your digestive system with too much fat.
Phase 2
After a week of good tolerability of liquids, you will move on to pureed foods, making your diet a little more interesting! Typically, this means eating about three to six snacks or meals each day, with each meal taking about 30 minutes to consume. Here’s what this stage of the bariatric diet will include:
5. Pureed Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables boost tons of nutrients that your body needs on a regular basis. They also come jam-packed with antioxidant and gut-friendly compounds, helping your digestive tract heal and get back on track post-surgery.
6. Pureed Lean Ground Meat
While this might not sound ultra-appetizing, your body needs protein to heal and repair. Protein is the building block of the body, which means it is essential for improving your digestion as you recover.
7. Soft Scrambled Eggs
Pureed foods further include soft scrambled eggs! Make sure not to overcook them, as this may make them tricky to eat.
8. Soups
You can also enjoy various soups during this second week, allowing you to add variety to your daily diet.
Phase 3 and 4
From here, you can begin introducing soft foods, such as:
- Ground meat.
- Flaky fish.
- Cottage cheese.
- Rice.
- Cooked veggies.
The following week, if all goes well, you can then introduce solid foods a little bit at a time.
Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals
Your doctor may further recommend certain supplements to guide your recovery and replace any foods you are unable to eat for the first few weeks. This is essential to prevent nutrient deficiencies and adverse health effects. Some supplements that you may be recommended include:
9. Calcium
The intake of 1,200 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams of calcium can help prevent bone loss. This is especially important if you aren’t drinking milk (such as those that don’t tolerate lactose very well).
10. Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be taken alongside calcium. It’s recommended to take 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D. Alternatively, you can also obtain vitamin D via the sun, which may mean your doctor can recommend sitting outside in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes each day.
11. Vitamin B12
B12 is an essential bariatric vitamin for energy production and is necessary for healing! It also may be hard to obtain initially when consuming only liquids since it is often found in meat and animal products. Aim for 500 micrograms daily.
12. Folic Acid and Iron
Your doctor may further recommend folic acid or iron, especially if you are a woman who is currently menstruating. These are commonly lost via your monthly bleed. Yet, with restrictions around what you can eat, they may be hard to replenish, so supplementation may be best.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Medications
Post-bariatric surgery medications may include:
- Omeprazole. This prevents ulcers from developing. It is usually recommended to take within the first six months post-surgery.
- Ursodiol. This helps stop the production of gallstones, which commonly occur after this type of surgery. This medication is also typically taken for at least six months after bariatric surgery.
- Multivitamins. While technically not a medication, almost every person post-bariatric surgery will be recommended a multivitamin to take in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as the initial bariatric diet is quite restrictive.
At the end of the day, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and advice since they know you and your situation best.