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.
Interstitial Cystitis Diet
If you or your loved ones have never had any issues with your bladder, you might not be aware of what interstitial cystitis is. To simplify the condition, interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes pain, specifically in the bladder and pelvis. While sometimes the pain is manageable, it can become severe. Because of this, the condition is often added as a symptom of diseases marked under the umbrella term of painful bladder syndrome. An interstitial cystitis diet may be able to relieve some symptoms.
Physical stress is the leading cause of interstitial cystitis. Even physical exercise, psychological stress, or stomach pangs during your menstrual cycle are enough to trigger a flare.
What Does an Interstitial Cystitis Flare Feel Like?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) flares are not like your familiar pangs of pain.
According to a study conducted by the Interstitial Cystitis Association, out of the 750 respondents, 19% reported periods of extreme pain that fluctuated with increased urination during a few days or even weeks. About 12% reported a sudden increase in pain and symptom intensity.
How Do You Avoid IC Flares?
What you eat and drink makes a huge difference in how intense an IC flare is and whether it is triggered.
The following are different ingredients and products that aggravate a person’s IC:
- Soda.
- Alcohol.
- Coffee.
- Tomatoes.
- Spicy food.
- Hot food.
- Chocolate.
- Citrus drinks or juices.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Caffeinated beverages.
- High-acid food.
Although these ingredients and products are relatively common, this does not mean you have to keep living with IC. There are plenty of other products and foods you can have to avoid IC flares, and here are some things you should stock up on for your new and improved diet.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is the perfect solution. Most green teas such as berry, chamomile and mint offer little to no caffeine content. Not to mention that these teas are healthier for your diet and body. These teas offer energy, soothe the stomach and keep your body nourished while alleviating any pain from your bladder.
2. Low-Fat Yogurt
Low-fat or fat-free dairy should be your go-to.
If you eat yogurt as a snack, always go for an option without sugar or any artificial sweeteners. Plain yogurt works well in a pinch, but if you like your sweets, try to choose sweet yogurts that offer non-citrusy flavors, like a berry.
3. Go Whole
Moving away from citrus can seem like a tragedy for any fruit lover. But it doesn’t have to be.
If you like fruit, try unsweetened fresh fruits instead of juices. Even frozen or canned fruits are fine, and your goal should be using whole fruits instead of juices.
If needed, drink 100% fruit juices (preferably juice you have made yourself), and choose options that are vitamin-C rich, so your body gets that kick of energy it needs.
4. Healthy Meat Alternatives and Cooking Methods
We all love our fair share of meat. But, if you want to avoid IC flares, use this moment to try meatless options. There are so many brands that offer meatless food that doesn’t even taste like a non-meat product. Experiment with plant-based products and make some of your favorite meals. Burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and lasagna — there is a laundry list of meatless food you can make with vegetarian options.
But if you don’t want to give up your meat habit any time soon, make healthier choices. Instead of having fried meats, bake the meat. Roasting, grilling and broiling are also good options. Trim away visible fat and stick with leaner meats. If you have chicken or turkey, remove the skin to save yourself any pain.
5. Limit Your Greases
Ingredients like oils, margarine, butter, mayonnaise and salad dressings are essential for our diet.
But if you want to live without pain, you may need to limit these ingredients substantially. Again, plant-based ingredients are an option. Olive oil, canola oil, olive butter, or butter made from buttermilk are also delicious. You have to stay away from greasy food and pick trans-fat-free ingredients.
In Conclusion
This is just the beginning of a long list of ways to improve your chances against IC. Hopefully, with the above list, you will get started on leading your life the healthy way you deserve.