Keep it Moving!!

It has been a while since I've had time to post some very interesting health information. I do apologize! Life tends to get very busy for some and the next thing we know we are not on track to what we intended to do, not only for ourselves, but for others.

My husband and I have actually been going to the gym at least three to four times a week and are enjoying it very much.. We sure can feel the difference during those days that we are not able to attend, but we plan to remedy that with some other type of activity. I wish we could be like my blogger friends, Betsy from Tennessee and her husband George, Senior Hiker. This couple is amazing! They are a senior couple that travel to different areas to go hiking looking for waterfalls. You should really pay them a visit and check out their adventures. This couple is an inspiration for good health!! Hiking is a great way to get your circulation going.  No sedentary lifestyle for this couple. They are always on an adventure.  By them hiking and climbing and moving keeps their Circulation Superhighway in good health.

Did you know that your circulatory system is similar to a superhighway? It moves traffic (blood) swiftly and efficiently to various destinations, like the heart, lungs, arteries, veins, and capillaries, giving cells life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients and even removing carbon dioxide and other waste products. BUT if the blood flow is obstructed or even the blood vessels are constricted, every cell in the body is affected.

Some of the symptoms of poor circulation could be:
Overall fatigue, brain fog, numbness, burning or tingling sensations in your toes or fingers, pain in the legs when walking, shortness of breath, or feeling cold, especially in the extremities...
If you feel any of these symptoms, please see your doctor and get a good check up.

OK, so now it's time to just keep moving! Many times just simple lifestyle changes, especially adding regular, moderate exercise to your daily schedule, works wonders for circulation. It can strengthen your heart and help lower blood pressure; two things that support healthy circulation.

Try breaking up your exercise routine of 30 to 45 minutes of daily recommended activity into 10- to 15-minute sessions throughout the day. Vary your routine to prevent boredom and injuries. If you can do your exercise in the mornings, do so. It's so easy to talk yourself out of it by saying, "I'll do it later." Next thing you know you're not doing it at all. Join a social group, like ballroom dancing, or bicycle riding, or even hiking. Many people find it motivating to join others with the same interest. Remember, doing some activity, even for only ten minutes, is better than doing nothing at all!!

Eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and soft drinks is a start to improve your circulation. Avoid foods high in sugar, starch, and fat...OK, so here we go again. Simple changes make a difference!! Upgrading your diet to a Mediterranean-style menu, including lots of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and nuts, can improve circulation. Focus on getting more fiber.

AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER! That can't be stressed enough! Even low levels of dehydration can impair circulation. Sorry, ladies, but coffee, TEA, and juices don't provide the same hydrating benefits as pure, filtered water. But why not flavor your water to make it more appealing...add a wedge of lemon or lime. What about adding a wedge of watermelon, orange, or a slice of cucumber.  Why not set you up a whole pitcher of water and fill it with strawberries and/or blueberries or your other favorite fruits. Your body will love it!

I find that B vitamins are great for energy. Find the B complex in a balanced formula and follow the dosage instructions. B complex foods are also very important, such as beans, potatoes, lentils, meats, but these nutrients are water-soluble, so they aren't stored in the body. So it's good to have the B complex supplements.

Another way to help boost circulation are the detoxification methods, after your exercise workouts, are to bathe in Epsom salt (pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate) at least once weekly, or alternating hot/cold showers. More to come on these two methods...

As the old saying goes, MOVE IT OR LOSE IT.

Here's to your health!