The human body has roughly 60,000 miles of blood vessels within it. These blood vessels, in combination with your heart and other muscles comprise the circulatory system of the body. When circulation is poor, it blocks the blood from flowing freely through the body, inhibiting cells from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need.
What is Blood Circulation?
Basically, blood circulation is the way that blood flows through your body to bring oxygen and nutrients to cells. If you have poor blood circulation, cells in your body are being blocked from getting the nutrients they need to thrive.
How Do I Know If I Have Poor Circulation?
Some signs of poor blood circulation include: having cold or numb hands and feet, blue-tinged skin, dry skin, brittle nails, hair health, and for those with diabetes— your scrapes or wounds will heal slower than normal.
Blood Circulation in Medical Detox
It is especially important to have proper blood circulation while you are in medical detox, undergoing a detoxification. The better your blood flow, the faster you may start to feel better.
How Can I Improve Blood Circulation During the Detox Process?
During the detox process, you should try to improve blood circulation as much as you can. Improving your blood circulation will improve your overall health, and the way that any medications work to ease any symptoms of withdrawal you may have. Here are some easy ways to improve your blood circulation while in medical detox:
• Decrease or Quit Smoking
The nicotine in cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vapes harms the walls of your arteries and thickens your blood. Quitting or reducing the amount that you smoke will alleviate arteries and allow blood to be less thick and more able to reach cells.
• Monitor your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure that’s too high or too low can be harmful. At medical detox, medical professionals will be monitoring your blood pressure for you on a regular basis. If your blood pressure is too low, you can do jumping jacks or other physical activity to bring it up naturally. If your blood pressure is too high, listening to calming music and meditating can lower your blood pressure. These are natural ways to improve your blood pressure, however there are also medications that can achieve these effects. Talk to our medical staff about your blood pressure if it is concerning, so that you can discuss options.
• Stay Hydrated
Blood is about half water, so staying hydrated can improve your circulation easily. Drink roughly 8 glasses of water each day to be sure you are properly hydrated.
• Get Moving
Sitting or laying down for hours at a time decreases blood circulation. Sitting down for long periods will weaken leg muscles and slow the blood flow, which can even cause a blood clot. Getting up and on your feet will work the valves in your leg veins that send blood up to the heart.
• Practice Yoga
Practicing some light yoga can have serious benefits to your blood circulation. Low-impact exercising, like yoga, will bring oxygen to your cells, send blood to your organs, and shift blood from the bottom half of your body up to your heart and brain.
• Low Intensity Movement
You can improve blood circulation with some very low-intensity movements, like laying with your back on the ground and holding your legs up against the wall. Place your butt right against the wall as you’re laying down, and hold your arm out to the side for balance. This pose will bring blood from the lower half of your body, upwards to your heart and brain.
• Aerobics
Aerobics will bring oxygen into your blood and allow it to circulate. Some aerobic exercises include: walking, running, biking, dancing, jumping jacks, jumping rope and jogging in place. By definition, “aerobic” means “with oxygen,” so get moving and pump up those oxygen levels!
• Squatting
Squatting isn’t just done to tone your butt, but it also has health benefits like lowering your blood sugar levels, reducing back pain, and improving blood circulation. Start by standing with your legs about a shoulder-width apart, and keep arms at your sides or put your hands on your waist as you slowly bend at your hips and knees to squat— remember to keep your back straight as you do this.
• Pack Compression Socks
Compression socks will allow for your blood to circulate at a quicker rate from the lower half of your body to the upper half. To find the right length and pressure for you, please consult your doctor.
• Eat a Balanced Diet, High in Fruits and Vegetables
A healthy diet impacts our health so much! Stay away from saturated fats and sodium, and remember to give yourself a generous helping of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from processed foods and pick up extra leafy greens instead. Eating healthfully will clear your arteries and allow for the blood to flow freely. Luckily for you, Royal Life Centers at The Haven has an in-house, private chef preparing you three balanced meals each day. Our chef pays attention to details, and is sure to prepare nutrient-rich meals for you through out your stay with us.
• Dry Brushing
Although it may seem weird, using a dry brush to sweep across your skin before a shower or bath will not only slough away dead skin cells, but also greatly improve your blood circulation. Use a body brush with flat bristles, and in long motions sweep the brush across your legs and arms. For areas like the stomach and lower back, use circular motions.
• Take a Bath
Soaking in the tub is actually hydrotherapy, and is extremely helpful for blood circulation as well as pain management. Taking a bath is really helpful for easing withdrawal symptoms, and the warm water allows arteries and veins to expand, increasing blood flow.
• Drink a Cup of Hot Tea
Drinking a cup of tea will lower your heart rate, and help with any circulation issues. Also, drinking a cup of tea is a calming activity to enjoy in medical detoxification. In addiction treatment, it’s important to find small moments to enjoy simple things— like a cup of tea.
• Keep Iron Levels Balanced
Making sure you are eating an appropriate portion of food that contain iron is important for your body’s production of hemoglobin— a major component of red blood cells that carry oxygen. Iron is an essential nutrient for your body, so make sure your iron levels are balanced. Some foods that have high iron contents include: red meat, spinach, shellfish, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, soybeans, etc.), pumpkin seeds, quinoa, turkey, broccoli, tofu, and even dark chocolate.
At our detox center in Royal Life Centers at The Haven, we encourage guests to take control of their health. We want guests to be in charge of their overall wellness, as we are here to guide, support, and help each step of the way. Drug and alcohol addiction can cause life threatening symptoms of withdrawal to occur during the detoxification process, which is why we offer 24/7 direct supervision from medical professionals to ensure our guest’s safety and comfort. Our detox services will assess guests upon arrival, for their withdrawal symptoms and evaluate guests for any co-occuring disorders to establish the best course of action for treatment. Substance abuse disrupts bodily functioning, in addition to cognitive functioning. Royal Life Centers at The Haven helps you get your health back, and heal on a mental, physical, and spiritual level.
References:
“Pictures: How to Get Your Blood Circulation Pumping.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/dvt/ss/slideshow-dvt-improve-circulation.
Spritzler, Franziska. “11 Healthy Foods That Are Very High in Iron.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 18 July 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-healthy-iron-rich-foods.
If you have any questions, or know someone who is struggling with an addiction, please don’t hesitate in reaching out to us at (877)-RECOVERY or (877)-732-6837. Our team of addiction specialists make themselves available to take your call 24/7. Because We Care.
