5 Worst Foods for Blood Circulation and How to Eat Better for Better Circulation

 

While it may be tempting to eat anything you want when you’re feeling ill, some foods can make your symptoms worse or even cause them in the first place. These foods are also not healthy in general and should be avoided as much as possible no matter what your situation is. Learning about these five worst foods for blood circulation and how to eat better instead will help keep your circulatory system running smoothly and happily.

What is blood circulation?

First, it’s good to know that blood circulation isn’t just one thing. Our bodies have several different types of blood vessels, each designed to serve a specific purpose. Arteries are thick-walled vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from our hearts. Once they reach our organs, they divide into arterioles that carry blood closer to individual cells. Capillaries are super thin-walled vessels that ferry nutrients from arteries across cell membranes so cells can metabolize them. Venules then return deoxygenated blood to larger veins and eventually back to our hearts. Finally, veins are large, low-pressure vessels that collect deoxygenated blood from capillaries and transport it back toward our hearts.

The worst foods

It can be difficult to make healthy food choices at every meal, but certain foods are particularly unhealthy—and we should avoid them. If you’re interested in boosting your blood circulation, a good rule of thumb is avoiding foods that have any of these five ingredients. These ingredients do little more than clog up our circulatory system with fat and cholesterol (which leads directly to poor blood circulation). The following list details five terrible foods that increase blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, ultimately leading to poor blood circulation: saturated fats, trans fats, refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and salt. You might also want to check out some of our other posts on good foods for better blood flow; eating healthier isn’t always easy or fun (though it does become easier over time), but it does mean that you get to enjoy life longer!

Fried foods

Foods that are fried have a higher chance of contributing to poor blood circulation because of their high saturated fat content. They can clog your arteries and make you feel more lethargic, not just in a physical sense but in an emotional one as well. If you want better blood circulation, don’t eat fried foods! Instead, try cooking with fewer oils. Your skin will thank you later!

Packaged pastries, cakes, and cookies

Heart disease is a serious condition that occurs when your arteries become blocked by fatty deposits. Bad circulation is a major risk factor for heart disease. High-fat foods contribute heavily to clogged arteries, but so do high-sugar snacks and meals—especially if you eat them regularly. Add sweets, desserts, pastries, cakes, cookies, soft drinks, potato chips, crackers, and dips made with sugar or fat as ingredients to your list of top blood circulation offenders.

Bacon

One of the worst foods for blood circulation is bacon. Processed meats like bacon contain high levels of nitrates, which are linked to a wide range of cardiovascular problems. If you’re concerned about your blood flow, limit your intake of processed meats like bacon. Instead, focus on eating healthier proteins like salmon, grass-fed beef, eggs, and chicken breasts. These foods will help improve your circulation.

Packaged salty snacks

Eating too many salty snacks can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. The typical sodium intake in North America is about 3,400 mg daily. For optimal blood circulation, choose fresh foods over packaged foods—especially canned, boxed, or jarred goods—which are often loaded with sodium.

Pizza

Maybe it’s not fair, but pizza makes it onto most bad food lists. Not only is there a lot of grease, but it also has cheese—one of many dairy products that have been tied to poor blood circulation. It may not be so bad in moderation (once or twice a month is probably fine), but if you’re concerned about your blood flow, get rid of that delivery menu.

Some foods with better blood circulation effects

Beets - Beets have been shown to promote better blood circulation by enhancing the overall flexibility of your blood vessels. This is a great source of fiber that doesn't cause gas or bloating as some other fiber-rich foods do. Avocados - Avocados contain large amounts of monounsaturated fats, which also help promote better blood circulation. It's also known as being anti-inflammatory, making it a great option if you're fighting inflammation in any area of your body. Almonds - Almonds are high in vitamin E, which helps keep your heart healthy while also promoting improved circulation throughout your entire body. Pumpkin seeds - Pumpkin seeds contain tons of magnesium, which can help lower high blood pressure and prevent future problems with heart health. Sunflower seeds - Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of copper, which has been shown to increase blood flow and reduce pain associated with poor blood circulation. Salmon - Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in your arteries and improve blood flow throughout your entire body. Flaxseed oil - Flaxseed oil is a great way to get more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet without having to eat fish every day. Just be sure not to cook with flaxseed oil because heat will destroy its beneficial properties.

Snack ideas

Countless healthy foods are great for circulation. Try whole-grain bread, nuts, and seeds, cooked beans, brown rice, baked sweet potatoes, kale, or other leafy greens. Avoid any highly processed snack foods (anything with an ingredient list full of words you can’t pronounce), which tend to be high in sugar and salt—two things you don’t want to consume regularly if you have issues with your blood pressure or circulation.

Planning your meals

First, follow a good eating plan. Healthy foods that improve circulation include fish, chicken, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains. Exercise: Second, get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Exercise improves circulation by increasing blood flow through your body. Sleep: Third, get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night if you want to keep your heart healthy by boosting circulation. 

Next, be sure to follow a good eating plan every day of your life to promote optimal health. Eating healthy foods like fish, skinless chicken breasts and lean meats along with green vegetables can boost your body’s ability to clear toxins from your system much faster than unhealthy choices such as processed meats or sweets.