How to INCREASE BLOOD FLOW To BRAIN? 5 WAYS to IMPROVE BRAIN CIRCULATION and Your BRAIN HEALTH

How to IMPROVE BLOOD CIRCULATION to the BRAIN? Blood circulation is vital for your body's survival. Blood transports oxygen, fuel and nutrients to all organs of the body, including the brain. It also moves toxins and waste products to the appropriate organs for excretion. When blood flow to your brain is disrupted, you can succumb to a stroke. Circulatory System Your circulatory system includes your heart, veins and arteries. Their job is to circulate blood throughout your body. The heart is a muscle and needs to be strong while your arteries and veins should be pliable and without obstructions for you to maintain optimum health. One common cause of poor circulation is high cholesterol levels, which can cause platelet aggregation, or arterial build-up, and lead to heart attack or stroke, depending on where the blockage occurs. Exercise to Strengthen Your Heart Since your heart is a muscle, it needs to be exercised or it can weaken. A cardiovascular workout several times a week can help keep it pumping efficiently. Proper exercising can also negate obesity, which can strain and weaken your entire circulatory system and reduce overall circulation. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can stretch all your muscles and teach you breathing techniques that can increase blood flow. Because certain exercises can be dangerous to people with underlying health issues, you should speak to your physician before starting any exercise routine. Your Diet The foods you eat can have a huge impact on your circulation. An abundance of saturated fats can lead to blocked arteries. Large amounts of salt can lead to or exacerbate high blood pressure. Processed foods, such as white flour and white sugar, can deny your body the necessary nutrients to run smoothly. To help reduce high cholesterol, the Mayo Clinic suggests eating plenty of soluble fiber found in foods such as oatmeal and apples. Soluble fiber can absorb cholesterol before it gets to the blood stream. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as herring or salmon can reduce blood pressure. Olive and canola oils, and nuts can keep arteries healthy and pliable. Alternative Treatments Herbalist Michael Tierra suggests using cardiovascular stimulants such as cayenne, ginger or ginseng to improve circulation. The University of Maryland Medical Center mentions that hawthorn and rosemary can help with poor circulation by providing antioxidants. Herbs such as ephedra and guarana may have stimulant attributes but are considered dangerous, as they can make the heart rate and blood pressure rise rapidly. In 2009, the FDA banned the sale of supplements containing ephedra. Always speak to your physician before adding any herbs or supplements to your diet. What Foods to Eat for a Good Blood Flow? Good blood flow is essential for proper brain function and oxygen transport to vital organs in the body. Because your heart is the pump that keeps your blood circulating, it's important to maintain a strong heart. Eating a diet rich in heart-healthy foods is one way to help ensure that your body experiences efficient blood flow. Foods Containing L-Arginine L-arginine is an amino acid that your body converts to nitric oxide, a substance that helps relax and maintain the elasticity of blood vessels and arteries. Nitric oxide is also a signaling molecule that instructs arteries to dilate, or widen, which allows blood to flow more freely, helping reduce blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health. According to Don Colbert, author of "The New Bible Cure for High Blood Pressure," good food sources of L-arginine include chicken, fish, soy nuts, beans, dairy and red meat. If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before taking L-arginine supplements to ensure proper dosage for your condition. Vitamin E-Rich Foods Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays an important role in efficient blood flow because it dilates blood vessels. Eating foods rich in vitamin E is a good way to keep your blood moving, according to Sherry Torkos, author of "The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." Good food sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables. If you're taking blood thinners, talk with your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements because they may increase the risk of bleeding. Foods Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids keep your blood flowing. People with blood-circulation problems such as varicose veins, for example, benefit by eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids because these unsaturated fatty acids stimulate blood flow and help break down fibrin, or blood clots, according to Shubhangini Joshi, author of "Nutrition and Dietetics." Good food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, olive oil, canola oil, flax seeds and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and herring.