Sometimes a lack of circulation is a contributor to joint pain. Blood flow helps relax joints and reduce stiffness, thereby contributing to pain relief and greater mobility.
Stronger blood flow also helps shuttle nutrients to the area that can help battle inflammation and other potential causes of pain.
Getting blood into an area can be rather simple. Sometimes you just need to rub it. Other times, it can be as simple as getting up and moving around. The more you move, the better your blood flows through your body.
Of course, you don’t always have to wait until you’re sore to think about how well blood is circulating. Embracing a lifestyle that promotes better circulation and blood flow may lead to less pain and a lower risk for high blood pressure and heart problems.
Aside from more activity, diet can play a huge role in blood flow. Certain compounds in food can actually help relax your veins to encourage blood to move more freely, allowing it to better access all of your joints, organs, and more.
When blood is flowing better, your body has a better supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Many of the foods that can enhance blood flow are plant-based foods. However, several types of meat can help too. It’s really all about eating a balanced diet that is low in processed food and high in fresh food.
Beef, for example, supplies an amino acid called arginine and carnitine. When eaten, these compounds stimulate your body to produce nitric oxide, a compound that opens veins, relaxes them, and can result in better blood flow.
Beets, beetroot juice, garlic, leafy greens, meat, and citrus fruits can have a similar effect.
The result of the better blood flow can be less inflammation, lower pain, greater mobility, and improved quality of life.