- 1). Lose weight by eating healthy foods such as green vegetables and fruits. According to sixwise.com, foods that contain pectin, such as grapefruit can help stop clogging of the arteries that can lead to slow blood circulation. In addition, spinach contains both C and A vitamins, which increase oxygen flow in the blood. Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in salmon, trout, tuna and fish oil tablets are examples of unsaturated fat that can contribute to healthy cholesterol levels and increased blood flow. Garlic can be added to most meals and helps relax blood vessels so blood flows more easily. Lycopene can be found in foods, such as tomatoes, and work to stop plaque buildup in the arteries. Foods that contain fiber, including beans and whole wheat breads, can help to bind to cholesterol and remove it from the body as well.
- 2). Stop smoking and begin an exercise program that works your cardiovascular system in particular. Smoking constricts the blood vessels and inhibits optimal blood flow. Exercising increases the heart rate and forces it to pump blood more quickly. This contributes to an increase in blood flow. You should do aerobic exercises that stimulate blood circulation and increased oxygen flow. Exercises that will help increase blood circulation include swimming, dancing, tennis, racquetball, basketball, elliptical, treadmill, running, jogging, kickboxing, stepping and circuit weight lifting.
- 3). Nativeremedies.com recommends taking magnesium and vitamin B6 to increase blood flow. In addition, lemon juice and citrus cleanse the blood to create better flow. Drink plenty of water as well in order to stay hydrated and increase oxygenation. Stay away from processed foods, saturated fats, dairy, protein, processed sugar and alcohol to help blood circulate more freely.
- 4). Consider medication such as beta blockers, blood thinners, ace inhibitors, blood thinners, vasodilators and cholesterol lowering drugs to restore blood flow. The American Heart Association lists these drugs as helpful in treating aspects of heart disease that might lead to decreased blood circulation.
- 5). See a doctor to have your cholesterol and artery health tested to ensure you do not need surgery to remove any blockages that may be decreasing blood circulation. If there is a serious blockage, the Mayo Clinic states that procedures such as angioplasty may be necessary to open the artery and allow for blood flow. In this surgery, a balloon is inserted into the artery to widen the passage so blood can circulate more efficiently. Endarterectomy is a surgical removal of plaque in the carotid artery and removes any blockages. Bypass surgery involves taking a blood vessel from a different area of the body and bridging (bypassing) the blockage. Thrombolytic therapy gets rid of the clot by putting in a drug that will dissolve the blockage to restore blood circulation.
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