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Best Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

Best Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

For the body to function optimally, it is vital to have a stable blood count and good blood circulation. Blood count refers to the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in the blood. Of these, the count of the RBCs and platelets should not drop below the normal range. A low RBC count can cause anemia, while a low platelet count can result in internal bleeding.

Foods that help improve blood count
A natural way to boost blood count is to include certain beneficial foods in the meal plan. The following foods help in raising and maintaining RBC and platelet numbers and preventing complications:

Red meat
Red meats like beef, poultry, and liver are rich in iron, an essential element for producing RBCs. These foods also boost hemoglobin levels in the blood, which are crucial in supplying oxygen throughout the body.

Spinach
This green leafy vegetable is a good source of folic acid (vitamin B9) and iron, which are vital for maintaining RBC levels. Spinach also helps increase platelet count to some extent.

Dairy products
Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can help stabilize blood count. They contain vitamin B12, which is critical for creating RBCs and platelets in the blood. This vitamin is also essential for the cognitive development and maturation of children.

Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, which is required for better absorption of iron into the blood. So, it is safe to say that vitamin A and iron work together to promote blood count.

Black-eyed peas
Black-eyed peas are packed with folic acid, a form of folate. Folate is essential for the multiplication of cells in the body. In other words, it helps increase RBC and platelet count. Unsurprisingly, anemia is linked to low folic acid levels in the body.

Pumpkin
Like sweet potato, pumpkin contains loads of vitamin A, which can significantly increase the production of platelets. Besides providing this benefit, it improves immunity and boosts eye, skin, and heart health.

Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted first leaves of the wheat plant. It contains vitamins, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Fresh wheatgrass juice can improve hemoglobin, RBC, and platelet levels.

Kiwi
This exotic fruit is the latest addition to the foods that increase platelet count. Although no scientific evidence supports kiwis’ benefits, doctors often recommend kiwis for dengue patients with a low platelet count. It is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Foods that help improve blood circulation
Poor blood circulation can have many reasons, including anemia, plaque buildup, blood clots, or narrowed blood vessels. People with low blood circulation may experience chest pain, muscle cramps, cold fingers and toes, numbness, bulged veins, and swelling. Some foods that help improve blood circulation are:

Pomegranate
This juicy red fruit with tiny seeds is loaded with antioxidants and nitrates that can help boost blood circulation. It enables the blood to carry more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles while restricting the formation of blood clots.

Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a phytochemical that can help the arteries work efficiently and maintain normal blood pressure. This spicy pepper improves blood vessel strength and prevents plaque buildup.

Beets
Beets are high in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps expand the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the tissues and organs. Experts recommend drinking beet juice early morning or an hour before breakfast.

Fatty fish
Fatty fishes like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help stimulate the release of nitric oxide from the lining of blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are not only rich in vitamin C but also antioxidants. These fruits help decrease inflammation in the body, which, in turn, reduces stiffness in the arteries, allowing blood to circulate efficiently.

Berries
Berries are rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant beneficial for blood vessel health. Anthocyanins protect the arteries against stiffening and shield their walls from damage. Additionally, they boost the release of nitric oxide, which positively impacts blood flow. Some common varieties of berries to include in the nutrition plan are blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Garlic
Garlic is a well-known immunity-boosting food for managing various health conditions. It contains allicin, a sulfur-containing compound that promotes increased blood flow in the tissues.

Turmeric
This golden yellow spice has anti-inflammatory properties and can help widen blood vessels. Its magic ingredient, curcumin, stimulates nitric oxide production and reduces oxidative stress. One can include turmeric in their meals to improve blood flow naturally.

Grapes
Grapes are rich in antioxidants that keep blood vessels relaxed, improve blood flow, and support heart health. People who eat grapes regularly are less likely to suffer from blood clots.

Avocados
Avocados are a great source of monosaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol and prevent the arteries from clogging, ensuring smooth blood circulation. L-carnitine, an amino acid in avocados, promotes the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels.

Left untreated, both low blood count and impaired circulation can prove fatal. While healthy foods can manage these problems, they may not be helpful in severe cases. Therefore, those with severe blood flow or blood count issues may visit a doctor to develop a treatment plan. Depending on the situation, the health expert may recommend treatment options to boost nitric oxide levels and relax arteries. However, these may come with side effects. Healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes can help improve several other body functions and conditions as well.

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Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
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Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
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Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
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3 foods to avoid for better lung health

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Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

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