Perhaps the most challenging thing about having diabetes is dealing with its many side effects.
Reduced circulation in the extremities, especially the lower legs and feet, is one of the most common side effects.
This reduced circulation can lead to permanent capillary damage, peripheral nerve damage (also called neuropathy), and amputation of toes and feet.
If you are a diabetic or someone you love is a diabetic, I have good news for you.
There are several very simple things you can do to increase the circulation in your legs and feet: Drink Herbal Tea With Ginger, Cardamon, and Pepper Certain spices are known to increase circulation and these spices are often found in herbal teas.
Ginger tea after a meal is very popular as it also promotes good digestion as well as improving circulation.
Chai teas come in a variety of blends and many contain ginger, cardamon, and black pepper which are all known to increase circulation.
Eat Foods With "Hot Spices" Ceyenne pepper is well known to increase circulation.
In fact, many people take it in tablet form for this very purpose.
However, other commonly used peppers also increase circulation including black pepper, chillip powder, and hot sauce.
Very Simple Foot Exercises These exercises are so simple to do, you can do them while sitting in a chair or laying in bed.
First, move each of your feet up and down 10 times and then repeat this 2 more times (3 reps total).
To move your foot up and down, point your toes toward your knee as far as you can and then as far away from your knee as far as you can.
Second, move your foot in a circular motion first clockwise 10 times and then counter clockwise 10 times.
Repeat this 2 more times (3 reps total).
You will be amazed at how much these very simple movements improve your circulation.
Walking Walking is one of the best exercises for improving circulation and a little walking will help a lot.
So, don't think you don't need to take a full hike or walk a marathon to reap the benefit.
Just a short walk down the block and back can yield a world of good.
I personally prefer walking someplace very peaceful like a nature trail to help reduce stress but even walking the perimeter of the yard would work.
Basically, you just need to get your body moving some.
Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is just a fancy word for therapy with water.
This can be as simple as taking a shower and letting the flow of water "message" you.
I use a hand shower so I can put the water exactly where I want it, especially my feet and legs.
This really improves the circulation.
A slightly more complicated version of this involves alternating cold and warm/hot water.
Basically, you use cold water for 30 seconds and follow this with very warm/hot water for 3 minutes and then repeat 3 times.
This causes the tiniest capillaries in your legs and feet to dilate which "exercises" them which is great for your circulation.
However, please be careful with the temperature of the hot water as diabetics should not use water that is too hot.
It is recommended not to go above 106 degrees but I think it is even safer to go lower that that, i.
e.
when in doubt go lower.
Remember, that diabetics sometimes lose some sensation and can't tell if the water is too hot.
Of course, if you are fortunate enough to have access to a whirlpool bathtub or jacuzzi, those powerful jets can work wonders.
Reduced circulation in the extremities, especially the lower legs and feet, is one of the most common side effects.
This reduced circulation can lead to permanent capillary damage, peripheral nerve damage (also called neuropathy), and amputation of toes and feet.
If you are a diabetic or someone you love is a diabetic, I have good news for you.
There are several very simple things you can do to increase the circulation in your legs and feet: Drink Herbal Tea With Ginger, Cardamon, and Pepper Certain spices are known to increase circulation and these spices are often found in herbal teas.
Ginger tea after a meal is very popular as it also promotes good digestion as well as improving circulation.
Chai teas come in a variety of blends and many contain ginger, cardamon, and black pepper which are all known to increase circulation.
Eat Foods With "Hot Spices" Ceyenne pepper is well known to increase circulation.
In fact, many people take it in tablet form for this very purpose.
However, other commonly used peppers also increase circulation including black pepper, chillip powder, and hot sauce.
Very Simple Foot Exercises These exercises are so simple to do, you can do them while sitting in a chair or laying in bed.
First, move each of your feet up and down 10 times and then repeat this 2 more times (3 reps total).
To move your foot up and down, point your toes toward your knee as far as you can and then as far away from your knee as far as you can.
Second, move your foot in a circular motion first clockwise 10 times and then counter clockwise 10 times.
Repeat this 2 more times (3 reps total).
You will be amazed at how much these very simple movements improve your circulation.
Walking Walking is one of the best exercises for improving circulation and a little walking will help a lot.
So, don't think you don't need to take a full hike or walk a marathon to reap the benefit.
Just a short walk down the block and back can yield a world of good.
I personally prefer walking someplace very peaceful like a nature trail to help reduce stress but even walking the perimeter of the yard would work.
Basically, you just need to get your body moving some.
Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is just a fancy word for therapy with water.
This can be as simple as taking a shower and letting the flow of water "message" you.
I use a hand shower so I can put the water exactly where I want it, especially my feet and legs.
This really improves the circulation.
A slightly more complicated version of this involves alternating cold and warm/hot water.
Basically, you use cold water for 30 seconds and follow this with very warm/hot water for 3 minutes and then repeat 3 times.
This causes the tiniest capillaries in your legs and feet to dilate which "exercises" them which is great for your circulation.
However, please be careful with the temperature of the hot water as diabetics should not use water that is too hot.
It is recommended not to go above 106 degrees but I think it is even safer to go lower that that, i.
e.
when in doubt go lower.
Remember, that diabetics sometimes lose some sensation and can't tell if the water is too hot.
Of course, if you are fortunate enough to have access to a whirlpool bathtub or jacuzzi, those powerful jets can work wonders.
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