You might not think much about the blood moving through your circulatory system – the system made up of arteries, veins, and capillaries that are more than 60,000 miles long.
After all, 60,000 miles is pretty far. It will take you around the world.
Advertisement
More than twice.
But as your heart beats and pumps blood through this intricate system, it is impacting every single part of your body.
Blood is essential. It carries oxygen and nutrients to your body’s tissue so it can function optimally. Blood also carries away carbon dioxide and waste products from tissue to keep it healthy.
Blood is the lifeline of all your tissue. It sustains life and promotes health.
Arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to all your tissue. They branch off, becoming smaller and smaller the further they get from the heart.
Veins are the blood vessels that carry the blood back to the heart to receive oxygen. They get larger as they get closer to the heart.
Capillaries, lastly, are small thin blood vessels that connect the arteries and veins. They have thin walls that allow oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and waste products to pass between tissue cells.
Thankfully, most people don’t have to do much for their circulatory system to function when they are born. But as people grow older, they can make choices that may impair blood flow and put their health at risk.
Advertisement
Optimal blood flow is a very important part of your overall health. You can promote better functioning arteries, veins, and capillaries by avoiding smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet that is low in refined and processed foods.
Limiting inflammation is one way to keep blood moving efficiently. You can help fight natural and unnatural inflammation by using the tips mentioned above and being sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Your body is going to manufacture blood no matter what. It’s your responsibility to make sure it gets where it needs to go so you can enjoy its benefits.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
