A little leg pain, regardless of the intensity, might not seem like much. But it can indicate a condition that may send dangerous signals about your overall health. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that develops silently, marked by a slow narrowing of blood vessels that leads to oxygen and nutrient shortages in the legs. The lack of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood leads to cramps and discomfort.
Maximizing blood flow, therefore, is essential to keeping this condition at bay. Keeping arteries and veins healthy and free of blockages is the best way to fight against PAD.
Although it might go without saying, activity is the best way to encourage blood flow. Keeping cholesterol levels down, particularly “bad” LDL that can accumulate along arterial walls and limit blood flow. So, how do you limit LDL to encourage blood vessel health or relax your veins? In many cases, nutrition, supplementation, and medication are your options.
Nutrition, however, is likely the easiest way because you don’t have to remember to eat. You’re not going to forget lunch or dinner in the same way you’d forget to take some pills. Foods that can optimize blood flow and relax blood vessels to encourage healthier veins and arteries include:
- Beets and beetroot juice
- Onions
- Garlic
- Fatty fish
- Pomegranate
- Turmeric and cayenne
- Oats
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Eggplant
- Nuts
- Apples/berries/citrus fruits
If you’re not walking or exercising enough, you might not even be aware that you’ve got PAD, which could be highly dangerous. So, keep an eye on your circulatory healthy by getting out for some exercise daily, walking around the block, shopping mall, or your home. Doing so won’t only improve your health, but it will keep you in tune with potential problems.
If you do notice pain or discoloration in your legs and feet, talk to your doctor as the condition could be at the point where medical intervention is required.