Microcirculation

We often hear about “poor circulation”, but what does that mean?

Our organism, it may seem strange to you but it is so, is crossed by a vascular network whose length has been estimated between 95,000 and 160,000 km. Our entire body is supplied with blood thanks to blood vessels that are mainly classified into arteries, veins and capillaries. When everything is working well, the oxygen-rich blood pumped from the heart travels through the vascular network, giving oxygen to the cells and collecting carbon dioxide and substances to be eliminated. The walls of the vessels are made up of layers of muscle tissue that are more or less thick, depending on the diameter of the vessels. Poor circulation can be caused precisely by a weakening of the walls and therefore by a “stagnation” of blood in the vessels or by dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system or again due to unfavorable climatic situations such as heat.

But why does the heat make our circulation worse?

Heat, as is known, tends to cause blood vessels to dilate and therefore causes a drop in pressure which, as a result, causes irregular and slower blood flow than normal. By slowing blood flow, gas exchange is compromised, and thus the well-being of the body’s cells is also compromised. Furthermore, the vascular network also includes lymphatic capillaries, small vessels responsible for draining extracellular fluid. When circulation worsens, the function of the lymphatic capillaries also fails and consequently a significant amount of fluid accumulates within the tissues, causing, as an ultimate effect, heaviness and swelling. Signs of poor circulation appear mainly in the lower limbs, particularly in the ankles.

How can we act to improve our circulation?

Certainly keeping the body well hydrated helps to limit the damage, but sometimes it is not enough. It is always good to act from outside u