Improving circulation through nutrition

According to macrobiotic medicine, the circulatory system corresponds to the fire transformation and involves the heart and the small intestine. 

Ninety percent of nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, which is why it must be kept clean and flexible. The liver and spleen are also essential for good blood circulation, as the spleen helps the blood to circulate properly. And in turn, if there is accumulated toxicity, it is the liver's task to eliminate it, otherwise the veins may lose elasticity.

Taking care of the lymphatic system is also essential to avoid poor circulation. This system collects through the lymph a good part of the waste that circulates in the blood.

The arteries and veins that run through our body, carrying blood to where it is needed, must be flexible and clean, to prevent circulation from being hindered.

Foods to nourish the functions of the small intestine and heart:

The bitter taste, present in roasted foods: chicory, dandelion, chicory and other vegetables, is tonic for the liver and cardiovascular functions.

I will also make special mention of buckwheat and its rutin content, a flavonoid that acts in synergy with vitamin C, a precursor of collagen. This mixture proceeds as a protector of the elasticity of blood vessels.

Other useful foods:

Cereals such as corn, amaranth, red rice, bulgur, pesudocereals such as quinoa.

Vegetables: peanut squash, large leafy vegetables.

Dried fruits such as nuts, roasted seeds, gomasio.

tekka and burdock root.

Large legumes, red beans.

Pickles of short time.

Seaweed: especially nori seaweed and kombu seaweed, which help eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the bloodstream.

Seasoning our dishes with spices has a double function: to give flavor and to provide benefits:

4 spices that protect circulation: garlic, ginger, turmeric and lemon.

Garlic is a natural anticoagulant that helps blood circulate better in the vessels. Together with onion, it stimulates blood circulation and decreases blood viscosity.

The ginger fluidifies the blood. Frequent and regular consumption of ginger helps mobilize energy and activates blood circulation by making it more fluid.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and easy to use. Much of its benefits for circulation are due to its antioxidant effect, which counteracts the action of free radicals and toxins in the body.

Lemon improves elasticity. The vitamin C in lemon, in small quantities, is essential, as it intervenes in the formation of collagen and elastin, proteins that influence the capillary wall.

Although there is a widespread idea that salt is harmful to the circulatory system, it should be clarified that it is the sodium from common salt and not the salt itself that is harmful. On the contrary, unrefined sea salt is rich in more than 90 trace elements necessary for optimal health. The salt must be vegetableized, that is to say, to consume always cooked.

4 basic points for a healthy circulation

1. Have a proper diet, without excess meat products and saturated fats or coffee, simple sugars and extreme foods. It is also important to know the origin of the ingredients since extensive agriculture contains chemicals and pesticides. 
2. Maintain an active life through moderate physical activity. When there are circulatory problems, it is advisable to elevate the legs and perform exercises repeating the tandem movement and it is important to avoid standing, standing still or sitting for long periods of time. Walk daily, swim, use the bicycle. These exercises help to activate blood flow.
3. Use hydromassage techniques: cold showers on the legs, cabbage leaf plasters to refresh them.
4. Avoid constipation by maintaining a diet rich in fiber, an example is to regularly take agar agar seaweed.

An ideal recipe to stimulate the circulatory system.

Red fruit jelly 

Ingredients: 

15 gr agar agar

2 tablespoons rice syrup

1 tablespoon of kuzu

1 liter of apple juice

Millet Amazake

1 bowl of berries

a pinch of powdered ginger

a pinch of salt

Elaboration:

1. Heat 750 ml of apple juice.
2. Dissolve the agar agar in the juice and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Dissolve the kuzu and rice syrup in the remaining juice and add it to the agar agar, stirring constantly until the kuzu is transparent. 
4. Add a pinch of salt or powdered ginger and allow to cool slightly
5. In a glass dish add the berries, pour the gelatin mixture and allow to cool.

NOTE: To know if the gelatin will set correctly, put a drop on a plate. If it sticks it means that it will set correctly, otherwise we can add more agar agar and cook for 5 minutes more. 

Enjoy your meal!

"We can't forget that good circulation also has to do with how we circulate through life", circulate smoothly!

Article written by Macrobiotic Consultant, Patricia Restrepo