Health

10 Warning Signs to Diagnose Pancreatic Cancer Before It’s Too Late

10. Pancreatic Cancer: Bloating As we already mentioned in the previous symptoms, pancreatic cancer does and will affect the organs of your digestive system. By taking… Luna - October 9, 2017

Pancreatic cancer is estimated to take the lives of more than 40,000 people in the US alone during 2017. During that same time, it is estimated that over 55,000 new ones will be diagnosed in the US as well. And even though pancreatic cancer accounts for only approximately 3 percent of all cancers in the US, it does account for a whopping 7 percent of all cancer deaths.

The pancreas is an organ located just behind your stomach, and it is pear-shaped. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells in the pancreas start multiplying too fast and create a mass. Thus, leading to a cancerous tumor. The pancreas is the organ that our body uses to secrete enzymes and insulin which aid digestion and also helps you process sugar. Whenever pancreatic cancer occurs, these functions are impaired.

Pancreatic cancer usually appears after the age of 45, however, there can be younger patients with this disease. The causes of this cancer are not clear but there are specific factors that do increase its risk. These factors include pancreatitis (chronic inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, excessive smoking, obesity, diabetes, and inherited gene mutations. There are also higher risks of developing pancreatic cancer for African-Americans patients.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is very difficult to detect on an early stage, which means that it is usually caught on a later stage. Additionally, it spreads rapidly and starts affecting more parts of the human body. It is known as a silent disease. However, there are some nonspecific early warning symptoms that can save lives. Below, we mention the 10 most common ones which can help you detect pancreatic cancer on earlier stages. These signs can happen together or separately and should be checked by a professional physician.

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1. Pancreatic Cancer: Jaundice

Jaundice is the term that describes the state when the skin and eyes turn a yellow tone. It is very common for those having pancreatic cancer to suffer from jaundice. The main cause of jaundice is usually an excess of bilirubin in the blood. This is caused by irregular bile (a liquid that aids digestion and it’s of a yellowish color. It is released by your liver) going from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Irregular bile can be produced when pancreatic cancer is present in the body. Usually located in the head of the pancreas itself.

However, jaundice is not unique to pancreatic cancer. It is also common for a list of gallbladder and liver diseases. This means that if you suffer from jaundice, it does not have to be pancreatic cancer. Please refer to your physician for tests to find out what the causes behind it are.

Jaundice does not only turn your skin and eyes yellow color. It can also cause itchiness on your feet and hands. But especially on the soles and palms themselves. If all the causes of jaundice are completely ruled out, then make sure to ask your doctor to test you for pancreatic cancer. Together with jaundice, you may also experience nausea and vomiting, which is another of the ten main symptoms of pancreatic cancer. If you do experience this symptom as well, make sure to mention it to your doctor, however common, it can be deciding to better understand which tests to undertake in your specific case. If you are unsure whether your skin or eyes are yellow, make sure to check the white part of your eye, its corner will turn yellow, as well as your nails. Those are some easy indicators to notice the coloring if not very strong yet.

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2. Pancreatic Cancer: Diabetes

If nobody in your family has diabetes and you get it out of the blue and for no apparent reason, then it may be a very clear sign of pancreatic cancer. This is because a tumor in your pancreas can lead to the destruction of the cells that make insulin, thus leading to diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t usually appear all of a sudden, it is more of a process. So if you feel like it appeared too quickly, make sure to tell your doctor for further tests to be done.

Some of the symptoms that indicate diabetes onset are urinary urgency, ongoing fatigue, vision problems, and numbness of fingers and toes. If this sounds familiar to you, get an appointment with your physician for a pancreatic cancer regular screening test. During a study published in 2012 in the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, scientists discovered that a very high percentage of pancreatic cancer patients (approximately 80 percent) were suffering from diabetes but had gone almost undiagnosed.

However, diabetes would not only a symptom or effect of pancreatic cancer, but it can also be a cause. People who do have diabetes can, unfortunately, develop pancreatic cancer because of it. So if you do have diabetes already, keep an eye out for pancreatic cancer screenings with your doctor.

Remember, diabetes has very serious consequences on your health already. Adding an extra layer of caution will only help you to control any further unexpected consequences such as pancreatic cancer. Screenings can be held at any doctor’s clinic and do not need to be specialized. Ask for regular screening to stay in check at any given time. If you do not currently have diabetes but believe that you are developing it, do not be afraid to get a doctor’s appointment too.

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3. Pancreatic Cancer: Abdominal and Lower Back Pain

Because of the location of the pancreas, it is very usual to get pain in the area. This specific location is in the abdominal cavity. Pain in this area can radiate toward the back. Especially the lower part of your back. Usually, this pain is sharp. This pain is usually more severe at night time, and can be relieved by bending forward. This has been reported by those suffering from this pain.

This pain is explained in a study published in 2001 by the Pancreas journal. Pancreatic cancer patients can experience this acute pain due to the size of the tumor. It can also be experienced because of the invasion of the intra-pancreatic nerves or the anterior pancreatic capsule. However, another reason for the pain can be a lymph node metastasis of pancreatic cancer.

Severe abdominal pain is one of the main symptoms that allow doctors to diagnose pancreatic cancer. This is because those suffering from this pain usually attend the emergency room. By running tests then pancreatic cancer can be detected successfully. Additionally, the exact location of the pain can help locate the tumor itself in the cavity.

If you do experience mild to moderate abdominal and lower back pain, please consult your physician. Even though it is something that could be entirely different, it can also lead to the discovery of pancreatic cancer. The sooner you get to visit your doctor, the sooner you will get an answer about your pain. This can also help you to control it if the reasons for it are other than pancreatic cancer. This pain can also cause dizziness and nausea if it is very sharp. Whenever you feel it, make sure to find a place to sit down and let it pass by bending forward during a few minutes.

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4. Pancreatic Cancer: Weight Loss

Mostly every type of cancer can conduct sudden and unexplained weight loss. It is a very noticeable sign for any of them. Including but not only, pancreatic cancer.

There is a very easy and logical explanation behind this reaction in your body. Tumors usually impede the correct functioning of the organs. Not only by growing directly on them but by spreading around them and impairing their normal functions. Because of the location of the pancreas and its cancer, it will affect your proper digestion. By not digesting properly, you will receive less nutrients and feel poor appetite in general.

Additionally, because of the lack of enzymes released by the pancreas, any ingested fats will not be properly broken down. This will lead to dietary fats passing through your body undigested. This is another cause for sudden weight loss as your body is not receiving the needed fats to sustain your normal weight. Cancer cells will also intake nutrients that are meant for healthy cells, resulting again in weight loss.

If you started losing weight without changing your daily routines or diet, you may need to go through a pancreatic cancer screening. Please make sure to consult your doctor for any sudden weight loss. Make sure to have healthy nutrition and have at least three meals a day. Do not over-exercise, especially cardio. If you do follow these guidelines and still lose weight, get some blood tests and regular pancreatic cancer screenings done at your physician of choice.

You may also want to comment on any other symptoms that you may have been feeling recently. Such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and pain. All these will help your doctor determine which diagnosis to follow for your tests and further treatment.

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5. Pancreatic Cancer: Nausea and Vomiting

As mentioned above, pancreatic cancer grows within the abdominal cavity. By doing so, it is directly in contact with most of your digestive system organs. Thus, it can lead to blockages in some portions of your digestive tract. This will result in a halt or hamper your proper digestion process.

However, nausea and vomiting are not the only symptoms you may be experiencing. You should add heartburn and acid reflux to the list as well. As they all could come together or in different phases. This doesn’t mean that if you feel sick one day after eating something bad you have pancreatic cancer. Do not take this symptom out of hand if it goes clearly linked to food poisoning or flu.

Instead, if you start feeling like you can’t hold your food down, you stop being hungry, and this doesn’t get solved within a few days, then consult your physician. A blockage in your digestive system isn’t something that would just simply disappear, it would continue if you do have pancreatic cancer. Additionally, if you try to lower your cause using ginger or peppermint tea, as well as only drinking between meals; but you still get nausea, then you will have to visit your doctor for a check-up.

Whenever pancreatic cancer is in a late stage, surgery may be needed to either bypass or remove the blockage. This will help you to control and improve your digestion. So if you feel like you’ve been nauseous for several days or have been vomiting more than usual without relief, please do not hesitate to get an appointment with the physician of your choice to get tested. Your blood may be taken as well as a regular pancreatic cancer screening done. Make sure to stay hydrated in between meals!

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6. Pancreatic Cancer: Greasy light-colored stool

Due to the issues concerning your digestive tract, it is very common to get greasy and light-colored stool whenever someone has pancreatic cancer. It does have a distinctive color and texture which is almost unique to pancreatic cancer patients. The reason behind this is that the tumor is blocking the pancreas from secreting its enzymes. The result is a stool that may be large in size, oily, pale, floating, and also smelly.

The enzymes that are usually released by the pancreas are used by the digestive system to digest food. Especially those foods that are high in fatty contents. The look and feel of the stool come from undigested fats that are left in the digestive tract due to pancreatic cancer. Your stool will also be very hard to flush down the toilet because of this reason.

The lack of color also has to do with the smilingly lack of bilirubin. This is also due to pancreatic cancer as explained before. Any minimal change in the color and texture of your stool indicates the state of your health. So if you notice that your stool starts being consistently paler and greasier, please do make sure to contact your doctor.

Additional Information:

Several tests will be made to ensure that it has nothing to do with food intolerance or allergy. Other tests will also be done to check the status of your digestive tract including stomach and intestines. Additionally, if this continues to happen, you will most likely get a pancreatic cancer screening as well. Make sure to inform your doctor of any changes you can see in your bowel movements and keep track of the food you intake if you believe it could be related to pancreatic cancer. Your doctor will be able to lead you in the right way to get all the tests and check-ups done.

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7. Pancreatic Cancer: Lack of appetite

As mentioned in several other symptoms, pancreatic cancer unfortunately takes a toll on your digestive system. Because of its location within the abdominal cavity and in the digestive system, pancreatic cancer does and will affect your digestion. Thus, also affects your appetite after all. Your appetite will suffer from a sudden drop. Additionally, you will feel full after eating just a little bit.

Because of the tumor growing very quickly, the space for your organs is reduced. Your stomach will feel the pressure as well as your small intestine. This is related to the digestive blockage explained before. Together with a loss of appetite also comes sudden weight loss. All these symptoms will most likely come together with dizziness and nausea.

By eating less and getting less nutrients in your body, you will most likely feel weak and tired. If you do start feeling this way and can’t force yourself to eat more, please get an appointment with your doctor. Being tired and weak will directly impact your body’s capacity to better accept treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Additional Information:

If you have a sudden weight loss accompanied by a severe lack of appetite, attend a doctor’s clinic. You will get blood tests done as well as a pancreatic cancer screening. You will most likely get treatment straight away to try and get your appetite back. If that doesn’t work, they will check up on any tumors you may have as well as any other diseases that may affect your digestive tract apart from pancreatic cancer. Make sure to keep track of your daily food intake and exercise to keep your health in check. With this in mind, your doctor will be able to diagnose you more clearly and in way less time. Any symptoms you may have felt on top of the lack of appetite should also be considered at this point.

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8. Pancreatic Cancer: Urine color

Seemingly to the changes in your stool, changes in your urine also represent different status of your health. From very healthy to sick, urine will have a range of colors which can then be translated into diagnoses. Even if you drink plenty of liquids, your urine may still look dark and slightly orange or brown if you do have pancreatic cancer.

The reason behind it has to do with the buildup of bile. A growing pancreatic cancer can cause the incorrect blockage of bile, which will then not be released in its regular way. As bile needs to be released somehow, it will do so through your urine. Thus resulting in very dark urine. Additionally, also blood traces will be found in your urine and result in proteins appearing in test results. This will also make your urine darker than usual.

If your diet has been the same, and you have not made any special changes. If you keep drinking enough fluids every day (1.5-2 liters). But if you still get dark urine, you will need to get tested. In order to do so, please get an appointment at your doctor’s. You will then be tested not only for urine but also blood and most likely pancreatic cancer screenings will also be done.

Additional Information:

If you get proteins in your urine, it will indicate blood traces have been found. Being a woman, if you are having your period or just had it, please state that when giving urine samples as your period’s blood could affect the results and will need to be repeated on a later date. If you have any sort of infection or inflammation you will also have to advise your doctor’s team about it so it does not affect the results in terms of false diagnosis.

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9. Pancreatic Cancer: Fatigue and weakness

If you do have pancreatic cancer, you will definitely feel a general sensation of weakness and fatigue. It will not wear off and you will feel like you need to rest or sleep most of the time. This will happen without you changing your diet or exercise. This is due to several causes explained before. One of the main ones is the lack of appetite, resulting in less food being eaten and thus absorbed. This will produce anemia which has symptoms such as extreme fatigue and weakness.

Your lack of appetite is directly related to pancreatic cancer growing in size within your abdominal cavity. Your weakness is also directly related to its size. Moreover, you may also lack some proper sleep because of the abdominal and lower back pain you may be experiencing due to pancreatic cancer.

Constant and ongoing fatigue or weakness is a symptom of something going sideways in your body. Either pancreatic cancer or something else, you need to get it checked. Make sure to write down everything you do from daily food, exercise, stress-related symptoms, and any other things you may notice. Take the notepad with you to the doctor so everything can be taken into consideration when testing you.

Weakness and fatigue is not only a symptom of pancreatic cancer but also of many other types of cancer. As well as other not-so-serious illnesses. But it is important that you take it seriously and do not let it go unnoticed by your physician. If you feel low in energy and have not changed your routines at all, get an appointment at your doctor’s of choice and request tests done to you. Include a note for pancreatic cancer screenings if you believe you have the symptoms for it.

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10. Pancreatic Cancer: Bloating

As we already mentioned in the previous symptoms, pancreatic cancer does and will affect the organs of your digestive system. By taking space in your abdominal cavity, pancreatic cancer will put pressure on the organs around it. Your stomach and small intestines will most likely feel the biggest pressure of them all.

The presence of pancreatic cancer will cause different gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of them were listed before, but new ones are bloating, inflammation of the abdomen, and gases. The first (bloating) and the last (gases) will develop after your meals. They can also be accompanied by indigestion or heartburn. As well as nausea or vomiting. The reason behind this has to do with the inappropriate functioning of your stomach after being blocked by pancreatic cancer itself.

If you notice that bloating is getting worse, or if you never had it before, to begin with, talk to your doctor. Take with you a diary of what you have eaten in the last few days, any drinks, exercise, or medicines that you are taking. Your doctor will most likely take some blood from you to test out. If other diseases have been ruled out from it, you may then be taken through a pancreatic cancer screening.

Pancreatic cancer is a big killer in the US, so it is extremely important to catch it on time. If you believe that you, a relative or a friend may suffer from pancreatic cancer, do make sure to contact a doctor for further tests and information about it. Early prevention and treatment are key for longer life and survival.

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Health

Warning Signs of Poor Blood Circulation in The Body

Good health depends on a lot of different factors, and proper blood circulation is one of its main ones. The blood in our bodies is the… Simi - October 8, 2017

Good health depends on a lot of different factors, and proper blood circulation is one of its main ones. The blood in our bodies is the responsible fluid to take nutrients and oxygen from one spot to another. Helping our body functioning correctly and being balanced. Whenever our blood circulation fails to deliver the proper nutrients to the specific parts of our body, that leads to a diverse range of health issues.

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If these issues are left untreated, poor blood circulation can cause severe damage to our heart, brain, liver, limbs, and kidneys. There are many reasons why you may suffer from poor blood circulation. One of the most common ones is atherosclerosis. Which is also known as the hardening of the arteries. As well as peripheral artery disease (also known as PAD).

However, poor blood circulation can also be a result of a variety of health problems. Such as heart diseases, diabetes, blood clots or obesity. An excess of drinking, smoking, and also things like eating disorders or pregnancy can make you extremely vulnerable to these conditions.

If you are aware of the symptoms that show up when your blood circulation isn’t appropriate, you will be able to control the reason behind it and find a timely treatment. Poor blood circulation can also lead to heart attacks, strokes, or even death. So make sure to check up with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed below in this article. Keeping a healthy blood circulation is key to staying healthy and leading a good lifestyle!

Doctors can process a number of tests on you to find out what is causing your poor blood circulation, thus finding an appropriate solution in a timely manner. So read our article below to find out more about blood circulation.

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1. Blood circulation: Swelling of lower extremities

A number of causes can produce swelling on your feet. For example, sitting or standing for a very long period of time in the same position. Or suffering from obesity, malnutrition or PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). Among others such as high salt intake, aging, leading a sedentary lifestyle or being pregnant. However, these listed types of swelling are only temporary and do get better within hours.

If the swelling or edema on your feet lasts for a long time, then the reason may rely on poor blood circulation. The explanation for this is that the lack of proper blood circulation makes it so that the kidneys are unable to function as they should. By not being able to keep fluids in the blood vessels where they should be. The result of this is the leeching out of fluids which then settle in the surrounding tissues. This leads to swelling. In very severe cases, this poor blood circulation process can cause leg ulcers.

An easy trick to reduce swelling on your feet and legs is by laying down and raising your legs above heart level. Use some pillows or a higher chair to do so. Relax and apply cold if possible (never directly on the skin, always use towels or blankets to prevent skin burns from ice). If the swelling does not reduce within a couple of hours, please do consult your doctor. Blood circulation should improve once you’re laying down. But if it doesn’t, it could be a sign of poor blood circulation and needs to be diagnosed.

If you also get swelling in other extremities or if your swelling includes discoloring or bruising under your skin make sure to inform your physician about that. Take pictures and write down when it happened and how it happened, if anything triggered it.

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2. Blood circulation: Numbness of hands and feet

Numbness of hands and feet can be a consequence of numerous factors. But it can also be a sign of poor blood circulation. Numbness is usually felt in two different ways. The first one is a slight tingling on your extremities. This is reported to feel like little insects or ants walking over your skin. Just like when your hands or feet fall asleep and start waking up again.

The second symptom is what is usually called numbness. A feeling of numbness is when you stop feeling your extremities the way you usually do. When poor blood circulation comes into play, you will have this feeling that your hands and feet are swollen and cannot really feel what you touch. Like if your extremities had fallen asleep and couldn’t really wake up.

In this case, you need to be careful not to hurt yourself when doing normal activities as you won’t have full sensitivity in your hands and feet. Whenever your blood circulation is not at its best, there are several things you can do to help your extremities.

First of all, keep your hands and feet warm. Move them around, clap your hands, and walk often. Don’t let your blood circulation get the best of you! If you have to sit or stand in the same position for long at work, make sure to take small breaks. Move around and stretch to help your blood circulation get back to normal. This will also help you get a little extra fitness!

If you do feel like your hands or feet are often feeling numb or tingling, you may want to check with your doctor. Blood circulation issues can be solved easily if treated on time. Just give a quick call to your local doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

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3. Blood circulation: Cold hands and feet

Similar to the above, having cold hands and feet is a symptom of bad blood circulation. It usually goes hand in hand with numbness and tingling, but not always. You may experience them together or separately.

Our blood is what maintains our body temperature. Thus, when having poor blood circulation, your extremities may suffer from a loss of temperature. Your hands and feet are the furthest parts of your body, so it’s normal that they suffer first. Including your fingers and toes. Additionally, blood circulation is what takes the oxygen to the cells around the body. When oxygen levels drop in your cells, this can lower the body’s temperature.

If you feel like your hands and feet are getting too cold, make sure to rub them. Try clapping your hands, jumping, massaging your hands and feet. Moving around will help getting your blood circulation going. However, poor blood circulation is not the only thing that could cause this symptom. A peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud’s syndrome, or even an underactive thyroid are common causes. Make sure to cover your extremities if it is cold outside and to use loose clothes. This will help with your blood circulation. Additionally, make sure to use the correct size of shoes to tackle the problem on the feet. High heels or open shoes may cause blood circulation issues if used with the wrong size or temperature.

Whatever the cause, it is very important to tackle the problem correctly. Your doctor will be able to diagnose what causes your cold hands and feet. If related to blood circulation, you will get proper treatment. Make sure to bring all your current medications with you and to list any other symptoms that you may feel. The same applies to any other causes whenever needed.

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4. Blood circulation: Persistent tiredness and fatigue

Tiredness is a typical symptom of physical effort and can also be linked to numerous drugs. Nonetheless, when consistently feeling weakness and fatigue, the reason may lay on poor blood circulation to various body parts.

Struggling organs will fight to make sure they continue functioning correctly. It even influences the way muscles to work. As they are not getting enough nutrients and oxygen.

Alongside weariness and tiredness, a few people may significantly experience the ill effects of shortness of breath, absence of stamina and sore muscles. These are a few of the associated symptoms of poor blood circulation related to your system. More reasons for tiredness include excessive drinking (alcohol abuse), uncontrolled intake of caffeine, lack of quality sleep, inactivity, bad dietary patterns, anxiety, grief, depression and stress.

All in all, having proper blood circulation means having good health. As soon as blood circulation is affected, our body will show symptoms to alert us. If you feel like you have any of the ones listed in this article, you really want to contact your doctor. Blood carries the oxygen around our body, and a lack of oxygen in our cells and brain can cause critical issues in the long term. When caught early enough, it can be cured and controlled without further issues.

However, tiredness and fatigue may also be the symptoms of a list of other diseases. This is also why it is important to always keep your doctor in the loop of what happens within your body. Either of poor blood circulation or any other reason, it is important that you feel energetic and ready to conquer the day at any given time! If that is not how you feel, you definitely need to visit your doctor of choice to check your blood circulation.

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5. Blood circulation: Slow healing and weak immune system

A slow blood circulation (also called circulatory system) will directly affect your immune system and general health. Because of poor blood circulation, your body is not receiving the vitamins and minerals that it needs to fight off diseases and infections. As these are not distributed in a timely manner or even in proper amounts. This directly affects the capacity of your body to recognize, diagnose, and fight off pathogens.

Whenever your immune system is weak, you will notice that your body suffers more often from common diseases or takes you longer to heal. You may also notice that you get bruised easily, this is due to blood thinning. Or even small wounds hurt more and take very long to heal or scar. Your gums may bleed as well as your nose.

To enhance your blood circulation and get your immune system back to work, make sure to incorporate exercise into your everyday schedule. Even just 20 minutes of walking, five to seven times a week can make a real difference to your blood circulation and immune system. Additionally, keep a balanced diet so that your body gets all the right nutrients. Make sure that your dishes are colorful and incorporate plenty of leafy greens, veggies, fruits, and proteins. Avoid sugars and processed foods, as well as carbonated sodas.

If after doing all these things you still feel weak and not healing properly, it is necessary that you refer your problems to your doctor. The physician will be able to diagnose whether your issues are related to poor blood circulation or to any other cause. Whatever the reason, make sure to follow the steps your doctor lays down for you and keep a balanced lifestyle with exercise and proper nutrition.

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6. Blood circulation: Varicose veins

Varicose veins developing in the legs can be a side effect and also a reason for poor blood circulation. Because of an incorrect blood circulation system, there is a pressure buildup in your legs. This leads to varicose veins just under the first layer of the skin. Veins then become extremely visible, twisted, and swollen.

Varicose veins have a tendency to show up on the lower part of the legs and cause itchiness, irritation, pain, restlessness, heaviness and burning sensations. The presence of protruding veins is obviously a beauty concern for those suffering it and having to show off their legs at work or social events. However, varicose veins are not only caused by poor blood circulation. They are also common symptoms of hereditary diseases, obesity, hormonal changes, jobs that require standing still, the use of birth control pills, and even constipation.

On the off chance that you have varicose veins, it is extremely important to wear pressure stockings to allow for appropriate blood circulation to occur. Additionally, counsel your specialist to decide the correct reason and treatment for your varicose veins. Varicose veins can be treated with non-invasive procedures such as massages, use of compression stockings, and laser. But can also be reduced with injections and surgery.

Additional Information:

Making a few changes in your lifestyle and nutrition will help control, reduce, and prevent the appearance of varicose veins. If the reason behind them is indeed poor blood circulation, your doctor will be able to prescribe proper medication. As well as providing important advice to get your circulatory system in motion again! Always make sure to bring a list of your medications when visiting the doctor and listing any other symptoms you may be suffering from. This will help with the diagnosis and get you back on your feet in a timely manner!

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7. Blood circulation: Hair loss

Balding with no apparent reason is an unmistakable sign that blood isn’t getting pumped appropriately around your system. The moment your scalp is not receiving the appropriate amount of essential nutrients, you will feel your hair becoming thin and dry. Thus falling out at a higher rate than usual.

When the hair loss issue is related to poor blood circulation, the use of specific shampoos is unnecessary. Instead, it is very important to activate the follicles in your scalp. In order to do so, make sure to wash your hair with your head downwards and massage it throughout. This will activate the cells of your scalp and bring more blood circulation to it. Another way to diagnose blood circulation issues is to check your skin and nails. If you get brittle and weak nails, as well as dry skin and hair loss, you are not getting the proper nutrients. Which is usually related to poor blood circulation.

Even though hair loss is usually encountered in men, women can also suffer from it when it comes from poor blood circulation. Other factors causing baldness are stress, excessive smoking, aging, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, thyroids, anemia, chronic illnesses, and genetic factors among many.

If you notice that your hair is falling off faster than usual, it is getting thinner and the ends are split, check your skin and nails. If they’re dry and brittle, then get an appointment with your doctor. After running a few tests you will be able to have a proper diagnosis of the causes of your hair loss and start treatment straight away. Make sure to tell your doctor if you noticed any other symptoms and bring with you your most recent blood tests and list of current medication to avoid any interactions.

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8. Blood circulation: Erectile dysfunction

Blood is the reason why most of our organs work the way they do. When there is poor blood circulation, many things will stop working or will work from time to time. This includes the reproductive organs. Poor blood circulation can cause erectile dysfunction in men. This issue is represented by consistent problems in sustaining and even achieving an erection even though the subject feels aroused.

Erectile dysfunction (also known as ED) is also frequently associated with atherosclerosis. This is another very important reason to leave any embarrassment behind and to contact your doctor as soon as this becomes a recurrent problem. Due to erectile dysfunction being caused by physical and not emotional issues, it can be treated if diagnosed correctly.

Whenever visiting your doctor, make sure to take with you not only a list of your current medications and illnesses. But also a detailed list of the dates and times erectile dysfunction has happened to you. This will help the doctor diagnose the reasons behind erectile dysfunction and help you correct it as soon as possible. Once the issue is solved, either blood circulation or atherosclerosis, you will be able to achieve and sustain proper erections, thus returning to a satisfactory sexual life with your partner.

Do not feel ashamed or afraid to talk about this. Many men suffer from erectile dysfunction and the only way to solve the issue is to talk to a physician. Keeping it a secret will only add to your stress and anxiety and make the problem not only physical but also psychological. Leading to more complicated treatment. Make sure to talk about it with your physician and also with your partner to get the proper support and treatment, you will soon be happy again!

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9. Blood circulation: Cyanosis or skin discoloring

On the off chance that your skin or lips turn blue, it unmistakably shows low blood oxygen levels due to poor blood circulation. This issue is otherwise called cyanosis or skin discoloring.

When your blood circulation is normal, your skin will look its natural shade and organs will look either pink or red. However, whenever your blood circulation levels drop, your skin and organs will turn a greyish color. Some part of your body will turn blue instead, similar to a bruising color. These parts are fingers, toes, nails, eyes, gums, and lips.

Blue skin is also an early sign of heart disease in babies. It is very important that if you ever get or see someone getting blue or extremely discolored skin, you call a doctor or emergency services. Cyanosis can be the indication of something going extremely wrong with your heart and blood circulation so it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Family history, current medications, and a list of all the symptoms that you have felt is what the doctor needs to diagnose you and treat you correctly. Make sure to take them with you when you attend your next appointment or the emergency room at your nearest hospital. Congenital heart diseases are a major factor in skin discoloring so it is very important to have the above with you when seeing a doctor. Take a friend or relative with you in case you need to be administered medication that may make you dizzy or hospitalized for the time being. Don’t worry, this can be treated, but it is important to catch it on time. Do not wait for the next time it happens, go as soon as occurs the first time. Better safe than sorry, even more when talking blood circulation!

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10. Blood circulation: Heaviness in the chest

Our heart is the main and most important organ in your body. Its function is to pump blood around, thus being the manager of blood circulation as we know it. But in order to pump blood correctly, it also needs to receive blood correctly. If your arteries are not bringing enough blood back to your heart, it will cause heaviness and tightness.

The pain will not be constant, it will come and go. This pain is usually known as andina pectoris or angina. However, pain and heaviness in your chest can also be a symptom of atherosclerosis in your arteries. In addition, this same pain can also represent heartburn, muscle spasms, acidity, stomach ulcers, indigestion, or upper respiratory infections.

Because of its nature, it is important that chest pain is treated as soon as possible. Either one of the reasons above can lead to serious heart damage as well as many other organs. Please make sure to check with your physician as soon as possible.

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11. Reduced cognitive function

When you think of blood, you do not always think of the brain. The first thing that generally comes to mind is the heart along with its accompanying veins and arteries. This is correct, and technically blood does not go into the brain. There is even something called the Blood-Brain Barrier which is specifically designed to keep blood out of the brain.

While blood does not enter the brain, the brain does need the things that get carried by the blood. This includes oxygen and nutrients to name but a few. Therefore, the brain, like every other part of the body, requires sufficient blood flow if it is to operate correctly. When this blood flow has been decreased, then there will certainly be problems.

Many symptoms of poor circulation are a lot more intuitive than reduced cognitive function. But, if a person has problems remembering things, or possibly they feel a bit mentally foggy, then they could be suffering from reduced or poor circulation. A diagnosis of this kind can only be made if the person displays other symptoms, but it is completely advisable to take it very seriously if the cognitive function is impaired.

A person cannot survive without their brain and if poor circulation is left untreated, the brain will not only suffer in the short term. If the brain is left without proper blood flow for too long, then the cells will start to die. Unlike other cells in your body, brain cells don’t regenerate properly. Once they have been damaged, the chances of them recovering are incredibly slim. Your mother may have told you that you only get one set of eyes, but you also get one brain.

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12. Digestive irregularities

This is another system that one doesn’t usually associate with blood flow. When you think of your digestive system as a whole, you think of food and the waste matter that is created once this food has been broken down. But, consider for a second how this system works. It is a very active system that requires a reliable source of blood, and it needs this blood constantly. No part of the digestive system can be left without blood for any period.

If there is a case where circulation is reduced, then there will be disruptions to digestion. These disruptions can be of many different kinds as the digestive system is quite complex and is made up of many different parts. A noticeable digestive problem that could result from poor circulation is pain in the abdomen. The abdomen houses the digestive system, so clearly this is the area that would hurt if something goes amiss. This pain may be localized, or it could be a pain that spreads through the general area.

The other problem which could arise is related to the stool. You can tell a lot about the health of a person by looking at their stool. In the case of poor circulation, there is a multitude of things that could go wrong with one’s stool. A person could experience very uncomfortable bouts of diarrhea or they could even be very constipated.

The type of issue that one is having with their stool is almost irrelevant. The point is, if there has been a drastic change in a person’s bowel movements, then they could very well be suffering from poor circulation.

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13. Systemic cramping and pain

There is not a single person on this planet who has not experienced muscle pain at some point or other. There is muscle pain that results from exercise. Then there is the pain that accompanies an injury. Most people also know what it is like to have stiff joints. Granted, this is generally more felt by the elderly, but on the whole, people are quite aware of the concept. The same can be said for cramping. People sleep in awkward positions and pull their backs out all the time. The one thing that all these types of aches and pains have in common is that the people suffering from them can generally pinpoint the root of the problem.

They know that they may have pushed their workout too far, or possibly they sat in an awkward position for too long. If, however, a person has muscle pain or joint cramping and they have no clue why they are feeling that way, then the problem could be poor circulation.

The concept is quite simple, muscles need blood to function. They need oxygen, and they need nutrients. If they do not get these things, then they will stop working properly. If this wasn’t bad enough, not only will the muscles stop working, they will also start to hurt. This pain will generally result from the stiffness and cramping that will arise when the muscles do not get enough blood.

There will also be pain that will be associated with the reheating of the hands and feet which have become cold due to inadequate blood flow. This pain will be more throbbing than stabbing, but it will be pain none the less.

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14. Ulcers on the legs

This condition is not one that is very well known. People may know about ulcers when they think of their mouths as mouth ulcers are relatively common. But, it is possible to get ulcers elsewhere on one’s body. In particular, these ulcers can appear on one’s legs. First, let us have a look at what would happen to the blood in the legs if circulation was decreased.

When blood circulation has been impaired or reduced, what happens is that the blood starts pooling in the veins. This does not necessarily occur in the arteries as the blood here is pumping out the heart and isn’t as affected by gravity. But, the blood in the veins has to try and work against gravity to make its way back up to the heart.

When the circulatory system has been impaired then this blood pool, especially in the legs, then creates a hospitable environment for ulcers. It is more likely for these to develop on one’s legs, but it is possible for them to appear in other parts of the body. Another reason why a person with bad circulation is prone to ulcers is how bad circulation affects a person’s immune system.

If blood is not flowing correctly, then a person’s immune system is compromised. When this happens, then it will take longer for them to heal which is another thing that will contribute to the development of ulcers. This symptom of poor circulation is one of the more visible ones as an ulcer on the legs or feet of a person is incredibly hard to miss. There are also not many other conditions which will result in this kind of skin condition.

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15. Inability to perform strenuous tasks

The secret to living a healthy and happy life is no real secret. There is no mystery here, and there is no real debate. There may be people out there who would want to argue the finer points, points like whether it is healthier to be vegetarian or whether humans need meat to survive. These points will be discussed until the end of the earth. But at the core of each argument is that to be healthy a person needs to do a few simple things.

They need to eat healthy food that is not overly processed, and that is not loaded with chemicals. Added to this diet is exercise. A person who is not exercising is a person who is certainly not healthy. Now, this is all well and good, but what about the people who physically cannot exercise.

Put aside fitness levels for a moment and think about what it must be like to not even be able to walk up a flight of stairs without getting severely out of breath. Or trying to lift something heavy and not be able to move it an inch. This is a very real reality for people with poor circulation. They may not even know that this is why they are unable to perform specific physical tasks. They might think that they are unfit and that they need to try harder.

The reason why people with bad circulation are less physically capable is that their muscles are not getting enough blood and are not at the correct speed. Their heart is also taking the strain as it is forced to pump harder to try to get the blood to where it needs to go.

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16. Unexplained weight loss

These days everyone is obsessed with their weight. People go to the gyms on mass. They spend thousands on diet products and are always on the lookout for the next best thing that will make them thin without having to put in too much effort. This is the society we live in. The thinner, the better. It is for this reason, that if a person suddenly loses weight, they would not blink an eye.

They would more likely be thanking their lucky stars rather than sitting back and trying to figure out what is happening. But, and there is no argument here if a person loses weight and they can find no explanation for it they should not just brush it under the rug. This person needs to take a moment to try and figure out what has changed in their lifestyle. Are they more stressed than usual or possibly they have changed their diet? Maybe they have started a new medication?

If they can find absolutely no reason for this weight loss and they have a few of the other symptoms on this list, then the culprit could be poor blood circulation. Poor circulation does not necessarily affect one’s weight directly, and it is more of a secondary consequence. When a person’s blood is not getting appropriately circulated, they are more inclined to have a decreased appetite, after an extended enough period, which will lead to weight loss. There is also the case of malabsorption. If the digestive system is not getting the correct blood flow, then it does not operate properly. Food is not broken down and absorbed correctly, also leading to weight loss over time.

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17. High blood pressure

Blood pressure is a bit of an odd physiological value. It is not one that is widely understood by those who do not work in the medical field. People know about their heart. They know that it beats and on the whole, they can find their pulse if they need to. Barring this, they can feel their heartbeat if they are paying enough attention. But heart rate is only one part of the equation. There is the speed at which the heart pumps blood around the body, and then there is the actual pressure that is created when the heart pumps this blood.

It is almost counter-intuitive, but when the body is experiencing poor circulation, a person will have increased blood pressure. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. If blood is pooling in one’s limbs and muscles then when the heart tries to beat as normal, it is trying to fit more blood into a space that already has blood.

On the surface, a slight increase in blood pressure may not seem that dangerous. This is only somewhat true. The body is designed to handle periods of high blood pressure. The heart and blood vessels will not be immediately affected if blood pressure increases. There are times when it is normal to have elevated blood pressure. The problem here would involve the timeframe.

High blood pressure in the short term will not necessarily cause long-term damage. But, if this high blood pressure persists for too long, then the body will start taking the strain. This damage will not only be limited to the heart and blood vessels, but even organs like the kidneys will begin to falter if blood pressure remains high for too long.

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18. A decrease in libido

Sex is very much a part of life. It is arguably one of the most critical aspects of the human experience. There are some who may even argue that it controls the world. If this is, in fact, the case, then it would be because sex is a huge motivator for many people. This number is not one that can be tested, but it is safe to say that a lot of us, maybe even all of us, make a lot of our decisions with sex in mind. Considering how important sex is in our lives, it is odd that we are so reluctant to talk about it.

While we may have made quite a bit of progress in this arena over the last couple of years, we are not almost nearly where we need to be. We need to be able to talk about sex not only for our mental health but our physical health as well. The reason for this is because sex is important as it is quite a reliable indicator of one’s overall health.

When using this as a health indicator, doctors will look at not only the reproductive organs themselves but also at a person’s libido. Libido is made up of a couple of components. There are quite a few hormones involved which are made in the brain and the organs themselves, and then there are the organs which contribute in their way to one’s libido. When it comes to poor circulation, if these organs do not get the correct supply of blood then they will not work in the way that they should.

This applies to both men and women and will manifest itself in a decreased libido. There will also be other dysfunctions in this area including irregular menstrual cycles for women and decreased fertility and functionality in men.

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19. Dark rings underneath your eyes

Sleep is incredibly important. A person can go longer without food than they can without sleep. When a person sleeps, their body recharges, and it heals. If a person does not get enough sleep, the effects are incredibly visible. Symptoms of sleep deprivation range from mood disturbances to a decreased immune system. There is also the appearance of little bags and dark rings underneath the eyes.

While these bags and rings may not be attractive, they are temporary. But, if you have dark rings underneath your eyes that won’t go away even though you are getting the correct amount of sleep. Then there may be other factors that should be considered. One of these is bad circulation. There are certain items on this list that are more secondary consequences of poor circulation as opposed to a direct result.

When it comes to dark rings underneath the eyes, these appear because blood is not moving the way it should. Instead, it is pooling in that area and not being circulated by the natural mechanisms in place. As mentioned, there are other causes for these dark rings other than poor circulation. But, there is a very easy way to check whether circulation is the culprit.

The way to do this is to press down on the rings while looking in the mirror. If the rings subtly clear up for a few seconds and then darken up again, then the problem is poor circulation. This little at-home test should tell you whether you are having circulation issues, but it will not tell you the extent of the problem. A doctor can only do this after further testing.

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20. Brittle nails

When one thinks of their health, they do not generally look to their nails as indicators. Many people do not even look after their nails, so they wouldn’t even actually know if something is wrong with them. Sure, smokers may look at the discoloration and think that maybe their health is taking a beating, but this isn’t even an internal consequence and is only due to the nicotine in cigarettes.

While nails may not be the gold standard when it comes to testing one’s health, they can be good indicators if you know what to look for. The first thing that needs to be considered is the quality of the nail. Are they strong or are they brittle? Do they chip and break very easily or are they thick and hard to cut? If the nails are brittle, then there could be a circulation problem that exists. The reason for this is that nails, like every other part of the body, need nutrients to grow.

If circulation is weak, then these areas will not be getting enough nutrients and they will, therefore, be weak and will not grow properly. Another way that nails can indicate the quality of circulation is by looking at the nail beds themselves. If you press down on them until they turn white and then release, look at how long it takes for them to go pink again. If this seems like it is taking too long, then there could be a prevailing circulatory problem.

When it comes to poor circulation, there are many symptoms which can be sought out simply because bad circulation will affect the entire body. By looking at one’s nails, you will not be able to make a full diagnosis, but it will give you a pretty good idea of the state of one’s blood circulation.

How to Improve Blood Circulation

• Add physical exercise to your daily routine.

• Stress can be one of the affecting causes of poor blood circulation. Practice meditation, mindfulness, and yoga to control your stress levels.

• Massage your body using warm olive oil and some drops of rosemary essential oil. Use it on your extremities such as hands, fingers, feet, and toes. As well as legs and arms.

• Try contrast hydrotherapy (jumping from hot to icy water and viceversa) to improve your blood circulation.

• Posture is a leading factor to blood circulation, either good or bad. Talk to a professional to make sure that you sit, walk, and stand properly.

• Caffeine is also not good for blood circulation as it causes anxiety. Change it for green tea or herbal teas in general.

• Alcohol intake must be reduced to a minimum.

• Smoking is bad either actively or passively, so we advise to quit smoking and to stay away from secondhand smoke.

• Add nuts, black pepper, cayenne pepper, seeds, onion, garlic, and ginger to your diet to boost your metabolism and blood circulation.

• Proper shoes are key to keep your legs and feet healthy and to help with blood circulation.