Gallery: What It Means When Your Circulation Is Poor And 4 Things You Can Do About It

Your circulatory system is essential for everything -- from delivering nutrients to your cells to eliminating waste and toxins from your body. When it doesn't function properly, your health will suffer. You might experience open wounds which don't heal, heart attacks, and strokes among other ailments. So, how do you know if you might be suffering from poor circulation?

Curejoy.com lists the symptoms of poor circulation which include: aching legs, pain during exercise, muscle weakness and atrophy, feeling coldness in your extremities, numbness, bluish or purplish tinged skin, brittle nails, hair loss on legs and feet, erectile dysfunction (in men), also confusion and feeling lightheaded. All of these might be indicators of much greater health problems.

Some of the most common causes of poor circulation include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which can occur in the brain, heart, and other parts of the body (peripheral artery disease, or PAD), high blood sugar, blood clots, infections, inflammation of the arteries, and Raynaud's disease.

While medical procedures and medications may be necessary to correct problems with circulation, making some simple lifestyle changes will help ensure lasting results. Here are four things you can do to improve your circulation and enjoy more vibrant health and longevity. As always, see your physician before embarking on any diet, exercise, or lifestyle-changing program.