John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

Today we look at our general circulation and some of the problems caused when this is not functioning properly.

Blood has many functions including delivering oxygen and nutrients to all cells, transporting waste to lungs and kidneys, transporting hormones, maintaining body temperature, maintaining pH and general fluid volume. It also has protective functions, especially the immune function from white blood cells and other immune system compounds.

There are many causes of circulatory problems but essentially these are either problems with heart function, blood vessel function or problems with the structure and composition of blood. All cardiovascular problems are potentially serious and if you suspect any problem, you should see your doctor.

It is very important to have blood that is able to circulate freely, especially as it passes through the tiniest capillaries to bring oxygen and nutrients to individual cells. Some of these are so fine that the entire wall of the vessel is one cell thick, just enough room for red blood cells to move in single file. If these vessels are unable to supply nutrients then dependent cells start to suffer.

Many compounds in food and supplements have the ability to keep blood nice and thin to allow optimum circulation. These include Omega 3 from fish oil and a number of antioxidants, especially those found in dark berries and in the skin and seeds of red wine grapes. Poor circulation and stroke risk are in our family and I make sure I take 6000mg of fish oil and 400mg of these potent grape flavanols each day. Resveratrol and acai berry extracts also possess powerful anti-clotting qualities.

An example of poor blood circulation is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If we are immobile for long periods this can slow blood flow back to the heart. This is especially true of the deeper veins, which are susceptible to forming clots during long plane flights. I have a specific in- flight nutrient programme to help blood blow and blood vessel function on long plane journeys.

Now our blood is nice and thin and able to circulate to nourish our cells, our next target is the actual structure of our blood vessels. We will discuss this next week but my advice for people with any circulatory problem is to seek help with a personalised cardiovascular nutritional therapy programme. Give me a call if you need help. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John phone (local) 578 9051 or 0800 423 559.