The Brain has a higher demand for oxygen than other organs. In fact, the brain uses just about 20% of all available oxygen in the body. The high metabolic demand of the brain is highly dependent on proper circulation for the transport of various nutrients to the brain in order to maintain normal brain function. Therefore, making sure that the brain gets enough oxygen and nutrition via proper blood flow, is essential.

Symptoms of Poor Cerebral Blood Flow

These can vary and may not all appear. Some people may only experience a handful of these depending on the cause of their condition.

• Slurred Speech
• Sudden weakness of limbs
• Difficulty swallowing
• Balance Issues
• Vision issues
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Vomiting & Nausea
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating

Causes

• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Blocked blood vessels
• Ruptured blood vessel
• Hemorrhages
• Blood Clots
• Can lead to strokes, TIAs, aneurysms, etc.

Risk Factors

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Obesity
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking & Alcohol
• Atherosclerosis (or family history of)
• Each of these risk factors are associated with considerable damage to the circulatory system which can result in impaired blood flow.

Remedies

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a well-known medicinal herb with numerous health benefits ranging from the treatment of vertigo, improving memory, reducing the effects of stress, enhancing cognitive function and more.

In clinical research, it has demonstrated the ability to significantly enhance cerebral blood flow, suggesting that this may be one of the mechanisms behind its memory and cognition enhancing benefits (see study).

Cocoa Extract

Cocoa extract is a supplement that is extracted from cacao beans.

It is rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids which provide potent cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties as well as vasodilation – thus supporting circulation.

It has also been linked to improved cholesterol and blood sugar metabolism.

Studies have shown that cocoa extract increase nitric oxide which results in vasodilation and improved circulation. Studies have also shown that among the circulatory benefits of Cocoa extract is enhanced cerebral blood flow (see study).

Fish Oil

Fish oil is known for its rich Omega 3 essential fatty acid content, however, it also contains small amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

This is associated with a wide range of health benefits including triglyceride reduction, anti-inflammatory properties, antidepressant properties, and neuroprotection.

When it comes to neurological health, studies have demonstrated that Fish Oil may be effective in improving cognitive function as well as treating depression, ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

In one study, Fish Oil was found to effectively increase cerebral blood flow (see study).

Exercise

Exercise naturally boosts circulation and improves ones overall health (when done correctly).

In terms of brain health, exercise has demonstrated the ability to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, improve cognitive function, protect the brain against the effects of aging, and promote neurogenesis – the regrowth of brain cells.

In a study involving sedentary older men, exercise resulted in a considerable improvement in cerebral blood flow (see study).

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(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

by Dr. Nishal R.
Copyright © 2021