Nutrition for circulatory disorders | Therapy for circulatory disorders

Nutrition for circulatory disorders

Especially in the modern western world, nutrition is a direct and indirect risk factor for the occurrence of circulatory disorders. The main keyword in this context is the so-called cholesterol or blood lipids. The body needs a certain amount of fats, which should be supplied to the body.

Cholesterol is the basis for many of the body’s own hormones or for vitamin D. Excessive consumption of fatty foods, however, results in the accumulation of too much cholesterol in the blood, where it begins to build up on the walls of the blood vessels. As a result, the diameter of the blood vessels may shrink to a fraction of their original size, or the cholesterol deposits may become loose and cause total blockage of the blood vessel at a narrow point in the course of the meal. In most cases, nutritional therapy means avoiding fatty meals and the increased use of unsaturated fatty acids, such as those found in nuts, avocados or seeds. However, these things should not be eaten in addition, but should be used as a substitute for the otherwise consumed saturated fatty acids. Cholesterol-rich food can be a risk factor for the occurrence of circulatory disorders.

Sport with a circulatory disorder

Sport is said to have a preventive effect, especially with regard to artherosclerosis. It should prevent the development of severe vascular occlusion or constriction. In addition, sport can also play an important role in the treatment of circulatory disorders.

Studies have shown that intensive walking training can double the pain-free walking distance, especially in the case of periarterial occlusive disease (PAVK). The stimulated blood flow caused by sport leads to a kind of reconstruction of the vascular walls. They become increasingly elastic again and lose some of the stiffness caused by atherosclerosis.

With the help of sport, however, the original condition cannot be completely restored. In this respect, sport as a preventive measure has a much greater effect than a treatment option. In addition, sport is usually accompanied by a lower body weight.

This is regarded in medicine as the greatest risk factor for high blood pressure. High blood pressure in turn is considered one of the greatest risk factors for the development of vascular diseases.