Life can throw us curveballs and it can be through those events we see spikes in our blood pressure. In this episode, Jen shares her story by identifying her triggers for her blood pressure spike and what preventative measures she takes to look after herself.
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SHOWNOTES
The microcirculation serves as the ultimate destination within the cardiovascular system.
Microcirculation encompasses the flow of blood within the tiniest blood vessels, which include capillaries, arterioles, and venules.
A significant proportion, nearly 70 percent, of the entire blood volume is contained within the veins at any given moment.
The cardiovascular system’s role involves supplying cells with oxygen and nutrients while eliminating waste products; in achieving this, microcirculation plays a pivotal role.
Delivery of Oxygen and Nutrients: Microcirculation facilitates the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between the bloodstream and neighbouring tissues.
Waste Disposal: Microcirculation aids in the elimination of cellular waste, including metabolic byproducts and carbon dioxide.
Capillaries gather waste materials from nearby tissues and transport them to larger blood vessels for eventual removal by organs like the kidneys, lungs, and other waste-processing organs.
Vitality and Repair of Tissues: Maintaining adequate microcirculation is crucial for the well-being and mending of tissues.
Efficient blood flow ensures the necessary oxygen and nutrients are supplied to support tissue growth, repair damaged areas, and promote the healing process.
Insufficient microcirculation can impede tissue repair and elevate the chances of complications.
Control of Blood Pressure: Within the microcirculation, arterioles play a vital role in regulating blood pressure.
By constricting or dilating, arterioles can modulate resistance in blood vessels, thereby influencing blood pressure levels.
Appropriate microcirculation contributes to stable blood pressure and the smooth flow of blood throughout the body.
This is why I prioritize this aspect of health.
Issues pertaining to microcirculation, such as impaired blood flow or the narrowing of blood vessels, can give rise to various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and impaired wound healing.
In essence, nitric oxide assumes numerous critical roles in the body, encompassing the reduction of blood pressure, enhancement of blood circulation, and augmentation of exercise performance.
Vegetables rich in nitrates include:
- Celery
- Cress
- Chervil
- Lettuce
- Beetroot
- Spinach
- Arugula/rocket
- Garlic
Consuming these foods leads to the conversion of nitrates into nitric oxide, fostering heart health and exercise performance.
Certain individuals avoid these foods out of concern that they might be detrimental and contribute to cancer.
This apprehension likely stems from the utilization of sodium nitrates as a preservative and colour fixative in processed meats, which has been associated with a heightened risk of colorectal cancer.
Nonetheless, vegetables, which account for over 80% of nitrate intake, provide antioxidants like vitamin C, countering the formation of N-nitroso compounds, the harmful agents.
Nitrates originating from vegetables are innocuous, whereas those in processed meats can be deleterious.
On a personal note, I incorporate a daily shot of nitrates before surfing to nurture my microcirculation.
This shot contains extracts from nitrate-rich vegetables such as beetroot and celery, along with polyphenol-rich fruit extracts like grape and bilberry.
HEALTHY LIFE HACKS
The Healthy Life Hacks I want to share with you today are:
- Bring more of these foods into your daily life.
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