Health Conditions

Raynaud's disease and Raynaud’s phenomenon are functional disorders affecting circulation that cause discoloration of the fingers, toes, and occasionally other extremities. The cause of the phenomenon is believed to be the result of vasospasms (blood vessel spasms) that decrease blood supply to the respective regions. Emotional stress and cold are classical triggers of the phenomenon, and the discoloration follows a characteristic pattern in time: white, blue and red. Raynaud’s phenomenon is associated with other disease states such as scleroderma and system lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Peripheral vascular disease is the medical name given to a group of problems that causes poor circulation to the feet and legs. The most common cause of this is artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in which there is a gradual thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries (the blood vessels that take blood to the rest of your body from the heart). Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral vascular disease.

Signs and symptoms - the symptoms that each individual experiences can depend on which artery is affected and how much the blood flow is reduced.
Intermittent claudication - sporadic cramping in the calf muscles which comes on after walking and is relieved by rest.

Numbness or tingling in the feet, or toes 
The skin colour of fingers and toes changes colour, and can become pale, blueish or red. 
Fingers and/or feet become cold
Skin infections and sores are slow to heal

Causes

• Smoking
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Excessive sugar consumption
• Physical inactivity
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary disease
• Arterial disease and Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes

Naturopathic recommendations

• Fish Oil or Flax Seed Oil and Evening Primrose Oil
• Vitamin E – helps the blood flow more freely
• Vitamins B3 and B6 – always take a B-complex as well as taking therapeutic doses f any of the B vitamins.
• L-carnitine – helps improve blood supply

Herbal medicine

Res-V™ Plus – resveratrol has a smooth muscle relaxing effect on vascular vessels through the metric oxide pathway and inhibits platelet aggregation therefore increasing circulation.

Turmeric – inhibits platelet aggregation (although is much weaker than aspirin) is atherosclerotic protective and lowers cholesterol, and due to its antioxidant nature increases wound healing by reducing hydrogen peroxide damage and stimulates circulation.

Green Tea – inhibits platelet aggregation, acts as an anti-inflammatory herb and relaxes vascular smooth muscle and reduces cholesterol, triglyceride and leptin levels (Fassia et al 2000, Sayama et al 2000).

Pine Bark – pine inhibits muscle fatigue. Studies show that pine bark improves blood flow indicating better endothelial function, reduces blood thickness and reduces lower levels of inflammation in the body. It also reduces high blood pressure (Shand et al)

Red Grape Skin – has certain cofactors besides resveratrol which may benefit blood flow. Studies show drinking grape juice reduces LDL oxidation and ultrasound images show changes in the artery walls, indicating that blood flows more freely. 

Cayenne – assists peripheral circulation – avoid using if you have hypertension, peptic ulceration or digestive tract ulceration.

Ginger – assists with poor peripheral circulation and cold extremeties. Take as a tincture from a herbalist of naturopath, in supplement form or make a tea form the fresh root two times daily. Add honey and /or lemon juice for flavour.

Garlic – assists blood flow by decreasing viscosity. Use fresh cloves for best results. Cooking will dilute the active constituents. Use raw garlic with caution if you have a sensitive digestive system.

Rosemary – a circulatory stimulant that assists with peripheral circulation. Donot use if you have hypertension

Yarrow – a circulatory tonic that will help balance blood flow.

Lifestyle recommendations

• If you smoke, quit.
• Don’t drink excessive amounts of caffeine
• Don’t eat too much sugar as this can impact on your insulin output, which in turn has an effect on circulation.

How does Res-V® Plus work?