Articles ¬ The Source ¬ Raynaud's Syndrome

The fall and winter chill are very near and for those of you with Raynaud's Syndrome you may be dreading this change in weather even more than most of us. Raynaud's Syndrome is a condition that affects the circulatory system, resulting in decreased blood supply to the hands and feet. The decreased supply of blood is due to a hypersensitive reaction to the cold and can occur very quickly. When it does occur, the hands and feet turn white or blue in color, from the severe decrease of oxygen.

Raynaud's syndrome can be caused by certain health conditions such as high cholesterol. Smoking at the very least will tend to make Raynaud's syndrome worse, if not even cause it in the first place. It's important if possible, to avoid the use of migraine medication and the birth control pill, as they can worsen the symptoms.

Learning a variety of methods to help you cope with stress and having a regular exercise routine are important to decrease the symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome as these activities help to increase blood flow.

Vitamin E can be used to help increase the circulation to the hands and feet. Supplementation should be 400-600 IU's daily, and should contain the mineral Selenium (but not over 200 mcg daily) for maximum effectiveness.

Niacin is also useful for increasing circulation to the hands and feet. It's best to use Niacin as niacinamide (to avoid the uncomfortable flush nicotinic acid can give) using 100 mg daily. The B vitamins are meant to be used together so if using niacin you should also use 50 mg of a Vitamin B Complex daily.

Evening primrose oil, which is an essential fatty acid, can also improve blood flow to the hands and feet. Dosage should be 3000 mg daily for the first month of use and then 2000 mg daily after that. It is best to use evening primrose oil with food.

Rosemary, ginger and cayenne pepper can help to improve blood circulation simply by increasing the amount that you have in your diet, but supplements are available for each of these.

The herb Gingko Biloba encourages the dilation of the blood vessels, as well as improving circulation to peripheral areas of the body like the hands and feet. It would be best to look for Gingko containing 24% Gingkolides, 60 mg per pill and using two pills daily.

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