The circulatory system is a network of parts in our bodies that includes the veins, arteries, and the lymphatic system. Its main functions are to circulate blood and transport nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, red blood cells, white blood cells and hormones to and from cells throughout the entire body.  Additionally, the circulatory system transports other important molecules that help in the body’s healing process and removes toxins out of the body. This system plays an important role in nourishing the body and fighting disease. It is constituted of cells that together make a cylinder shape that become our arteries and veins. This long cylinder is 60,000 miles in length! At that length it is able to reach all of the 60 trillion cells in our bodies. Due to the fact that most cells are immobile, this requires a very complex and precise delivery system in order to bring food to our cells. This is done through blood vessels which range in size from 3 millimeters to microscopic branches of 2 micrometers.
In addition to this highway of arteries is an important organ that connects to the circulatory system- the heart. Its role is to continuously pump blood through the arteries, carrying about 6 liters of blood along this highway to the lungs, liver, kidney, brain and every tissue throughout the body. The blood circulates throughout the body three times every minute. In one day the blood travels 12,000 miles (19,000 km) in total. The heart beats about 35 million times a year, meaning that throughout an average lifetime it will beat more than 2.5 billion times, working perfectly through our 80’s and 90’s if we are not under chronic stress and getting the proper nutrition.
Capillaries are the shortest, narrowest, and thinnest blood vessels our bodies have. They connect to complete the circuit with arterioles and venules. Capillaries consist only of endothelium (thin layers of cells that line the interior of blood vessels) with some connective tissue binding the cells. Red blood cells squeeze through capillaries in a single file. Unlike our arteries and veins, our capillaries don’t have specific names, but rather are named collectively for the regions they supply. For example, capillaries in the lungs are called pulmonary capillaries and gastric capillaries are those found in the stomach.
The amount of blood vessels in an area of our body can change depending on oxygen demand. Since blood vessels bring oxygen-rich blood to cells, areas with an increased oxygen demand develop more blood vessels, especially capillaries. New blood vessel growth is known as angiogenesis. For example, new capillaries permeate the muscles of a conditioned athlete to make sure that increased cell muscle from exercise are supplied with nutrients. Â These networks also grow as cells are being repaired to make sure these cells receive the proper nutrients and stay alive. Cancerous tumors also grow new capillaries networks.
As we can see these are not just tubes for transportation of vital material, but they have many functions and communicate with our neurons, hormones, and immune cells to help activate mechanisms that keep our bodies healthy. It also contributes in maintaining Ph levels by communicating with other detox organs like the kidney, liver, skin, and lungs by helping remove  toxins to avoid potential damage due to change in acidity levels in the blood that could be lethal. The circulatory system is a vital system for keeping our bodies healthy.  Any problem or damage to this system will affect the entire body.
Damage to the arteries and veins can occur by built up plaque around the arteries and gauge block in veins. Plaque formation happens when too much cholesterol travel in the blood and attaches with fat to the artery walls. This makes the artery walls to become more and more narrow, reducing blood flow. Some tissues then are not able to receive nutrients and oxygen. The brain, upon receiving the status of this problem, sends signals to the heart to pump faster, creating high blood pressure in an attempt to get nutrients and oxygen to those distant tissues. Hormonal intervention also occurs as adrenaline and other chemicals get involved.
Poor circulation most commonly affects the legs and arms, but can also occur in the head, kidney, stomach, and other organs. Poor circulation usually stems from other health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. Damage to the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system can also lead to poor circulation. Blood clots and varicose veins are common culprits that damage important tissues in the circulatory system.
Our bodies are truly amazing however; problems with our circulatory system can be reversed and repaired. Just like other illnesses though, it requires a lifestyle change. Because of the link between poor circulation and obesity, being overweight, and diabetes, one of the most important changes is in our nutrition. Limiting or eliminating unhealthy fats, unhealthy cholesterol and refined sugar helps. Exercising- even if its light- will also help. Due to the effects stress plays in tissue damage, reducing and properly managing stress is critical as well.
Phytotherapi provides solutions that support the body in its natural reparation process. As the body repairs and heals itself, circulation normalizes and improves. These solutions promote the body’s ability to restore balance in valves and veins which can reduce discomfort and increase oxygenation in the tissues. They also help reduce inflammation and stress along with helping provide the body with essential minerals our cells needs to repair, regenerate, and heal damage; cellular signaling is also supported, allowing cells to correctly use nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants for tissue repair. If weight management is a concern, we also have a weight loss solution to promote healthy and natural weight loss which can accelerate the healing process tied with circulation problems.