Circulation (to the brain)
Synopsis
Poor circulation to the brain, or cerebral hypoperfusion, refers to inadequate blood flow supplying oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. This condition may be acute (as in a stroke) or chronic (as in vascular dementia or brain fog), and it affects brain performance, energy, and cognition. The brain requires a constant and steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly, and disruptions can lead to symptoms like dizziness, mental fatigue, memory loss, headaches, and impaired concentration.
Poor cerebral circulation is most commonly caused by vascular narrowing or blockage due to atherosclerosis, blood clots, or chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise can also impair vascular health over time.
Types of Poor Brain Circulation:
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Acute: Sudden, severe loss of flow due to stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
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Chronic: Long-term insufficiency leading to progressive cognitive decline or frequent episodes of dizziness and brain fog.
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Localized: Reduced perfusion in specific brain regions, potentially affecting mood, cognition, or coordination.
Common Causes:
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Atherosclerosis or narrowing of the carotid or vertebral arteries
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Blood clots or embolisms
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Low blood pressure (hypotension)
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Dehydration
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Diabetes and insulin resistance
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Chronic stress (causing vasoconstriction)
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Anemia
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Heart conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation, heart failure)
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Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Severity Factors:
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Risk of stroke or TIA
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Degree of vascular blockage or reduced perfusion
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Chronicity: long-term reduced circulation can cause structural brain changes
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Age and comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, cholesterol imbalance)
When to See a Doctor:
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
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Sudden weakness or numbness in face, arms, or legs
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Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
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Vision changes
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Persistent headaches or confusion
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Signs of cognitive decline or memory loss
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Known cardiovascular risk factors
Natural Remedies
Cardiovascular exercise: Walking, swimming, or aerobic movement promotes cerebral blood flow.
Hydration: Ensures optimal blood volume and oxygen delivery.
Deep breathing and meditation: Reduces vascular resistance and improves oxygenation.
Elevate head during rest: Enhances blood drainage and oxygenation.
Diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants: Supports vessel health and brain function.
Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol: May constrict blood vessels.
Manage blood pressure and glucose levels.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
alpha lipoic acid
anthocyanins
blueberry
astaxanthin
bilberry
black currant
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fish oil
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
spirulina
zinc
turmeric
vitamin E
vitamin C
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Alaska Blueberry
Alpha-GCP
Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
anthocyanin
Anthocyanin
Anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
Ginseng, American
16 carbon alkyl (unspecified)
acetyl l-carnitine
Acetylated Monoglyceride
Aga
algae
Anthraquinone
Antioxidant (unspecified)
Arginine nitrate
Arginine silicate
bacoside
Bacosides
Bacosides (mixed)
beet
bilberry
Bioflavonoids (mixed)
Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil Supplement)
Ginseng, Oriental
Bael
Benzopyran
beta-tocopherol
buckthorn
Butylphthalide
Cacao
Caffeine
caffeine
Capillary Artemisia
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide
Carotenoid
carotenoids
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
cocoa
Coffee
Copper Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Creatine nitrate
Curcuminoid
Cytochrome
Digestion resistant Maltodextrin
Dismutase (unspecified)
Dissolved Oxygen
Dotriacontanol
Dwarf Bilberry
Ephedrine
Fatty Acid (unspecified)
Flavanoid (mixture)
Flavanols
flavanols (various)
Flavonoid (unspecified)
Flavonoids
Flavor
Genseng (not specified)
Ginkgo
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo Falvone Glycoside
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Ginkgo flavones
Ginkgo Flavonglycosides
Ginkgoflavones
Ginkgoheteroside
Ginkgolide A
Ginkgolide B
Ginkgolide C
Ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
Gland (unspecified)
Glyco-amino isolate (unspecified)
Glycoprotein (unspecified)
Hemp Protein
hypothalamus
Idebenone
Idebenone
Inositol nicotinate
l-methionine
Ligusticum
Ligustilide
Ligustrazin
Lumbrokinase
maritime Pine
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Nitrate
Nitrate (unspecified)
Nitric Oxide
organic acid (unspecified)
Organic Greens
Oxygen
Oxygen
Pangamic Acid
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Picamilon
pine bark
Pituitary Gland
Plankton fossil
Potassium aspartate-citrate
Pycnogenol
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Red seaweed (unspecified)
Reishi mushroom
Rice
Rutin
rutin
Sea vegetation (unspecified)
Sodium nitrate
Sodium Nitrate
Softgel/ Soft gel
Terpene Lactone (unspecified)
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
trace minerals
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
Vincamine
Vinpocetine
vinpocetine
Vitamin B
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B3 (various)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate)
Vitamin E (tocopherol ascorbyl palmitate)
water
Xanthophyll
Xantinol Nicotinate
Zeolite