17 Ways to Build Better Blood

Your blood feeds every cell, tissue, gland, organ, and organ system in your body. Without strong, oxygen-rich blood these systems can become compromised. Here are 17 ways to build stronger, richer, healthier blood:

Get moving. The best way to build oxygen-rich blood is to exercise. Not only does exercise help your heart pump blood, it brings fresh oxygen.

Breathe deeply. Breathing deeply brings more oxygen to your lungs which then moves directly across into your blood.

Eat more legumes. Rich in fiber and nutrients, beans and legumes help eliminate harmful cholesterol (LDL) and lower triglycerides.

Get adequate iron. Iron forms the center of the hemoglobin molecule making it essential for strong blood.  Many pre-menopausal women are deficient in iron and may need supplementation. Because excess iron can be dangerous, get your levels tested prior to supplementation. Some foods that are good sources of iron include:  lentils, kidney beans, prunes, green vegetables, beef and bison. Avoid excess consumption of the latter two since they can be inflammatory.

Take a B-vitamin supplement. The B-vitamins B-6, B-12, and folate are essential to lower the amount of homocysteine in your blood. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to arterial clogging and heart disease, making it critical to control.

Eat your greens. Chlorophyll is the plant nutrient that gives vegetables their green color. It is very similar to the hemoglobin molecule. Boosting your intake of greens combined with adequate iron helps boost your blood.

Spice things up. Cayenne helps speed blood purification by stimulating cardiovascular activity and lowering blood pressure. Add it to your meals for flavor and a stronger cardiovascular system.

Drink aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice has been used for many years by herbalists as a natural blood booster. It cleanses arteries and is anti-inflammatory. It is also rich in amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals—all of which help build strong blood.

Drink lots of water. Blood is largely made up of water and needs water to help it replenish.

Quit smoking. This seems fairly obvious since smoking pollutes blood but if you haven’t quit yet, there’s no time like the present.