5 Extremely Effective Tips to Manage Raynaud’s Disease

Written by
Kunal Patel 

Raynaud’s disease is a rare vascular condition which affects the blood vessels. People who suffer from this condition experience what is known as a Raynaud’s attack. The cause of this attack is a vasospasm which means thinning of blood vessels which results in little to no blood flow to the legs, hands, feet, arms and sometimes to the nose and ears.

There are two different types of Raynaud’s. Primary Raynaud is the more common form and is known to be less severe. Its cause isn’t known but the condition is known to be isolated from other health problems. Secondary Raynaud’s is more severe and affects the arteries. It is believed to be caused by an underlying health disease such as certain connective tissue disorders etc.

Symptoms of both the types of this condition are similar. They include changes in skin color ranging from pale white to bluish to red. This may lead to pain, numbness, throbbing, burning and tingling. These symptoms generally occur when exposed to cold temperatures. This condition is known to occur five times more frequently in women than in men.

Here are 5 effective tips to help you manage this condition:

1)  Keep Yourself Warm

Since even a slight drop in the temperature can trigger the spasms, keep yourself warm and do everything you can to avoid a quick change in temperature. Simple measures can help prevent the painful symptoms of Raynaud’s disease. These include warming up your car before driving during colder months, massaging your toes and fingers when cold and carrying extra warm clothing such as copper compression socks and copper compression gloves when going to an air-conditioned place or in colder environments.

2)  Quit Smoking

Research has shown that people who smoke regularly suffer from reduced blood flow to their fingers. Hence, those who suffer from either primary or secondary Raynaud’s syndrome should quit smoking. It might seem difficult but with proper help it is possible. Acupuncture, meditation, guided imagery, reiki, spinal manipulation and relaxation techniques are some of the many options which can help you quit smoking.

3)  Exercise Regularly

Excessive weight is a known catalyst of many health issues. Even low-impact exercises combined with a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and more importantly promote healthy blood flow which is crucial for managing the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease.

There are several interesting variations of low impact exercises which you can include in your routine to combat the symptoms of this condition. Consult your doctor to learn how these exercises can promote and help maintain a healthy blood flow.

4)  Include Anti-inflammatory Foods in Diet

Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome is commonly associated with autoimmune disease symptoms. Hence, reversing or relieving these symptoms can also reduce the frequency and intensity of Raynaud’s attacks. One of the best ways to combat these symptoms is to include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. For instance, berries, green leafy vegetables, bone broth, wild caught salmon, nuts and seeds, high-quality organic meats, vegetable, spices, herbs and foods rich in omega-3 are excellent options.

Also keep in mind that foods made with artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates, alcohol can make autoimmune symptoms worse by triggering an inflammatory response. Hence, it’s best to avoid such foods.

5)  Make Conscious Efforts to Control Stress

Stress has become a part and parcel of our fast-paced lives today. It is common knowledge that stress can trigger many health complications. However, did you know that stress and anxiety can also trigger the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease? A simple solution is to stay away from stressful situations. You also need to make conscious efforts to reduce and control both physical and emotional stress. For instance, you can practice yoga, try meditation, take short breaks and go for walks to reduce the stress on your hands and fingers, join your favorite activity club etc.

Besides preventing exposure to low temperatures, reducing stress levels, and undertaking measures and activities which maintain a healthy blood flow; other common measures that can help you manage the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease effectively and naturally without resorting to medications include avoiding prolonged vibration to fingers, ditching caffeinated drinks, wearing loose clothing in layers and guarding your body against injury.



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