Poor blood circulation in the brain: what symptoms should I be aware of?

What you need to know about cerebral blood circulation

The brain is one of the most active organs in the human body.

Although it accounts for only around 2% of body weight, it consumes almost 20% of the oxygen used by the body. And this oxygen is, of course, supplied by the blood (1).

Cerebral blood circulation, or cerebral blood flow, is based on a complex network of arteries and capillaries that irrigate the different areas of the brain.

As well as supplying oxygen, blood circulation enables nerve cells to receive the energy they need to function, in the form of glucose, the brain's main "fuel" (2).

It also eliminates the metabolic waste produced by neuronal activity.

The brain is particularly precise in its functioning, with self-regulating mechanisms capable of locally adapting blood flow according to neuronal activity, to supply more or less oxygen and energy to its cells.

However, several factors can influence this essential physiological mechanism (3):

• stress levels;
• quality of sleep;
• physical activity;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• age.

In this context, certain atypical sensations can sometimes appear: mental fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the head, difficulty concentrating, etc.

These symptoms may raise questions about the brain's oxygenation and nutrient supply, and therefore cerebral blood circulation.

However, they are common and non-specific, and may have many causes other than a blood circulation problem.

Poor blood circulation in the brain: symptoms that may result

A feeling of heavy head or recurring headaches

The sensation of a heavy head is often described as a feeling of pressure inside the skull or on the forehead.

As the brain depends on a continuous supply of oxygen, any variation in cerebral blood flow could theoretically influence the perception of these sensations.

But they can also be linked to a number of other factors (4):

• physical or mental fatigue;
• eye strain, causing tension in the muscles of the eyes, which can be confused with a feeling of a heavy head;
• muscular tension in the neck and shoulders, which has repercussions on the muscles of the head;
• occasional or chronic stress;
• prolonged holding of the same posture.

Headaches are also one of the most common symptoms of poor cerebral perfusion.

In certain forms, notably migraines, the mechanisms involved include complex interactions between the nervous system and the vascular system (5).

Blood vessels in the meninges and around the brain can undergo variations in diameter, influenced by chemical mediators and nervous activity.

These vascular changes can activate certain pain-sensitive nerve fibres, resulting in a more or less intense headache.

However, headaches are multifactorial and can also be linked to stress, fatigue, lack of sleep or cervical muscle tension.

The presence of headaches does not necessarily mean that there is a blood circulation problem in the brain.

Concentration problems and “mental fog”

Difficulty in thinking, an unusually slow rate of thought or concentration problems give rise to a kind of mental fog, which is generally very disturbing.

Cognitive performance depends, in part, on brain oxygenation and the supply of energy to nerve cells (6).

Cerebral blood flow therefore plays an important role in cognitive performance, with active brain areas receiving more blood to support neuronal activity.

But other factors in our daily lives can also disrupt these functions, such as lack of sleep, stress or heavy mental demands.

Unusual mental fatigue

Mental fatigue is a temporary loss of concentration or attention, not necessarily linked to excessive physical activity.

It can appear after a period of intense work, a lack of rest during the day, sleep disorders or prolonged stress.

When energy resources dwindle or recovery from prolonged mental exertion is inadequate, mental fatigue can be more marked.

This phenomenon therefore tends to occur when the supply of oxygen and/or glucose to brain cells is insufficient (7).

Dizziness or mild dizziness

Dizziness and lightheadedness make you feel unsteady and lightheaded, as though you were about to fall or even faint.

The brain plays a central role in maintaining balance by synthesising information from the inner ear, vision and the nervous system.

To carry out these functions properly, it must receive a sufficient and constant supply of blood (8).

However, in the event of severe fatigue, dehydration or a rapid change of position, blood pressure must be adjusted to maintain cerebral perfusion.

When this adjustment is not rapid enough, it can cause a brief sensation of dizziness or light-headedness. In the majority of cases, this phenomenon is temporary.

When should you be concerned about signs of poor cerebral circulation?

Most of the sensations mentioned above are common and can have many causes, most of which are benign. They do not, on their own, indicate a problem with blood circulation in the brain.

However, it is essential to seek medical advice or consult a health professional if a symptom appears suddenly, becomes intense or unusual, or persists for several days.

It is all the more important to consult a doctor if these disorders are accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as speech problems, abnormal physical weakness or weakness affecting only one side of the body, vision problems, continuous loss of balance or unusual confusion.

These signs can indicate potentially serious health problems requiring rapid and specialised medical attention.

This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose a brain disorder or replace medical advice.

Natural approaches to supporting blood circulation in the brain

The proper functioning of the brain depends to a large extent on the health of the cardiovascular system, which is responsible for blood circulation throughout the body.

Certain lifestyle habits that are good for the heart and blood vessels can help to maintain normal blood circulation and oxygenate brain tissue:

• regular physical activity to improve blood circulation;
• Eat a balanced diet containing nutrients that help keep your heart and arteries healthy;
• Maintain sufficient hydration to keep a good volume of fluid in the blood vessels;
• Get enough sleep to allow your body to restore itself properly;
• learn to manage your stress.

What's more, as a complement to a balanced lifestyle, certain nutrients are the subject of scientific research into their effects on vascular or cerebral function.

These substances can be taken in the diet or in the form of food supplements.

For example, ginkgo biloba extracts are being studied for their influence on blood microcirculation. Some studies suggest that they may promote cerebral perfusion by modulating it (9).

Discover the Ginkgo Biloba food supplement, particularly concentrated in active ingredients studied for their effects on mental balance.

Omega-3s, in particular DHA, which contributes to normal brain function, are involved in the structure of neuronal membranes (10).

Discover the Super Omega 3 food supplement, a source of DHA and EPA in a pure, stable form.

Arginine is also a precursor of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a role in vasodilatation and in regulating blood vessel tone. Nitric oxide also has an influence on good brain perfusion (11).

Discover the dietary supplement Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate (AAKG), a more effective form than the L-arginine usually used in dietary supplements.

Finally, resveratrol is a polyphenol studied for its potential role in endothelial function. Some research suggests that it could help maintain vascular health (12).

Find out more about the Resveratrol dietary supplement extracted from two plant species: Vitis vinifera and Polygonum cuspidatum.

Food supplements do not treat poor cerebral circulation and are never a substitute for medical advice. They can, however, help the body to provide overall physiological support.