Raynauds Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a circulatory disorder that results in the hands, and sometimes feet, being hypersensitive to the cold. When the hands are exposed to cold temperatures, the small arteries that supply the toes and fingers suddenly contract and go into spasm. As a result, the fingers and toes are deprived of adequate amounts of oxygenated blood, and become whitish or bluish in color. The symptoms come on quickly, and may also be triggered by emotional stress. Over time, the condition may result in a general shrinkage of the affected area. Ultimately, ulcers may form, damaging the tissues and resulting in chronic infection under and around the fingernails and toenails. In severe cases, gangrene may result from prolonged and persistent contraction of the arteries.

Raynaud's phenomenon is more common in women than in men. It may occur by itself or it may be a complication of another underlying illness. Some of the disorders that can lead to Raynaud's phenomenon include arteriosclerosis and Buerger's disease, a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the extremities that is most common in people who smoke. Certain drugs that affect the blood vessels-such as calcium channel blockers, ergot preparations, and alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers-have been known to produce symptoms similar to those of Raynaud's as a side effect. Recent research has also linked Raynaud's with other conditions involving abnormal constriction of blood vessels, including migraine and Prinzmetal's angina (angina caused by spasms in the coronary arteries). If symptoms occur on their own, and are not related to any other condition, a person is said to have Raynaud's disease.

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
B vitamins	the B vitamin family aids with blood circulation, are needed for good metabolism, and they also helps with stress and emotional related problems.
Essential Fatty acids	they are helpful in improving blood circulation and are required for good heart and cardiovascular health. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil.
Coenzyme Q10	improves circulation, some supplements will include reishi mushroom which helps boost the immune system as well.
Multi-vitamin Mineral supplement	contains B vitamins, vitamin E , calcium, zinc, folic acid, and magnesium, which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of raynaud's and related problems. The nutrients in a supplement also are required for general good health and well being.
Folic acid	helps with metabolism of fat and cholesterol and works with the B vitamins.
Zinc	this mineral works in combination with calcium and magnesium
Calcium	mineral that helps circulation and to protect arteries from stress caused by sudden blood pressure changes. Women are often low in calcium but need other vitamins and minerals also to properly absorb the calcium into their body.
Ginkgo biloba	herb that helps strengthen blood vessels, improve blood flow, and oxygenation.
Myrrh resin	promotes healing and it works well with frankincense and aloe vera
Blessed Thistle	herb used in Europe for almost any problem and used for many inflammation and infection problems. Often used in a blend with myrrh and frankincense.
Magnesium	mineral that works with calcium
Vitamin E	improves circulation acts also as an anticoagulant. It is also a powerful healing agent and strengthens the body's immune system.