5 Ways You Can Prevent Varicose Veins
Avoiding varicose veins may be high on your priority list due to many factors like genetics, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. Characterized by the bulging, bluish-red streaks that line the back of your legs, this condition can cause embarrassment, pain and frustration for many people. There are a few natural ways you can stave off this problem and that will benefit your overall health at the same time. Try these five tips for preventing or reducing the symptoms of varicose veins.
• Avoid Prolonged Standing
Some people have no choice but to be on their feet all day. But standing in one position for long periods of time can put significant amounts of pressure on your legs and feet. This pressure can actually weaken the walls of your blood vessels, which can lead to varicose veins.
If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, shift your position frequently in order to decrease the pressure in your lower extremities. When possible, try taking walking breaks by moving around for at least five minutes, even if it means walking to and from the bathroom.
• Stay Fit
Carrying around too much excess weight can put a strain on your veins and cause circulatory problems. There are several ways you can battle unsightly veins and boost your overall health, such as:
• Walking or jogging: This will boost the circulation in your legs, which can prevent varicose veins from developing.
• Regular exercise: Take a fitness class, go for a bike ride, or engage in any other movement that will break a sweat. This will help reduce blood pressure and strengthen your circulatory system.
• Eat healthy: Avoid foods high in cholesterol and fat. Stick to low fat, nutrient dense foods that can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the odds of developing varicose veins.
Keep in mind that before starting any diet or exercise regimen, it is a good idea to speak with your physician regarding what course of action is right for you.
• Quit Smoking
Even just one cigarette a day will increase your risk for a number of health problems, including varicose veins. Smoking is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, which is a leading cause behind those unsightly veins.
• Rethink Your Wardrobe
If you often wear tight clothing, you may want to consider opting for something a little more comfortable. Comfortable clothing can actually help your circulation, where tight clothing can restrict blood flow and put more pressure on your veins. Additionally, properly fitting shoes are key to reducing the pressure on your legs and feet. Therefore, opt for low-heeled shoes that give you plenty of room in the toe.
• Take a Break
Resting and getting an adequate amount of sleep every night is very important to overall health, including varicose veins. When you can, put your feet up when relaxing. Elevating your legs is a great way to get the blood moving through your body while reducing stress on your lower half.
Not all varicose veins can be prevented. Due to factors like genetics and hormonal changes, some people may be at higher risk to develop them than others. But by trying these tips, you can significantly lower your chances or even reduce the painful symptoms of varicose veins, all while keeping your overall health in check.
Author Bio:
Michelle Day is a writer and web strategist who takes special interest in healthy living and lifestyle. She enjoys cooking and trying new recipes to incorporate healthy food into her everyday diet. Her other hobbies include hiking, drawing and volunteering. In addition, she serves as the lead copywriter for Total Vein Care Louisiana, which specializes in expert vein treatment and management in the Baton Rouge area.
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