Vein Disease Prevention

Vein Disease Prevention

Vein disease prevention requires some changes in your diet and everyday routine, but you’ll thank yourself for the added effort. While there are some factors you can’t control like heredity, gender, age, etc., there are plenty you can. Here are some preventative measures to take to avoid vein disease.

Eat right

Your diet plays a big role in your health, and your vein health is no exception. To stimulate blood flow, eat foods high in vitamins C (citrus fruits and leafy greens) and E (nuts and avocado). Fiber-rich foods also assist in preventing venous insufficiency because they alleviate constipation and promote healthy digestion. And healthy digestion means healthy veins, so making sure your diet is full of fiber will help keep varicose veins at bay. In general, following a low-salt, high-fiber diet will help prevent water retention, thus eliminating added stress on your veins. Finally, bioflavonoids like strawberries, garlic and teas naturally assist in strengthening vessel walls, thus reducing the risks of varicose veins.

Get active

Movement is a vein’s best friend. Walking can seriously help your veins detox because movement stimulates blood flow. Stretching will also assist in better circulation. So much as pointing and flexing your feet throughout the day will help promote healthy veins. Also consider engaging in low-impact activities like cycling, swimming or low intensity yoga. All of these will result in muscle contractions that push blood up from your legs, traveling in the right direction. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day goes a long way.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is important to your health, and you’d be surprised how impactful an adequate daily dose of water can be. Similar to eating fiber-rich foods, drinking enough water promotes healthy digestion, which assists in proper vein function. Water consumption softens stools, which alleviates strain on leg veins. Be sure to follow the recommended adequate water intake, which is 13 cups of water per day for men and nine cups per day for women.

Avoid alcohol & tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco both affect blood circulation in negative ways. Alcohol consumption increases heart rate and blood flow, so veins need to work harder to compensate for excess blood flow. To sum up, alcohol does not mix will with your veins. Meanwhile, cigarette smoke narrows and restricts the blood vessels, thus weakening blood flow. The use of alcohol and tobacco is a double threat when it comes to vein disease. Be sure to avoid these risky habits to maintain healthy veins.

Dress appropriately

Loose-fitting clothes and supportive shoes are your best bet when it comes to avoiding vein disease. Tight clothing can cut off blood circulation, sending blood back into leg veins. This is a catalyst for varicose veins, so avoid wearing clothes like this at all costs. High heels are another enemy to veins as they put extra pressure on the circulatory system. On the other hand, compression stockings assist the veins in transporting blood from the legs back to the heart. These are of the best tools for vein disease prevention.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight complicates your health in many ways, particularly when it comes to your veins. Excess weight puts extra pressure on your legs, thus heightening your risk of vein disease. Obesity negatively impacts the circulatory system by straining veins in the thighs, which then struggle to deliver blood to the pelvic area. This restricts blood flow from leg veins to the main body cavity. In essence, overweight people risk valve failure due to the added pressure on the veins in their legs.

Learn more about vein disease prevention

To learn more about preventative measures regarding vein disease, consult a medical professional. The doctors at West Florida Vein Center will advise, diagnose and treat any vein-related problems you may have. Contact West Florida Vein Center by clicking here or calling 727-712-3233.