How Exercise and Lifestyle can Affect Your Veins

By Ron E Lev MD – Follow me on +
Varicose veins are a potentially painful condition characterized by the appearance of bulging, twisting blue and purple veins on the surface of the skin. The good news is there are some simple lifestyle choices you can make to lower your risk of developing varicose veins. These same healthy habits may minimize painful symptoms of varicose veins once they develop as well.

Varicose Veins and Exercise

Exercise like daily walking is an effective way to minimize the symptoms of varicose veins by encouraging healthy blood flow throughout the body. Walking also strengthens calf muscles which may help pump blood more vigorously from the lower legs back up to the heart. If you have already been diagnosed with venous insufficiency or another type of venous disease, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best level and type of exercise for you.

The Importance of a Healthy Weight

Another factor in the formation of varicose veins is your weight. Excess weight puts undue strain on your cardiovascular system, and makes it that much harder for your vessels to pump blood from the lower legs to the heart. When extra weight is lost, that pressure is significantly reduced.

A healthy diet can also promote health circulation, as well as optimal weight. Diets low in sodium and rich in fiber can reduce swelling in the lower extremities, which may minimize the discomfort of venous disease. At the same time, this diet may reduce water retention and constipation, which may also reduce pressure on the blood vessels of the lower body.

Kick the Smoking Habit for Healthy Veins

Smoking is not a healthy habit for any number of reasons, not the least of which is the strain it places on the cardiovascular system. As blood vessels have to work harder to pump blood, they can become stretched and damaged. This can lead to pooling of the blood in the lower legs, and the formation of varicose veins. Kick the nicotine habit and the efficiency of your cardiovascular system improves to reduce your risk of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

While lifestyle habits can go far in reducing your risk and symptoms of varicose veins and overall vein health, you may still require medical treatment for veins that have already developed. Contact Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments in Manhattan for more information on preventing varicose veins, as well as your current treatment options, today.

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