If varicose veins run in your family, you may have a higher chance of developing them, because they are hereditary. While varicose veins are usually not harmful for your heath, they are definitely not pleasing to the eyes. If you believe that you are at a high risk for developing these, you may be able to take steps to prevent them from forming. Here are two ideas that might help you prevent varicose veins in your legs.
Exercise
One of the reasons varicose veins form is from poor circulation, and this is why they are common during pregnancy. Circulation in the body refers to the way blood and oxygen is transported throughout all the body parts. When circulation is poor, the blood and oxygen do not get transported properly, which can result in the formation of varicose veins.
Exercising is one of the best ways to improve the circulation in your body, and avoiding obesity is another. People that are overweight tend to have more problems with poor circulation than people that are within the correct weight limits.
Walking is one of the best types of exercise you can do to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins. Walking builds the calf muscles, and strong calf muscles are necessary for good circulation. Other good exercises for improving your circulation include riding a bike and swimming.
Running is not considered a good form of exercise for preventing varicose veins, because it may place too much stress on the legs. This could actually cause you to develop varicose veins.
Almost any form of exercise for your legs could be helpful to you for keeping your circulation working properly. In addition, exercising will help you control your weight, and it is something that is great for your heart.
Eat The Right Foods
Mayo Clinic suggests that eating a diet that is high in fiber and low in salt may be a good idea if you'd like to prevent varicose veins. Eating fiber can be helpful in reducing pressure and stress on your legs because of its effects on bowel movements. When you eat the right amount of fiber, you may have regular bowel movements easier. This is helpful in reducing stress on the legs. This typically involves eating between 21 to 25 grams of fiber each day.
Eating foods that are high in salt can also put you at a higher risk for developing varicose veins. This happens because salt makes the body retain water. When your body retains too much water, it can disrupt the circulation system, which can then lead to varicose veins. Avoiding salt is a great way to reduce your risks of developing varicose veins.
You may also want to eat the following foods as much as possible, because they are all good for your circulation and health:
- Blueberries – Blueberries are good for you for many reasons, but they are especially helpful in preventing varicose veins, because they can repair damage in the blood vessels.
- Asparagus – This vegetable is also good for you and can help strengthen your veins. This may also help prevent varicose veins from forming.
- Avocados – Another good food to eat is avocados. Avocados are packed with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Because of this, they may help improve the circulation in your veins.
You can talk to your doctor about other things you can do to help reduce your chances of developing varicose veins. If you already have them on your legs, following these tips may help you get rid of them or prevent new ones from forming. If you would like to get rid of the veins you currently have, there are several good procedures that are highly effective for eliminating varicose veins. You can make an appointment with your doctor to find out which option would be best for you.
