5 Simple Lifestyle Changes That Help Prevent Varicose Veins
Whether you’re worried about developing varicose veins in the future or trying to deal with the ones you have currently, don’t feel like there isn’t hope for improvement. It might surprise you to learn that preventing varicose veins doesn’t take a ton of concerted effort. We’ll show you a few simple lifestyle changes that help prevent varicose veins to give you the edge in the fight against them.
Move Your Legs Throughout the Workday
Many of us work pretty sedentary jobs these days. Plenty of us are now stuck sitting at desks or even in our home offices. Try not to stay in the same sitting or standing position for too long while you’re working. You want to keep the blood in your legs circulating, not pooling which can cause or worsen varicose veins. Simple stretching and bending your legs a few times throughout the day can keep your blood from pooling.
Wear Compression Stockings
If you feel that your blood is prone to pooling in your legs and you are often sedentary, compression garments like stockings can be a life changer. Compression stockings place pressure on certain places in your legs that encourage blood to flow unimpeded. While moving your legs is still essential, these compression garments can continue to help even when you are sitting or standing still.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Your salt, or more specifically sodium, intake should be on your radar if you’re worried about varicose veins. A diet heavy on sodium means that your body may retain much more water, contributing to issues like varicose veins. This extra fluid you’re holding can also pool in your legs, which is painful whether or not you already have varicose veins.
Avoid Overly Tight Clothing
While compression garments are carefully designed for blood flow, tight-fitting clothes are definitely not. Any clothing that may restrict your blood flow from your legs to your heart could contribute to varicose veins. Body-shaping garments such as girdles or very tight jeans can reduce blood flow and exacerbate issues caused by varicose veins.
Focus on Aerobic Exercise
Adding more aerobic exercise to your day is one simple lifestyle change to prevent varicose veins. Aerobic activities such as walking, running, and cycling help strengthen your heart and improve your body’s blood flow, helping to prevent varicose veins from developing. In contrast, anaerobic exercises, such as weightlifting, could strain your veins and worsen the problem.
If you’re searching for a varicose vein clinic that can help, you’re already in the right place. The Vein Company can assist you with preventing and treating varicose veins if you’re looking for the best support possible.
