Vein problems like varicose veins, spider veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are increasingly common as we get older, and many of us begin experiencing the initial symptoms in our early 30s – and sometimes our 20s. Learning how to combat these vein problems in our daily lives is an important part of preventing more serious vein diseases and the symptoms and problems they can cause. Here are five steps you can take today to strengthen your veins and enjoy better overall health to boot.
5 Steps to Healthier Veins
Quit smoking.
Smoking damages your veins as well as your arteries (and lungs), interfering with normal circulation and preventing your organs from receiving nutrients and life-giving oxygen. Plus, smoking causes blood to “thicken,” which means it moves more slowly, increasing the risk of varicose veins, and it can also damage the valves inside your veins. If you smoke, make quitting a priority to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of other major diseases as well.
Get moving.
Being active keeps your blood flowing, helps lower cholesterol and enables you to maintain a healthier weight. Aim for a half hour of walking every day, the amount recommended by the American Heart Association.
Put your feet up.
Elevating your feet relieves some of the stress on the valves in your leg veins, reducing the risks of valve damage and varicose vein formation. When lounging or even sleeping, try elevating your legs above your heart using pillows. At work, a small stepstool can help reduce pressure on your lower legs, and it can also reduce your risk of lower back pain.
Watch what you eat – and drink.
Limit foods high in sodium which can raise your blood pressure and put an added strain on your vein valves and walls. Keep your cholesterol in check by opting for healthy fats and skipping unhealthy trans fats. Focus on increasing fiber intake with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. And finally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and improve the viscosity of your blood.
Have a vein evaluation.
Whether or not you have visible varicose veins or spider veins, having a vein evaluation can identify risk factors as well as very early signs of vein disease, helping you take additional steps to improve your vein health and avoid serious vascular diseases.
Learn how you can enjoy better vein health.
Dr. Charles Dietzek is a top-ranked provider of state-of-the-art vein treatment and same-day vein surgery for patients throughout South Jersey. At his offices in Sewell, Voorhees, Vineland, and Lumberton, Dr. Dietzek offers custom treatment plans optimized for the unique needs of each patient, beginning with a thorough vein health evaluation to identify problems in their earliest stages. To learn more about the vein treatment options Dr. Dietzek offers or to schedule your own vein health evaluation, call the Vein and Vascular Institute of New Jersey at 856-309-8346 or use our online contact form to request an appointment today.