Your vascular system supports everything your body does, so vein health is incredibly important for a long, fulfilling life. Veins, as part of the body’s circulatory system, are responsible for directing blood flow back to the lungs and heart. These vital organs are the source of oxygen and nutrients for your entire body—without them, your cells can die. Distributing these nutrients (via your blood vessels, including veins) is crucial to keeping every part of your body alive and healthy, so make vein treatment a priority.
Lifestyle Choices to Support Vein Health — They’re Simpler than You Think
There are many great habits you should get into if you’re serious about maintaining vascular health. It’s well worth the effort to incorporate these vein health tips into your daily life. Here’s how to keep veins healthy, naturally:
- Keep moving! Choose a type of exercise you enjoy, that gets your blood pumping, and do it daily. Don’t make it complicated. Short, 10-minute spurts are fine—so anyone can work three of these into their day.
- Watch your weight. You need not be obsessive about going up or down a few pounds, but maintain a comfortable, healthy weight for your age, gender and height. If you’re overweight, seek help from your doctor or dietitian. You’ll soon develop healthy habits, one small change at a time.
- Keep diabetes or high blood pressure under control. Take medicine if your doctor recommends it.
- Concentrate on low salt and high fiber. Checking with your physician first, start avoiding salt since retained water adds pressure to your vascular system and makes good circulation more difficult. Fiber helps you feel full, yet avoid constipation. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with whole grain foods.
- Skip the high heels or ill-fitting shoes. Tight or high-heeled shoes pinch soft tissues and veins, interrupting healthy blood flow to and from extremities. You can still look great in comfortable, properly fitted footwear.
- Avoid constricting clothes and tight-banded socks. Tight clothing, which restricts movement and/or free blood flow at the waist, thighs and even the arms, negatively affects your body’s circulation. This can contribute to varicose veins and more.
- Put your feet up. You shouldn’t need an excuse to do this for a few minutes throughout your day—but if you do, say that your Tampa vein doctor recommends it. Logically, this position (and changing positions during your day) helps blood to flow back to your core. This keeps blood from backing up in the legs and helps avoid swollen ankles.
- Alternate standing and sitting. Variety is the key to many good things, including healthy circulation. If you must sit for a long period, just move your feet (flex and extend) to keep blood flowing. Try taking a short walk at regular intervals during the day. It helps to keep stress at bay, too.
- Get annual vein checkups. Also, visit the vein clinic for a few minutes if you notice any symptoms, like leg pain, tingling or visible varicose veins. A short appointment can make a big difference in your quality of life
Get Help with Vein Health in Tampa
Preventing and treating varicose veins and vascular disease is the foundation for a happy, healthy life—and we’re here to help in the greater Tampa area. Make our vein center a part of your vein health routine, and see us annually for a quick vein checkup (or whenever you suspect vein problems). Contact us here at Vein911.com today.
