A lot of women are commonly bugged by varicose veins. Those large, twisted and dark-colored blood vessels that usually appear on the legs can definitely keep you from wearing shorts and skirts. In some cases, varicose veins are more than just cosmetic — they may cause leg pain and heaviness, as well as ulcerations around the ankles.
Certainly, preventing varicose veins from striking is a more practical step to take than attempting to make them go away once they are already around. You see, most doctors are conservative when it comes to treating varicose veins. They usually recommend some simple lifestyle changes to help reverse varicose veins, as well as save them from worsening and keep new ones from forming.
In case lifestyle changes fail to work, then certain procedures may be recommended by a doctor to get rid of varicose veins. Some of them include surgery and the use of laser or radiofrequency to fence off blood circulation or have the affected blood vessels removed. These procedures usually do not come with cheap price tags, and they tend to come with certain risks and even limitations. Your best bet? Prevent varicose veins from forming!
Here are some proven-effective tips on keeping varicose veins from marring your legs and ultimately life:
Maintain an Ideal Weight
Overweight or obese women are more susceptible to developing varicose veins do to all the excess pounds that applying pressure on the legs, which is something that prevents normal blood circulation. Keeping your weight ideal can help keep varicose veins from ruining your legs.
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
We all know that a diet that’s high in fiber can help prevent constipation. Did you know that it’s also something that can lower your chances of ending up with varicose veins? That’s because of the blood circulation-enhancing properties of fiber — it helps keep blood from pooling in certain sections of the blood vessels, such as those in the legs.
Reduce Intake of Sodium
The consumption of foods that are high in sodium is bad for the blood pressure. With your blood pressure increased, not only is your heart in peril but also your legs. Limit your intake of sodium to keep high blood pressure in check, as well as ward off heart disease and those unsightly varicose veins.
Quit Smoking
It’s no secret that cigarette smoking is linked to an assortment of health issues. If you want to keep your legs free of varicose veins, turn your back on smoking. This terrible habit can have a negative impact on your blood circulation and blood vessels, thus increasing your varicose vein risk.
Exercise Regularly
Brisk walking and jogging are some of the best exercises especially for a beauty-conscious woman like you. That’s because it helps keep your circulation in tip-top shape, thereby reducing your chances of ending up with varicose veins. Regular exercise also helps improve the appearance of varicose veins that are already there.
Avoid Standing a Lot
Standing for extended periods of time causes undue pressure on your legs, and this can prompt those varicose veins to emerge. If your job entails standing for a long time, try to shift position regularly. Also, it will help if you walk around from time to time just to keep blood in your lower extremities circulating.
Sit Properly
Crossing your legs may look sexy, but it can increase your odds of having those gnarled varicose veins — definitely not attractive! Each time you have the opportunity to sit down, grab it and see to it that you maintain proper posture. If possible, elevate your legs to reduce pressure in your legs.
Ditch Tight-Fitting Garments
Clothes that are too tight around the waist as well as groin area should not be worn if you want to keep your legs free of varicose veins. Those tight-fitting garments can restrict blood flow to the lower extremities. It’s also a wonderful idea to wear on compression stockings to help lower your chances of having varicose veins.
Change Your Pumps
Are you fond of wearing high heels? If you don’t want to end up with those horrible varicose veins in the near future, consider switching to low-heeled pairs of shoes. They are the ones that help reduce unwanted strain on your legs, while at the same time tone your leg muscles to keep blood circulation solid.
