The veins and arteries are the super highways of the circulatory system. The arteries carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the tissues and organs, and the veins return the blood back to the heart. Healthy, free-flowing veins are vital to circulatory health, and can help you avoid conditions such as:
- Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)
- Blood clots or any obstruction to blood flow in the veins
- Varicose veins and spider veins
Live a healthy-vein life
By adopting a vein-healthy routine, you can improve circulation and muscle tone, which can lower your risk of developing vein disease and varicose veins. Here are few things you can do to help improve vein health:
- Elevate the legs – When possible, raise your feet higher than your heart to reduce blood pooling and pressure in your legs.
- Exercise daily – Moderate walking, climbing stairs, cycling and swimming engages your calf muscles. This reduces pooling and pressure in the veins and can prevent or slow the progression of varicose veins.
- Be a savvy traveler – During long car or plane trips, activate your calf muscles by flexing your ankles periodically to pump the blood through your legs. On the road, be sure to stop for short walks every few hours.
- Stay cool – Try to avoid hot tubs and hot baths. Heat tends to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.
- Avoid smoking – Nicotine from smoking and carbon monoxide from second-hand smoke damages an important layer of cells inside the veins, allowing fats and plaque to stick to vein walls and impede blood flow.
- Use sunscreen – Apply it to the areas you have varicose veins. This helps prevent exposure to ultraviolet rays, which have been linked to the exacerbation of vein disease.
- Lose excess weight – Excess weight can put pressure on your lower body; increasing the risk of developing varicose veins, or making existing ones worse. Losing weight can help improve your circulation and relieve vein pressure.
- Eat your veggies – Studies show that foods high in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, can help protect the arteries and veins by improving circulation and reducing constipation.
Vitamins for vein health
The vitamins below have been shown to be beneficial to vein health:
- Vitamin C – 500 milligrams per day can help build collagen and elastin, which also support healthy skin and blood vessels.
- Vitamin E – Essential for blood vessel health, vitamin E helps prevent certain proteins from forming clots in the veins.
- Vitamin B3 – Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 contributes to balancing cholesterol levels within the veins, which ultimately helps blood move smoothly.
Trusted vein care in Baton Rouge
Healthy veins help you look and feel good. If you’re concerned about varicose veins and spider veins, or are feeling the discomfort they can cause, Total Vein Care is ready to help. And we’re right here in Baton Rouge.
Our board-certified physicians have a combined 30 years of experience in diagnosing and treating varicose veins, spider veins and vein disease. And with an on-site, accredited vascular diagnostics lab and state-of-the-art and treatments that can be performed in-office, advanced vein care is more convenient than ever.
To learn about high quality vein care that can restore your confidence and improve your quality of life, call us today at (225) 442-9663 or click here to use our online form.