Sep 10, 2018

7 Tips for Healthy Veins

Archive.

When you think about keeping your body healthy, do you include vein health as a priority? Vein health is often overlooked, but focusing on keeping your veins healthy can play an important part in making sure the rest of your body stays healthy. Below is a list of simple things you can do every day to support vein health.

1.       Stay Hydrated.

You’ve probably heard about the many benefits of drinking a lot of water, but many people do not realize how important hydration is to vein health. When you drink plenty of water, your blood becomes thinner, and it can travel more easily through your veins. Blood can thicken as a result of dehydration, and this can lead to blood clots and other problems.
If you’ve ever felt bloated or experienced swelling, this was may have been a result of dehydration. If your body is without sufficient water for an extended amount of time, more serious problems can occur. Keep a refillable water bottle with you to drink from throughout your day, and your veins will thank you.

2.       Stay away from sugar.

This is another general health rule that many people don’t realize is important for vein health.  When you eat sugary foods, your body produces low-density lipoprotein.  This can stick to the walls of your blood vessels, causing plaque build-up.  Plaque build-up often leads to clots, which are harmful for your veins, arteries, and heart.  So stay away from processed sugary foods, and incorporate more veggies and fruits in your diet instead.

3.       Go for walks.

A daily walk will help your leg muscles contract around your veins, encouraging blood flow.  Walking a little bit every day can also help with weight loss and heart health.  Walks are also recommended over some other types of exercise such as weight-lifting, which actually puts a strain on veins.

4.       Don’t smoke.

Along with being extremely harmful to your lungs, smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the bloodstream.  These chemicals thicken blood and narrow arteries, causing blood clots.  Talk to your doctor about how to stop smoking so that your vein, lung, and overall health will improve.

5.       Alternate sitting and standing throughout your day.

If possible, alternate standing and sitting at work. If your job requires you to sit all day, look for opportunities to take walks or get up and stretch your muscles during breaks. Conversely, if you find yourself standing for most of your work day, find opportunities to sit and elevate your feet periodically to encourage blood flow.

6.       Wear compression stockings.

Compression stockings work by contracting your muscles around your veins, encouraging blood flow back to your heart. This is especially recommended for pregnant women and people who have to spend long amounts of time sitting or standing.

7.       Ask your doctor.

If you have any concerns or questions about your vein health, talk to your doctor about what options are best for you. The team at Crisp Regional’s Vein Center are here to help you maintain healthy vein health.

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