That time of year that many of us love, winter, has arrived. During this time of the year, you can use the winter clothes you have stored and have not used in a while. It is also a time to enjoy being with the family. And the truth is that the variety of this season makes life exciting and beautiful. And although winter brings many good things, it also brings challenges for many. During the winter months, many find their legs feel heavier or ache due to varicose veins. And from there, this question arises: does cold weather affect varicose veins?
This blog will discuss how cold winter weather affects your varicose veins. But we will also talk about what you can do to counteract these problems and how to prepare for these coming cold months. Let’s start with the issues that cold weather brings to varicose veins.
Cold weather affects your varicose veins
Less physical activity
We have all been there, thinking should I go to the gym, go for a run, or stay at home? And then we try to get going, but the weather is so cold that we end up staying in bed, or we get a nice blanket on the couch and, yes, watch our favorite movie. This summarizes what happens to many of us during winter times, less physical activity.
According to research having a sedentary life is a risk factor for developing varicose veins or worsening symptoms. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the worst things for your varicose veins and one of the leading causes of vein issues.
Air temperature changes
Blood specialists have noticed that blood vessels and muscles tend to constrict during cold temperatures. This natural body response causes blood to return to your heart faster. By doing this, your circulatory system keeps you warm and alive.
This is all great, but it worsens the symptoms of those who struggle with varicose veins. The worsening of the symptoms is because our hearts are pumping blood through our veins harder, thus putting more pressure on our veins.
Weight gain
As a result of the two previous points and the many delicious treats during the wintertime, most of us gain weight. It is hard to resist the holiday desserts and dishes.
Sadly, weight gain will not only affect how tight your clothes will fit, but it will also affect your vein health. Weight gain puts extra stress and pressure on your veins.
Keep your veins healthy during winter
Let’s focus now on three practical things you can do to take care of your veins during winter. And remember that these will benefit your varicose veins, whole body, and health.
Stay active
Ideally, you should continue your exercise routine during the winter months (if you have one, of course). If you find it impossible to continue your exercise routine because of the weather, you are not a hopeless case. The key is to stay as active as you can.
You must exercise to keep your veins healthy. You do not need to run a marathon or a two-hour workout at the gym. Instead, try to do thirty minutes a day of something you can realistically participate in every day.
But what if you can’t do this either? Well, in that case, the solution is to simplify. Take a 10-minute walk around the house or go up and down the stairs, or even put on some music and dance. Remember you must exercise daily, even if you have to break it up into 10-minute intervals.
Stay warm
Dress appropriately for outdoor weather, especially if the temperature is below freezing. Be alert when temperatures drop so that you don’t expose your body to low temperatures over extended periods. And if you are inside a building and notice that the temperature is low, put on some pants or leggings that help you maintain your body temperature.
And what if it’s your house that’s cold? Then find a way to heat it or repair any problem in the heating system. Your veins will thank you for the effort.
Watch what you eat
If these dates are synonymous with eating a lot of food or delicious desserts, you should try to change your habits for your sake. Remember, your body needs you to take care of it all year. And a large part of your health depends on what you eat.
And of course, eating something sweet from time to time is not harmful, but be careful not to overdo it or make it a lifestyle. Especially considering that during the winter months, life is not so active. So, adjust your eating habits and try to eat healthier food. Try to find a healthy balance between how much physical activity you do and what you eat.
By balancing your diet, you will improve your health, including vein health, this winter.
Do not neglect the health of your veins
We already answered the question, does cold weather affect varicose veins? But it is important that you take care of your veins all year round since taking care of them is an essential part of a healthy life. If you keep healthy during the winter and throughout the year, you can maintain a happy life. If you need help because you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, at Veinco, we can help you.
Veinco is a top-rated clinic specializing in Varicose Veins treatments, Spider Veins, and different vascular therapies. Our facilities are in Monterrey, Mexico, where we will provide world-class medical care. Monterrey, Mexico, is one of the top places in the world where you can obtain the best medical tourism care and is a beautiful and safe city to discover.
If you want to know more about how to take care of varicose veins or problems like chronic venous insufficiency, we invite you to visit our website, where you will find more information about the treatments we offer at affordable prices. Get to know all about your veins! Schedule an appointment by phone at (888) 568-3409 or email at hello@veinco.com.mx. and experience the joy and comfort to have beautiful healthy legs!