How Does Digestion Affect Your Vascular Health and Varicose Veins?
When it comes to varicose veins, we have already discussed the different factors that can cause them to come up with their respective solutions, always emphasizing that the best option is prevention through an examination of your vascular health from our world-class vein specialists.
Regarding the topic at hand, about other conditions that cause varicose veins as a side effect, we come to the problems of digestion and the relevance they have on the health of your veins.
In this article, our vein specialists share some information you should know about gastrointestinal health. We will particularly talk about constipation, its characteristics, why it dilates the veins in the legs, and the best recommendations to solve or prevent this condition. Remember that good digestion will always be synonymous with good overall health.
Constipation is a gastrointestinal complication produced by the decrease in the effectiveness of evacuation processes, thus increasing the pressure of the veins, especially those of the rectum. Consequently, this digestive condition has the same effects on the veins of the lower body, which includes your legs. If it becomes a chronic condition, its results may be quite evident.
This condition is also known as constipation and can occur at any time and to many people of any age. We now know that constipation is part of the factors that cause varicose veins in the legs, and therefore, it is important to consider a few things that can help you avoid poor digestion.
Tips for maintaining a healthy digestion
Keeping a regular intestinal activity is an immense help, and today we wish to share some solutions that you can consider for the benefit of your digestion and, as a result, the health of your legs.
Eating foods high in fiber
Fiber has the primary benefit of facilitating intestinal movement and healthy digestion. Bowel movements are more consistent, and you can process your food better.
Drink plenty of water
For the fiber diet to be effective, we must support it by consuming at least 2 liters (8 oz. cups) daily water. In addition to keeping you well hydrated, it helps you activate blood flow, causing improvements in your digestion. It also helps get rid of toxins that affect your body. Multi-benefits!
Exercise regularly
Physical activity favors intestinal regularization and thus good digestion. Doing 15 to 30 minutes of exercise a day can bring you digestive and cardiovascular benefits, as well as help you maintain a better physical condition and activate your metabolism.
On the other hand, if you are developing spider veins or experiencing varicose vein symptoms, you can follow the following practical recommendations.
Warm Baths to Improve Your Vascular Health
Vascular care will always be essential when caring for your health. Knowing any details and recommendations in that regard that can be implemented is the best way to keep the legs and their circulation in good condition.
An amazingly effective way to care for the venous health of our legs (and even other areas of our body) daily is warm or therapeutic baths. These types of baths that apply only to our legs and feet can be complemented with oils and essences to help relax the tension and help to have a better blood flow.
Here are some tips that you can follow to provide good care to the health of your legs and prevent spider veins and varicose veins symptoms, and at the same time, relax before or after doing all your daily activities.
- Warm compress with a little vinegar.
Wetting a cloth with warm water and a little vinegar to gently massage the area of the legs where you see spider veins forming or to prevent pain from varicose veins is an excellent option. It is preferable to do it in the evenings after you have finished your everyday activities.
- Baths
These baths can also be in a tub with salt and apple cider vinegar, only on your legs and feet. You can do them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning and add a couple of drops of oils such as cypress, geranium, lavender, or chamomile.
During these tub baths for legs and feet, you can also steep in eucalyptus leaves, walnut, and/or nettle. These leaves are excellent for relaxing the body.
Including special salts during these baths for legs and feet is also an excellent option. It is best to alternate this type of bath. In other words, alternate between cold and hot water. The recommended salts should be those from minerals made from rosemary, eucalyptus, and lemon.
Remember that the best way to complement the care your legs need is to attend a consultation where vein specialists can recommend the best treatment for varicose veins.
If You Stay at Home, Stay Active!
The current COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to face many challenges and modify our routines, both in our personal lives and at work.
Many companies have decided to send their employees to work from home, and although for some it is a dream come true, the truth is that this quarantine can affect your vascular health if the necessary measures are not taken.
It is quite common to fall into a sedentary lifestyle while being in a home office setting. Unfortunately, one of the risk factors for developing chronic venous insufficiency or pain from varicose veins is sitting for a long time.
Of course, other factors are involved in this condition, such as genetics, pregnancy, overweight, or age.
But anything we can do to reduce such risks will be beneficial. For that matter, below, we will share 3 simple exercises that you can do at home to improve your circulation.
- Imaginary bicycle
It is an exercise that simulates pedaling a bike in the air. Try to pedal for about 30 times and repeat as many times as you want, and of course, take a break between each set.
- Open and close
Lift and spread your legs. When they are raised, separate them from top to bottom by joining the tips of the feet. Do 20 reps and be patient because, at first, it won’t be easy.
- Up and down
This exercise consists of doing heel-to-toe push-ups. It is advisable to do it while sitting down. First, support your heels on the floor and raise your toes. Then, lower your toes and raise your heels. Repeat about 20 or 30 times.
Remember that monitoring your health should be a daily priority, and at our Vascular Therapy Clinic, we want to take care of your venous health. Take care of your diet and digestion; consult with a vein specialist for varicose vein treatment or cosmetic treatment since it will always be the best care you can give to your veins, legs, and whole body. Schedule your consultation today! We are waiting for you!
In our blog, you will find more excellent tips and practical information to enjoy fantastic vascular health.
