We all wish there was a shortcut to better health. A magic pill to keep us feeling and looking our best at all times. The bad news is that better health, including healthier veins, requires discipline. The good news is that discipline can still be delicious! Here are some tips to maintain a diet that promotes better circulation and hopefully decreases your odds for varicose veins.
1. Start with water.
Healthy veins start with optimal circulation, and hydration is key to ensuring our blood stays thin and fluid enough to flow smoothly. The CDC no longer recommends a strict number of cups per day, and as long as you listen to your body, drink water when you feel thirsty, and avoid sugary sodas and alcoholic beverages, you’ll be on the right track.
2. Befriend fruits.
Not only are most fruits and vegetables filled with water that will help with hydration, but they’re also packed with salubrious vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Some of our favorites for vein health include watermelon, cucumbers, blueberries and bell peppers.
3. Say yes to spices.
A healthy diet doesn’t have to be vanilla. Many spices, like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and garlic, not only add robust flavor to every dish, but they also provide anti-inflammatories that help improve circulation and prevent phlebitis.
4. Reject processed foods.
Here’s the hard part. Those potato chips, cookies and hot dogs may taste good in the moment, but they also contain sugar, sodium and chemicals which hinder our body’s ability to function at its best, leading to health complications like vascular disease, heart disease, obesity, varicose veins and worse.
5. Don’t forget to treat yourself.
Contrary to popular belief, there is room for dessert in a healthy diet. A little dark chocolate can go a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth and providing your body flavonoids, which in recent studies have shown the potential to improve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
There you have it! It might not be the diet of your dreams, but it’s not all salads and smoothies either. When paired with moderate exercise, the results will speak for themselves. Remember though, these actions cannot undo the appearance of varicose and spider veins that already exist. To address those, you should consult with a vascular physician to learn more about management, prevention and treatment. Dr. McNeill, Dr. Rosenberg and our providers at Capitol Vein and Laser Centers have been removing varicose and spider veins since 2000. If you’re considering taking the next step to healthier legs, please reach out. We’ll be happy to help. 866-695-8346.