4 Tips for Keeping Healthy Veins in the Summer Heat
Summer is a great time of year. The weather heats up, the days are longer, and the possibilities seem endless. Despite all the benefits the summer months bring, there are some drawbacks as well, especially in terms of vein health. The heat of the summer can take a toll on our veins, causing them to swell and become more visible. This can be unsightly and also lead to aggravated varicose vein symptoms. Here is how the heat can affect your veins and four tips for keeping your veins healthy this summer.
How heat affects veins
When it comes to our vein health, heat is one of the biggest enemies. Veins are responsible for carrying blood from different parts of the body back to the heart, and when they're exposed to heat, their function can be compromised. This can lead to a number of problems, including varicose veins, blood clots and even heart attacks.
There are a few ways that heat can affect veins. The most common is through thermal radiation. When we're exposed to heat, the radiation can cause our veins to dilate and become wider. This makes them less effective at carrying blood and can lead to problems.
Heat can also affect veins indirectly by causing dehydration. When we sweat, we lose water and this can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can make it difficult for veins to carry blood properly and can lead to problems like varicose veins.
So, how can you protect your veins from the effects of heat?
Tips for keeping your veins healthy during Summer
1. Drink plenty of fluids
One of the best ways to keep your veins healthy is to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. When you’re hot, your body expels heat through your skin, and one of the ways it does this is by increasing blood flow to the surface of your skin. This increased blood flow can put stress on your veins, which can lead to problems like varicose veins.
2. Exercise regularly and eat well
Vein health is an important aspect of overall health, and there are a few things you can do to help keep your veins in good condition. One of the most important things is to exercise regularly. Exercise helps improve circulation and keeps your veins in tip-top shape. When exercising, it is always important to remember to stop or take breaks whenever you feel tired or ill. This can be exacerbated in the heat, so don't push yourself too hard when working out in the Summer. If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, get out of the heat immediately and seek medical attention. You should also hydrate more than you normally would since your body loses its moisture faster on hot days.
Eating well is also important, as it helps maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation. There are many beneficial foods out there that are great for maintaining your veins such as those that include Vitamins C and E, which act as anti-inflammatories and those high in rutin which can strengthen arteries. Foods that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure are also good for your veins.
3. Wear sun protection
When veins are exposed to heat, they can become enlarged and stretched, making them more susceptible to vein disease. Sunscreen can help protect veins by blocking heat from penetrating the skin. Additionally, sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, which can aggravate vein disease. Here are a few tips for wearing sun protection:
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Make sure it is labeled “broad spectrum”
Apply sunscreen generously, and be sure to cover all exposed areas of the skin.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
if you can, wear sunscreen that is ocean-friendly as well
4. Wear loose, light clothes while still covering up
When the weather warms up, many people want to wear clothes that cover less of the body to stay cool. However, it’s important to remember that direct exposure of heat on the skin can be a risk factor for vein disease. Even though clothing that commonly covers larger areas of the body tends to be tight or constricting, this can cause heat to build up in the body, which can aggravate vein problems.
It’s still important to cover up when going outside in the sun, but choose loose, lightweight fabrics that will allow your skin to breathe such as long dresses or fabric that can breathe easily. Likewise, dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, so opt for lighter shades whenever possible. It is also encouraged to wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face and neck.
The heat poses many dangers for our vein health. However, that should not discourage you from having fun and being active during the hottest part of the year. After all, it is one of the most fun seasons, but it is still important to maintain proper vein health. By following the tips outlined above, you can have an enjoyable time this summer while keeping your veins healthy.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.