Maintaining Vein Health While Stuck at Home
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has forced many of us to remain at home in order to prevent the spread of the disease. With everything going on, it can be easy to forget to maintain your vein health. Here are a few things you can do to minimize varicose vein symptoms while you’re stuck at home.
1. Keep Active
With the gyms closed and many people working from home, or not at all, it can be easy to slip into a state of perpetual TV watching. But regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing varicose veins and reduce your symptoms if you are already suffering from them. Take some time to get moving. Turn on an at-home workout video, clean the house, or just play with the kids in the backyard. Your body will thank you.
2. Stay Hydrated
We know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but are you actually drinking enough water throughout the day? Drinking plenty of water can prevent the cramping associated with dehydration that can worsen varicose vein symptoms. Plus, staying hydrated helps with overall blood flow.
3. Stick to Your Normal Diet
Easier said than done, we know. But don’t overdo it on the snacking while binge-watching Netflix. There’s nothing wrong with giving into temptation from time to time, but sticking to an overall healthy diet can help keep your veins feeling good.
Foods containing Omega-3, citrus fruits high in Vitamin C, garlic, nuts, and even dark chocolate are all good for your vein health.
4. Don’t Overdo It on the Alcohol
It can be tempting to relax your mind from all of the current stress and uncertainty with your favorite alcoholic beverage. But, alcohol can have a negative effect on vein health. Alcohol use causes blood to thicken, and blood flow to increase. Both of these side effects of alcohol use cause the veins to swell and protrude outward, leading to worsened appearance and overall side effects of varicose veins.
5. Try to Calm Down
Times are stressful. But, do try to minimize your stress levels as much as you possibly can right now. When it comes to vein health, chronic stress can cause weakened circulation and weight gain - both of which can contribute to worsened varicose vein symptoms or premature development of varicose veins. Take some time each day to focus on calming your mind and body through meditation, yoga, journaling, taking a bubble bath or reading (something other than news and Facebook).
While so much of our time and energy remains focused on the current health threat at hand, it’s also important to keep our vein health in mind. Following these five tips can help to reduce any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing, and prevent new problems from arising.
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 today to set up a consultation appointment.