Improving Circulation (and Vein Health) with Six Simple Steps

Fitness and health goals often reign supreme as we kick off the new year. One initiative we can get behind that will contribute to all of your wellness goals is to improve your circulation and vein health.

Good circulation and proper blood flow can lead to better overall functioning throughout your entire body.

Poor circulation and vein health, however, can lead to a host of serious cardiovascular and venous disorders such as heart disease, stroke, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis.

Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists treat vein and circulatory issues all the time.

Here are six simple tips they recommend for improving circulation and boosting your vein health:

1- Quit smoking.

Cigarettes, and other tobacco use, put stress on the circulatory system causing veins to tighten and restrict, slowing blood flow. The healing effects on the body that occur the moment you stop smoking are thought to be immediate.

2- Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate.

Drinking more water throughout the day will keep your blood volume plentiful and pumping at optimal levels. The more dehydrated you become, the more decreased your blood volume is, causing your heart to work overtime as it labors to pump the smaller amount.

3- Exercise.

Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes per day or five times a week, can improve circulation. Activities that are cardio-based are especially beneficial.  Staying active also helps to reduce stress, which is another bonus for your heart and circulatory system.

4- Eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight.

Eliminating foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar and replacing them with healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is a good start. Including heart healthy foods in your diet like certain fishes (salmon) and those with omega-3 fatty acids (avocados and nuts) is also a great boost for your vein and circulatory health.

Keeping your weight in check will help promote lower blood pressure and reduce unnecessary strain on the legs, where painful varicose veins typically occur.

5- Get a massage.

Regular massage therapy can help stimulate blood flow and promote better circulation, especially in the legs where blood tends to pool and has a harder time getting back up to the heart. Massages are also a great way to relieve stress and pamper yourself whenever you have the chance.

6- Wear compression stockings.

Our vein specialists recommend compression stockings frequently to patients in order to stimulate circulation in the legs. These snug-fitting garments help keep things moving by  pushing blood from the ankles all the way through the legs and back up to your heart.

Following these steps can help with your circulatory health and go a long way in preventing venous disorders such as varicose veins.

If you are having trouble with varicose or spider veins, there are many convenient and effective treatment options available, such as sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation, that we offer in our vein treatment centers in Austin and Georgetown.

Please contact us  here for a consultation with one of our specialists to help you feel, and look, your best in the new year, or call 512.452.VEIN (8346) in Austin, or 512.501.4287 for Georgetown.

Here’s to your happy and healthy 2022!

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