Healthy Tips from a Vein Doctor
Your arteries and veins play a vital role in the health of your body. The arteries send nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the cells throughout your body, and the veins then send the blood back to your heart for replenishment. If there are any issues in their proper functioning, it can cause varicose veins and even blood clots.
There are several effective ways to help prevent developing varicose veins and blood clots. Dr. Scott Darling of Missouri Vein Specialists is a leading vein doctor here in Kansas City, and he was one of the first physicians to be certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Here are a few simple, healthy tips from Dr. Darling to help you improve or maintain healthy veins:
Stay Active
Physical activity helps boost circulation, thereby facilitating excellent vein health. If you sit for hours every day, try to get up and stretch and walk around to keep the blood flowing. Also, don’t keep your legs crossed for too long, move them around and wiggle your toes.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water every day helps your blood to maintain proper consistency, so it doesn’t become too thick. Dehydration can cause blood to thicken, making it difficult for the veins to push blood back toward the heart.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A high-fiber diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can benefit circulation and also contribute to healthier vein walls. Incorporate more oatmeal, brown rice, broccoli, beans, and nuts in your diet.
Quit Smoking
Smoking literally affects circulation. The chemicals in a cigarette can harden and narrow the vein walls, deoxygenate blood, and contribute to blood thickening.
Control Salt Intake
Controlling your sodium consumption can help prevent fluid retention in your legs. Excess fluid in your legs can cause swelling, increases pressure inside the vein walls, and contributes to their weakening. Fast food, chips, and processed meats are all high in sodium.
Wear Compression Stockings or Compression Socks
Compression stockings or socks can help improve blood flow by adding gentle pressure from the outside. This helps the blood to flow more easily through the veins back up to the heart.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight can increase pressure in your leg veins, which is a contributing factor to the development of varicose veins.
Seek Early Treatment for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Making an appointment with a vein doctor at the earliest signs of vein problems ensures a less invasive treatment method and a faster return to normal vein function. If you wait until your vein problems have gotten worse, not only will you experience extremely uncomfortable symptoms, but you may need more extensive treatment.
Board-Certified Vein Doctor in Kansas City, MO
When choosing a vein specialist, choose a vein doctor who is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Scott Darling is a diplomate of the board, and he has years of successful experience treating patients who want healthy veins and clear skin.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Darling, contact our friendly staff today by calling our Kansas City vein clinic at (816) 792-3400 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
