Veins… Why do we have them and how can we keep them Healthy?

If you look at the parts of your body you may be able to see some faint, squiggly lines under your skin. They may even look like a maze! These “lines” are called blood vessels, and veins are one of the three main types of blood vessel.  Veins are the blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from parts of our body back to the heart. Without veins, our blood could not recharge in our lungs with the oxygen needed for our organs to work their best.  They are a vital part of our daily function.
So how can we keep our veins healthy?  Nutrition is key!  As with many ailments, the foods we eat can improve the functions of our organs by providing them with the right fuel to burn.  Foods high in antioxidants provide vitamins C, E and K, giving your body nourishment for healthy veins. Vitamin C helps to build and protect strong blood vessels which can help some of the problems associated with varicose veins. A high-fiber diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and grains promotes healthy digestion and keeps the bowels regular. We all know that drinking water is important for our health, but keeping hydrated can help with symptoms of varicose veins. Water is an important part of your diet, especially if you’re eating enough fiber. Water helps fiber do its job by flushing out the system and reducing any cramping or bloating.  Water intake can be tricky for some to work into their daily life.  Here are a few tips to up your H20 intake:
• Start your day with a glass of water—have a full cup with breakfast and always aim to have a water bottle nearby—at your desk, in the car and on the go.
• Add flavor to keep it interesting—try slices of orange, mint leaves, limes or cucumbers; experiment with flavors!
Foods high in sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, which could increase damage and cause varicose veins. By reducing sodium intake and upping water consumption, the fluids in your tissues can begin to balance out. You can start to understand proper sodium levels by taking a look at nutrition labels on the foods you already eat. Sodium is not just salt added at the dinner table—it’s hidden in canned soups, deli meats, salad dressings, sauces, frozen entrées and fast food.
These are just a few things you can do to improve the health of your veins.  If you have varicose veins, and would like to improve the appearance of them, please call 5 Star Vein Clinic and ask about their Specialized Vein Removal and Endovenous Laser Treatments.  They can be reached at 661-799-7459 and www.californiaveintreatment.com.