Neglecting those bluish or reddish veins creeping under your skin may not be the wisest thing to do. These thread-like veins may be found any where on your body but are commonly seen on legs and facial skin. Initially, such veins may not cause discomfort which may be why we often neglect them. As time passes, however, veins may become swollen and add a blemish to smooth-looking, healthy legs. They can grow to appear as unsightly, bulging veins which spoil the looks of your legs.
Why do such veins appear in some people and not on others? It could be hereditary, but more often than not, it has to do with vein health. Such veins can begin to crop up around the age of 40 or 50. Bulging veins are experienced by more women than men. Advancing age can weaken the valves in the blood vessels. The main function of these valves is to push blood upwards in order to keep circulation flowing smoothly to all parts of the body. De-oxygenated blood is taken to the lungs for oxygenation and oxygenated blood is circulated to the whole body. Since legs experience the most pressure against gravity, valves need to work harder to push blood back up to the lungs for oxygenation. When these valves become weak there is a backflow of blood resulting in the accumulation of pools of blood, that collect to form bulgy-looking veins.
What can you do? Some natural means to help support vein health are given below. In addition, you may want to consider vein supplements.
- Exercise. Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day helps to support circulation.
- Keep your legs up against the wall for 10 to 15 minutes a day. This would force the blood to flow down from your legs. If you already have bulging veins, you may want to rest your legs on a pillow when you sleep to elevate them.
- Avoid crossing your legs, or wearing clothes that obstruct circulation.
- Avoid standing for long periods every day. If your job involves long hours of standing, take a 15 minute sitting break every 2 hours.
- Wearing therapeutic stockings can help relieve much of the discomfort associated with swollen veins.
- Maintaining an optimal weight.
- Vitamin C is a major supporter of vein health. Research indicates that it nutritionally supports healthy blood viscosity, circulation. It also helps to maintain healthy blood pressures.
- Horse Chestnut is known to support healthy circulation especially in the lower legs. It is used extensively in Europe as an important ingredient in vein supplements. Research provides suggestive evidence for the use of horse chestnut to support vein health.
- Gotu Kola nutritionally promotes the growth of collagen and elastin. These are skin proteins which help to form a strong matrix both inside and outside blood vessels. Gotu Kola helps to strengthen vein health.
- Butcher's Broom is a nutrient that helps to maintain healthy blood vessel walls. It also supports healthy circulation, and therefore a vital ingredient in vein supplements.
- Hesperidin is an antioxidant that supports vein health.
- Diosmin is also an antioxidant which is believed to work predominantly to support vein elasticity and capillary integrity.
