Getting older means our bodies have lots of changes to adjust to, and some of those changes can affect the circulatory system. As we age, the tiny
valves within our blood vessels can become damaged, causing blood flow to become sluggish and eventually resulting in varicose veins or other circulatory problems.
While regular exercise and weight management can help reduce some risk and alleviate symptoms, it’s also important to make sure you get the right nutrients for proper circulatory health. Here are the vitamins you should be focusing on to make sure your circulatory is healthy enough to prevent varicose vein surgery:
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
These two are grouped together because they have an important characteristic in common: They’re both potent antioxidants. Antioxidants help repair cellular damage that can occur from oxidative stress, which occurs more commonly as we age. They’re also both great immune system boosters, and vitamin E can also reduce the unattractive appearance of spider veins. Most people know vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit and lemons, but it can also be found in broccoli, bell peppers and greens like kale and collards. Vitamin E is contained in peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, turnip and mustard greens, spinach and avocado.
Vitamin D
Vessels help blood by alternately contracting and relaxing, and recent studies have shown that vitamin D plays a big role in helping promote relaxation of the vessels. It also keeps vessels supple and prevents them from becoming stiff. Vitamin D can be found in dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt as well as oily fish like salmon and tuna. The body can also produce vitamin D on its own when exposed to sunlight; however, sunscreen can interfere with this process.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is recognized as an anticoagulant, which means it helps prevent clotting. Getting enough vitamin K means blood flows more easily and pressure inside the vessels is reduced. Get your fill from foods including broccoli, Swiss chard, mustard greens, kale, collards and Brussels sprouts.
When it comes to maintaining good circulatory health, eating a balanced diet full of healthy, vitamin-rich foods is an ideal complement to getting regular exercise. Another important step to keep vessels in good shape: Visit your vein clinic regularly to learn about other ways to stay healthy, including important vein treatment options and screenings that can identify potential concerns. Give our vein clinic a call today to schedule your visit.