Your Environment and Your Legs
You may be surprised just how much your surroundings can affect the condition of your legs. And it’s not just the environment. Our skin is influenced by our lifestyle choices and personal habits as well.
The good news is if you pay attention to the world around you and fine tune your routine accordingly, you’ll be rewarded with legs that are both healthy and energetic. Read on to find out how environmental factors can have a negative impact on legs, and how to combat the effects.
Food: Follow a low-salt diet. Avoid alcohol. Eat a high fiber diet. The amount of fiber in the diet, along with other dietary factors, may help prevent formation of vein disease. Some research has found the incidence of vein disease to be related to amount of fiber eaten, with those eating unprocessed high fiber food free of varicose veins.
Fitness MagicExercise: Exercise helps boosts your leg muscles, which helps your veins pump blood. Make regular workouts part of your weekly routine. A brisk walk (especially while wearing your compression hose), yoga class or trip to the gym will go a long way toward improving your leg’s overall health and beauty.
Smoking: Smoking affects more than just your lungs. It constricts blood vessels, and slows delivery of nutrients to skin and the removal of toxins. If the Surgeon General’s warning isn’t enough to make you quit, think about how much better you’ll feel with healthy, energetic legs.
Alcohol: Both alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration, which affects all your organs, including your skin. Make an effort to match each drink with a glass of water throughout the evening, and be sure to drink plenty of water before going to bed.
Clothes: Wear comfortable shoes. High heels or tight shoes may prevent the calf muscle pump from being activated. Avoid constricting clothing such as girdles, or non-graduated compression hosiery, they cause extra abdominal pressure leading to increased pressure on the legs.
Climate: Avoid hot showers, Jacuzzis and hot tubs. They all cause the veins in your legs to dilate. Avoid sun exposure � it is harmful to your skin and can cause spider vein formation.
Activity: If you sit for a long time like when flying or on long car trips, stand up and walk around every 2 hours or so. Wearing graduated compression stockings will help blood circulation even while sitting. If you stand for long periods sit down periodically. If you lie down elevate your legs above the level of your heart whenever possible.
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