How to Reduce Your Chances for Spiders and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop when a defect in the vain wall causes dilation in the vein and damage to the valves. When the valves are not functioning well, the increased pressure results in bulging. Women are affected four times as frequently as men. Vein fragility increases with age due to loss of tissue tone, muscle mass and weakening of vein walls.

Spiders, so called because they look like bluish red spiders or spider webs, are broken blood vessels or capillaries close to the surface of the skin. They appear in areas under particular strain; such as the outer surfaces of the mid thighs, just below knees, and around ankles. Varicose veins, those swollen, ropey, twisted veins that can mar an otherwise beautiful pair of legs, strike women at every age level. They are an inherited tendency, and can develop when aggravated by factors inhibiting blood circulation.

To decrease your susceptibility to either spiders or varicose veins, and to help stop either problem from getting worse, follow these tips:

Eat wisely and well. Contributions to varicose veins may be over weight, lack of bulk fiber or roughage in your diet, and a lack of nutrients from fresh whole foods. Get your daily quota of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins B, C, E, rutins, and bioflavonoids.

Exercise regularly. Anther contribution to either condition may be a sedentary lifestyle.

Try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees, marathon standing, wearing tight clothing, in short, anything that inhibits blood circulation should be avoided.

If you must sit all day, at a desk for instance, keep our circulation going by moving your legs around, pointing and flexing your toes and circling your ankles. Also try to get up periodically to stretch and walk around.

Elevate your feet for 20 minutes every night before going to sleep. Lie down with your head at the foot of the bed, and tuck your feet over the edge of the headboard. Or use a slant board or a slant board made from an ironing board. Just be sure your feet are at least three to four inches higher than your heart. Remember to keep your knees straight.

Massage your feet and legs every morning and night.

Do not wear knee high hosiery. The elastic band at the top impedes circulation in your legs.

Varicose veins are rarely seen in parts of the world where unrefined, high fiber diets are consumed, so remember the importance of diet and to keep that blood circulating with limited to no constrictions. Varicose veins can mar an otherwise beautiful pair of legs...Don't let that happen to you.

Resource: Getting Rid of Varicose Veins - Shape Magazine - March 2007