The medical community continues to debate the exact reasons for poor vein health. It may be due to aging or being overweight or just a tendency towards venal insufficiency. In some cases, weak valves may be responsible for poor venous circulation and the pooling of blood that has flown backward. This also leads to an increase in the volume of blood in the veins and enlarges them till they look purple and blue and like cords that are twisted and bulging. Some might even be swollen and found above the surface of the skin. Since legs are under the most pressure to pump blood back to the heart, such aging veins are normally found on the backs of calves or on the lower legs. Swollen veins may also form in and around the anus during pregnancy, due to the weight of the uterus or as a result of constipation and straining during bowel movements.

How Can You Support Vein Health?

There are ways to support aging veins as well as to ease the discomfort from the ones you already have:

• Watch your weight to lessen the load on your legs. Too much body fat can put unnecessary added pressure on the walls and valves of your veins.
• Exposure to the sun might aggravate the situation, especially the delicate facial veins, so wear sunscreen when you are out.
• Exercise regularly to tone your muscles, and improve your vein strength and your circulation. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, running and cycling are especially effective.
• Try not to stay in one position for long stretches of time. Take small breaks regularly and change your position. Do not cross your legs when sitting as this posture can compress the veins leading to poor circulation.
• Wear compression stockings or support hose but avoid tight clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs, waist or hip area. These are available at any pharmacy.
• Maintain a diet that is low in salt and rich in fiber foods. Too much salt can lead to water retention and swelling causing pressure on veins. Constipation can also contribute to poor venal health. Include fiber in your diet to promote regularity. Include foods like whole grains and foods containing bioflavonoids, such as dark fruits and berries, leafy greens, onions, and garlic). These nutrients help keep veins healthy.
• When resting, keep your legs elevated at least to the level of your heart. This makes it easier for your legs to pump blood to the heart. You can also raise the foot of your bed with wooden blocks so that your legs are constantly elevated even at night to help the blood flow back to your heart even when you sleep.
• Wear low-heeled shoes or sneakers more often than high-heeled shoes. Flat or low heeled shoes promote better blood flow in the legs.
• Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc supplements are known to help strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
• Herbal remedies are known to offer effective relief and help support venal health. Herbs like gotu kola (centella asiatica) and butcher’s broom (ruscus aculeatus) support vascular health. Horse chestnuts are backed by strong scientific support for vascular health. They contain aescin and rutin. Aescin is believed to promote proper circulation of blood in the veins and has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory. Rutin helps to protect vascular health.

Like every other organ in the body, veins require proper nutritional support for them to function well. Many people may feel embarrassed to show their legs due to venal insufficiency. Nutritionally deficient veins are a visible blemish and may make your legs look older than they really. Losing weight, exercising more, adding adequate fiber to your diet and taking supplements like Vein Matrix can help to delay aging veins and promote vein health.

If you are concerned about your veins, ask your doctor about nutritional supplements for vein health. Vein Matrix is a blend of vitamins, herbs and antioxidants that support the production of collagen and elastin which are needed by the body to keep healthy vein walls and connective tissue stronger and more flexible for healthy circulation in the legs and throughout the body.