Varicose veins refer to enlarged and twisted or bulging veins that often develop in the leg. There are many reasons for this vascular condition to exist. Genetics, getting older, having a child, standing or sitting for too long together with other environmental aspects all contribute to the formation of varicose veins. However, one can easily manage its effects by taking quality circulation to the legs into consideration. For instance, among the many vascular remedies, the most natural and inexpensive of them all is… drinking water. However, how does water drinking help circulation and in turn varicose veins? Join us as we take a closer look at the science behind hydration and how it helps with veins.

The Importance of Proper Circulation for Vein Health

Circulation can be summed up as the flow of blood from the heart, throughout the body and back to the heart. Healthy veins are an important part of circulation as they help transport blood to the heart from almost anywhere in the body and quite often do so against gravity. But, on the other hand, if veins are not in a healthy state or become distressed, they can get so filled with blood that they can no longer contain it all and this can leave a person developing complex conditions like, for instance, varicose veins.

​Proper Blood circulation or proper blood supply in every area of the body ensures smooth flow of the blood thus preventing pooling and minimizing the stress on the walls of the veins. When there is blood flow and circulation impairment, the signs and symptoms of varicose veins like swelling, heaviness or pain worsen. This is where water comes into play.

How Water Improves Circulation

Water serves many functions in the body and primary among them is regulation of blood flow. Blood is composed of around 90 percent water and drinking enough fluids ensures blood has the right consistency to allow for free flow through veins and arteries. Below is how water impacts circulation:

• Ensures optimum blood viscosity: Dehydration causes increased viscosity in blood which affects flow hence creates challenges in proper pumping from the heart through veins. A higher viscosity creates more force on vein walls increasing the chances of blood pooling and worsening the condition of the varicose veins. For this reason, consuming adequate water ensures blood remains in low viscosity and places less strain on the veins.
• Improved Oxygen and Nutrient Supply: As much as there are adequate sources of nutrients and oxygen within the body ensure that there are effective hydrating effectors mechanisms provides the required supply to tissues. This promotes general health of the veins and aids in repairing damaged walls of the veins which are suitable for those with varicose veins.
• Avoids Blood Clots: When dehydrated, the likelihood of developing blood clots rises, ultimately obstructing blood flow which could be detrimental. Drinking plenty of water helps lower this probability as it optimizes the flow of blood throughout the body and blood doesn’t accumulate in the veins.

Making varicose veins symptoms better with the help of water

It should be noted that drinking water does not help with preventing the formation of varicose veins but does decrease the chances of it worsening. This is how dehydration aids in preventing varicose veins:

• Reducing Edema: One of the many signs which come with having varicose veins is swelling around your legs and ankles. Dehydration can exacerbate swelling, as the body naturally holds onto water to counteract its loss but drinking water can help reduce the swelling. Drinking water helps excrete extra sodium present in the body which results in the reduction of extra water which is why drinking water is effective and helps avoid swelling around the legs and ankles.
• Allows for Movement of Vein Walls: With dehydration, vein walls become weak and thus brittle, which is not favorable for the body. With proper hydration, vein walls are able to stretch which allows for a greater degree of blood flow while also preventing the further occurrence of varicose veins in the body.
• Water reduces the manifestations of varicose veins: Chronic inflammation adds most of the pressure in the body attributed to the presence of varicose veins. Proper hydration helps get rid of the inflammation as well as the toxins in the body which makes a noticeable difference.

Staying Hydrated: How Much Water Is Enough?

Every individual has different factors that contribute to their optimum water intake. Your age, activity level, and environment are crucial factors that determine the daily amount of water you need to intake. On average, it is encouraged that an individual consumes between eight and ten glasses of water daily. It is important to note that people’s individual requirements differ immensely. For instance, hot climates or well-trained athletes tend to sweat more and lose a huge amount of water, which results in the requirement of higher amounts of water.

To determine, assess and evaluate your hydration levels, checking the color of your urine is a preferred method. Urine that ranges in color from clear to pale yellow is considered to be well hydrated, while darker urine indicates the need for increased water consumption.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

In the case where you have a habit of forgetting to drink water regularly then it is advised to keep a water bottle with you at all times, along with a reminder to not only drink but sip on water throughout the day.

• An advisable tip is to start using mobile applications that aid in tracking your water intake on a daily basis. Setting reminders on your phone works as well.
• Utilizing water enriched foods such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and lettuce will help you meet your requirements and hydrate you.

Hydration as part of a holistic approach

Although hydration is a core need for circulation and venous circulation, it appeals more as part of the measures aimed at controlling varicose veins. Other measures include exercise, using compression garments, elevating the legs, and having a proper diet, which is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Otherwise, if you are already suffering from severe case of varicose veins, it’s advisable to go to a vein doctor as they may advise sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or VenaSeal. Hydration can help in them but that does not become a primary option.

Conclusion

Water is crucial in enhancing blood flow and reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. As a result of effective blood fluidity and reduced swelling as well as maintenance of vein wall’s health, drinking plenty of fluids makes it easy to fight this condition. One has to appreciate that drinking water will not stop or cure varicose veins, but it will help in keeping veins healthy. For best results combining hydration with other healthy living will go a long way in helping to relieve the legs and maintain free from any symptoms.