Varicose Veins and the Summer Season

Author: İzmir Can Hastanesi
December 28, 2023
1 min read

Drink plenty of fluids.
Swim often. Swimming works the leg muscles as well as the whole body. It is one of the most beneficial exercises for varicose veins.
Protect yourself from extreme heat, but don't be afraid to sunbathe. After sunbathing, rinse your legs with cool water.
Cut down on alcohol, cola and caffeinated drinks. They make constipation worse and pave the way for varicose veins by contributing to obesity and fluid loss.
Choose comfortable clothing instead of tight clothes that constrict the waist.
Exercise your legs with morning and evening walks.
At least 3 times a day for 15 minutes, rest with a pillow under your legs so that your legs are above chest level.
Instead of heavy, carbohydrate-rich foods that are hard to digest, focus on high-fiber vegetables, vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil, fish and fruits that contain flavonoids (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.).
Eat foods and drinks that provide plenty of vitamin C (rose hips, hibiscus tea, lemonade, kiwi, etc.).

The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most beneficial exercise for people with varicose veins in summer?

Swimming is one of the most beneficial exercises for varicose veins because it works the leg muscles along with the whole body. In addition to swimming often, exercising the legs regularly with morning and evening walks is also recommended.

How does summer heat affect varicose veins, and what should you watch out for?

You should protect yourself from extreme heat, but there is no need to avoid sunbathing; rinsing the legs with cool water after sunbathing is beneficial. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and to choose comfortable clothing instead of tight clothes that constrict the waist.

How does diet in the summer months affect varicose vein symptoms?

Alcohol, cola and caffeinated drinks should be reduced, as they make constipation worse and pave the way for varicose veins by contributing to obesity and fluid loss. Instead, it is recommended to focus on high-fiber vegetables, vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil, fish and flavonoid-containing fruits such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.

Does resting the legs help with varicose veins?

Yes. Resting at least three times a day for 15 minutes with a pillow under the legs, keeping them above chest level, helps relieve varicose vein symptoms. Eating foods and drinks rich in vitamin C, such as rose hips, hibiscus tea, lemonade and kiwi, is also recommended.

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