Food is medicine. What you eat affects your body and how you feel. But the foods you choose to eat are also the building blocks of your bodily systems, including your vascular system. So if you want to improve your vein health, you’ve got to choose the right foods.
Certain vitamins found in food are essential to your vascular health. Here are a few different vitamins that we recommend including in your diet to improve your vein health. Each of these vitamins is easy to get from multiple food sources and a rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables. This vitamin is a powerhouse for the body and the vascular system. It’s a key component in the development of collagen and elastin, which help form blood vessels. So eating plenty of vitamin C from fresh, plant-based sources will help strengthen vessel walls and improve your circulation. Here’s a great list of 20 fresh foods that contain the most vitamin C!
- B Vitamins: There are many different types of vitamin B, and your body needs all of them. Out of the 13 basic vitamins that the body needs, 8 of them are B vitamins. B vitamins are so important because they help your body process carbohydrates, break down amino acids, and move oxygen around your body. Some B vitamins can also help your body produce hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells. B vitamins have been found to help reduce heart disease and improve vein health.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is great at reducing leg pain caused by cramping. Vitamin E supports blood flow and prevents platelets from sticking together. Some great sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, salmon, avocado, and kiwi.
- Vitamin K: There are two main forms of vitamin K, K1, and K2. These vitamins have been shown to reduce the chance of developing varicose veins by supporting blood clotting function. You can find vitamin K in broccoli, spinach, lettuce, and other leafy green vegetables.
These are just a few of the vitamin-building blocks that help your body function. These vitamins can be found in a diet that’s plant-based, low in sodium, and high in fiber. Preventing circulatory issues like varicose veins and spider veins starts with the daily choices you make. A healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of fresh foods, exercise, and low stress can help prevent vein issues!