Add Veganuary to Your Vein Health Diet

Ready to make Veganuary part of your vein health diet? As you stare down the barrel of New Year's resolutions, why not plan to start the year following a diet that protects your veins--and your overall health! Not sure where to start? Consider going vegan for the month of January!

Diving into Veganuary

The idea behind Veganuary is to start your year on a fully vegan diet. Like dry January, even one month of abstaining from mea products could help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In turn, you may lose weight and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and Peripheral Arterial Diease (PAD.)

Of course, for most of us, taking on the Veganuary challenge will be difficult. But, even if you aren't ready to take the plunge, here are some small changes you can make to help your veins perform optimally. First up? Limiting your salty snack intake.

Reducing Sodium for your Vein Health Diet

Consuming salt makes your body retain fluid. And that fluid pressures your veins. So, if you limit sodium in your diet, it's easier for your body to flush out excess fluids and relieve your veins. Not sure what to cut out first? Avoid canned foods, deli meat, bacon, pizza, pickles, olives, and any foods that are highly processed foods.

Reduce Alcohol

Even if you don't try dry January, reducing your alcohol intake is important. You see, spirits act like diuretics, making you urinate more frequently. In turn, you're more likely to dehydrate after drinking alcohol. And dehydration makes your body work harder to circulate blood, adding extra pressure on your veins, and possibly worsening your varicose veins.

Already over hearing about the foods you shouldn't eat? Let's get to the good stuff: foods you can add to support optimal vein health!

Nuts and Fish are Fine

This study shows that EPA and DHA deficiencies dramatically increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. So, to help reduce that risk, try putting salmon, lake trout and cod into your meal rotations. Or, if you're determined to try Veganuary, pine nuts and Brazil nuts could help fill that void!

Eat for Color and Sip Your H20

Adding colorful fruits and veggies will boost your antioxidant intake, helping improve blood flow. Plus, bright fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber, making you feel fuller, and possibly supporting weight loss, which can also help improve your vein health.

Now, you should remember that we're cutting out sodium because it makes your body retain fluid. So why are we telling you to drinking lots of water? As it turns out, increasing fluid intake will help your body flush out excess liquids, reducing pressure on your veins.

Supporting Vein Health in Georgia

Whether or not you try Veganuary, we'd love to see you start the New Year focused on your vein health. And we're here to help! Just click here to request an appointment with our Georgia vein specialists. Or make it your New Year's resolution to see us in 2024!