Tips & Articles

How to stay comfortable in summer with circulation problems

It’s summer and you want to get out there and enjoy the South African sun but if you suffer from poor leg circulation, this can prove challenging. Summer heat can impact circulation, especially in the legs. 

VenaVine - How to stay comfortable in summer with circulation problems 1 procHow to stay comfortable in summer with circulation problemsUnderstanding Circulation

Some of the key challenges experienced in summer when you have poor circulation include:

  • Heat and Swelling: High temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased swelling (oedema) in the legs and feet1.
  • Dehydration: Hot weather can lead to dehydration, which can thicken the blood and reduce circulation2.

Venavine®  is here to help you find ways to keep your legs comfortable this summer. Here are some tips that can help to improve circulation in summer:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain blood volume and help to maintain proper circulation.3
  • Wear Compression Socks: These can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the legs4.
  • Elevate Your Legs: Sit or lie down and elevate your legs to help reduce swelling.5
  • Cold Showers: Taking a cold shower can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.6

You can also make some lifestyle adjustments that can help to improve your circulation in general

  • Watch your diet: Good nutrition helps prevent conditions that affect your circulation.3 Cut down on saturated fats and get plenty of antioxidants like vitamin C and E. Check out our Venavine® Recipe Booklet for some delicious meals with foods that can assist your circulation. https://www.venavine.co.za/recipes/
  • Exercise: Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your circulation because exercise raises your heart rate, which makes blood move faster through your body3.
  • Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid restricting blood flow7.
  • Start taking Venavine® Capsules daily as part of your leg health routine to ease the symptoms of poor circulation like aching, painful, tired, heavy and swollen legs.
  • Massage with Venavine®  Intensive Cream daily for a relaxing cooling effect on the legs.

If symptoms worsen or do not improve after two (2) weeks or to get a proper diagnosis, please consult your healthcare practitioner.

References:

  1. Healthwise Staff [Internet]. Heat edema (swelling). [Updated 2023 Jul 10; Cited 2024 Oct 30]. MyHealth.Alberta.ca. Available from: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=not245134
  2. The Heart Foundation [Internet]. The Importance of Water. [Updated 2019 Mar 8; Cited 2024 Oct 30]. Available from: https://theheartfoundation.org/2019/03/08/the-importance-of-water/
  3. Benisek A [Internet]. Improve Poor Leg Circulation. [Updated 2024 Feb 14]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/improve-poor-leg-circulation
  4. Chaney P [Internet]. Compression Stockings: Benefits and Side Effects. [Updated 2023 Nov 15; Cited 2024 Oct 30]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/dvt/choose-compression-stockings
  5. Seladi-Schulman J [Internet]. What Are the Benefits of Elevating Your Legs? [Updated 2021 Feb 1; Cited 2024 Oct 30]. Healthline. Available from:  https://www.healthline.com/health/elevating-legs
  6. Nall R [Internet]. Are there any health benefits to a cold shower? [Updated 2024 Oct 24; Cited 2024 Oct 30]. Medical News Today. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325725
  7. Co J [Internet]. Signs of Poor Circulation and What to Do About It. [Updated 2023 Sept 8; Cited 2024 Oct 30]. Oak St. Health. Available from: https://www.oakstreethealth.com/signs-of-poor-circulation-and-what-to-do-about-it-761051