Index
- Heavy legs, an impact of obesity on the body
- The sensation of heavy legs or venous insufficiency
- Causes of venous insufficiency
- The consequences of the heavy leg
- The mechanisms of obesity favouring heavy legs
- The best tips to avoid heavy legs
- The right foods in case of venous insufficiency or heavy legs
- The sensation of heavy legs or venous insufficiency
Heavy legs, an impact of obesity on the body
Obesity is considered the fifth leading cause of death by the WHO and is the source of many diseases. It is said to be morbid because of the diseases associated with it and the high risk of mortality due to complications. Excessive weight leads to health problems that prove to be serious in the long run and as the weight increases. Its consequences on the body are harmful. When the body mass index is high, the occurrence of cardiovascular disease is inevitable, particularly heavy legs or venous insufficiency.
The sensation of heavy legs or venous insufficiency
The heaviness appears especially in hot weather and particularly affects the calves. The lower limbs show an increased sensitivity to fatigue. They are both heavy and tense. Prolonged standing increases heaviness. Heavy legs are caused when the blood does not circulate well in the legs. Itching and tingling are felt when the feeling of heaviness appears. In women, it becomes more pronounced a few days before the period begins.
Causes of venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency or heavy leg is a pathology that manifests itself by a venous return that does not go well. In fact, the blood that circulates in the veins of the legs flows with difficulty back to the heart. There are many reasons for this condition:
- Valve dysfunction on the venous wall
- Loss of elasticity of the veins
- Loss of tonicity of the veins
With these worries, the patient is left with a stagnation of blood in the veins.
The consequences of the heavy leg
The heavy leg or venous insufficiency has a negative impact on the patient's daily life. In general, this disease affects 9 out of 10 women. They mainly have difficulties in carrying out their daily activities because of the discomfort of the leg. Otherwise, the heavy leg sometimes leads to social isolation with the restriction of outings due to fatigue. Travelling in hot countries is an ordeal and even travelling by plane is a real feat.
The mechanisms of obesity favouring heavy legs
The various mechanisms accompanying obesity hinder the return flow of blood. The activity of the obese person is considerably reduced due to his or her condition. They use their hips more for walking than their calves, which makes their gait peculiar. The calves are indeed a key element of venous return. Serious trophic disorders can occur when no reflux is observed in the superficial or deep veins. Abdominal hyperpressure and a weakened calf muscle pump contribute to impeding blood circulation. Fatty tissue can slow down venous return by compacting the veins. Overweight causes the arch of the foot to sag. Communication between the deep and superficial plantar network does not pass. Heavy legs appear.
The best tips to avoid heavy legs
Movement and hydration are the key words that should govern the overweight person. When they move and hydrate regularly, it is possible to improve circulation and avoid heavy legs. Nicotine should be banned because it can damage the artery walls and thicken the blood. Blood pressure should be checked regularly to prevent hardening of the arteries due to high blood pressure. If you are sedentary, it is advisable to walk and take frequent breaks. Exercise is recommended for at least half an hour a day for good health. Walking, swimming and cycling stimulate circulation. Otherwise, compression socks and tights provide real relief. The way they are woven puts a lot of pressure on the ankle. It will gradually decrease in the upper leg. The size of the vein is reduced to increase the speed of blood circulation. With a constant state of the vein, the venous return will be efficient.
The right foods in case of venous insufficiency or heavy legs
Boosting the circulation is an attitude to adopt in order to avoid heavy legs. Proteins contribute to the maintenance of muscle mass. The veins are lined with them to allow contraction, which will propel the blood from the lower limbs to the heart. Meat, fish and eggs contain it. In vegetables, they can be found in quinoa or legumes such as soya, lentils and chickpeas. Pineapples, especially their hard heart, are to be preferred. The enzyme it contains makes the blood thinner. The venous return will only be better. Fruits rich in vitamin C promote the preservation of collagen, which prevents the venous walls from distending. The following types of food are also essential:
- Raw vegetables: These include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes, among others, to combat constipation.
- Seafood: Selenium and zinc contribute to the resistance of the venous system.
- Avocado: Its high vitamin E content ensures vascular Fatty fish and oleaginous plants prevent the ageing of the cells of the venous walls.
