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Physical activity, without moderation
Walk at least 45 minutes a day. Walking activates the blood pump and facilitates venous return. Wear shoes with a heel between 3 and 4 cm. Exercise daily to improve blood circulation. Stand up on your tiptoes and come back down quickly. To repeat 20 times. As a bonus, it muscles the calves. Second exercise: stay upright and raise your knees alternately towards the torso. To do 20 times. As for sports, bet on those who combine soft and deep bodybuilding with ample movements such as cycling, swimming, aquabike, Pilates … Avoid sports with violent jerks, successive trampling or sudden acceleration and stops (tennis, running…).
Vitamins C and E, a winning cocktail
Choose fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant boosts collagen production and strengthens the lining of blood vessels. So yes to citrus fruits, red fruits, peppers, tomatoes… Also opt for foods containing vitamin E, because it improves circulation and prevents the formation of varicose veins. Your choice: almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, asparagus, bananas… Eat enough protein, they reduce water retention, often associated with heavy legs. And limit fat and salt.
Long live the “ice cube effect”!
In the morning when you wake up, pass a stream of cool water – but not ice – for 5 minutes on the legs, starting with the feet and going up towards the thighs to follow the direction of the circulation.. Insist on the inner side of the ankles and the hollow of the knees. In the evening, soak for 15 minutes a classic or compression pantyhose in menthol (on sale in pharmacies). Put it on and lie down with your legs elevated for 5-10 minutes, then keep it on all night until bedtime. Also apply morning and evening a cream based on menthol, camphor or essential oils of peppermint, to keep in the refrigerator for even more freshness.
Massage yourself, and every day!
Massages are the must to drain and relieve the sensations of heavy legs. At the end of the day, give yourself 10 minutes to pamper yourself. Start with the toes and the back of the foot, then the calves, then work your way up to the thighs. Use gentle movements with gentle pressure.
The magical effect of plants
To boost the decongestant effect of the massage, use a cream containing venotonic active ingredients – horse chestnut, red vine, ginkgo biloba, witch hazel… You can also take food supplements or infusions based on ginkgo biloba, or apply to painful areas, compresses soaked in witch hazel. If you have swelling, opt for sweet clover or grape seed extracts. In case of venous insufficiency, the phlebologist will prescribe phlebotonic drugs.