Constipation can actually affect varicose veins. This is because straining on the toilet increases pressure on your rectal veins, which creates more pressure on your leg veins, says Dr. Kanter. Besides eating fiber , a good way to keep constipation at bay is to make sure your system stays well-lubricated by drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day, he says. Watch how you lift. If you do strength-training exercises, you can avoid aggravating or initiating a vein problem if you make sure to use smaller weights and do more repetitions.
Heavy weights can put too much pressure on veins.
Ask a trainer to help you set up a program, advises Dr. Kanter. Running on pavement may aggravate vein swelling, says Dr. Kanter. Walk it off. Take a brisk 20-minute walk each day, or spend 20 to 30 minutes three or four times a week doing some form of aerobic exercise, says Dr. Kligman. Exercise helps maintain good circulation, slows down the development of varicose veins and reduces pain in the legs where veins have already developed.