Another important tip is to elevate your legs (above heart level) at night, as this helps drain blood and lymph toward the upper body. Compression stockings can also be very helpful. “Wear them especially when standing for long periods or when traveling; they help improve venous return and prevent edema ,” explains the specialist. She also recommends reducing salty foods (processed meats, ready meals) to prevent swelling, as salt promotes fluid retention, and drinking plenty of water. “Proper hydration helps the body eliminate excess salt and fluids more effectively. The more you drink, the more toxins you will eliminate,” notes Dr. Salloum. Finally, it is important to engage in regular physical activity. Walking, swimming, or cycling, for example, can improve blood circulation in the legs.
To relieve nighttime discomfort, nothing beats a cold foot bath. “Unlike heat, cold constricts the veins and therefore reduces their diameter, thus decreasing the amount of blood pooling in them ,” concludes Dr. Salloum.
