Varicose veins aren't just unattractive. They can also be uncomfortable and lead to certain health issues in some cases. For these reasons, it's important to avoid behaviors and habits that increase your chances of developing severe varicose veins. The following are six things you shouldn't do if you're trying to get rid of or prevent varicose veins. 

1. Eating a high-salt diet

It's never healthy to consume a diet that's too high in sodium and salty foods. However, high-salt diets are especially bad for those concerned about varicose veins. That's because consuming sodium can cause water retention.

Water retention can lead to greater blood volume in the body. This in turn leads to higher blood pressure that puts pressure on the veins and can aggravate the appearance of varicose veins.  

2. Not getting enough fiber

If you're not consuming enough fiber in your diet, you're more likely to experience constipation. Constipation increases a patient's chances of developing varicose veins because it leads to frequent straining in the body. Frequent straining can cause higher blood pressure and therefore varicose veins. If you want to consume more fiber, add foods like whole grains and fresh vegetables to your diet.  

3. Allow yourself to gain weight

You need to keep your weight under control if you're looking for ways to minimize the appearance of varicose veins. Weight gain increases the appearance of varicose veins by increasing blood pressure. You should eat a healthy diet and get a good amount of exercise to prevent weight gain and keep blood pressure under control. 

4. Wearing high heels frequently

Another bad habit that can bring about varicose vein problems is wearing high heels regularly. High heels can cause varicose veins because they alter a person's walking motion.

High heels put much of the body's weight on the toes and front of the foot. This causes contractions of the calf muscles that can lead to pooling blood in the legs. Such a situation makes varicose vein development more likely. 

5. Be sedentary and remain in the same position for long periods of time

Anything you can do to lower blood pressure and promote healthy circulation can help prevent varicose veins. Avoiding sedentary behaviors and moving around often help promote healthy circulation.

You shouldn't allow yourself to remain in one position for long periods of time during the day. Make sure you take some activity breaks to get your blood flowing so that you're less likely to see varicose veins appearing. 

6. Procrastinating about getting treatment

It will be harder to successfully treat your varicose veins if you wait a long time before seeking treatment. Talk to your doctor about varicose vein treatment options. They can offer specific suggestions that match your current lifestyle.