A summer with Dr. Naturel - Relieving heavy leg syndrome

The temperature is rising, and for millions of Canadians, hot weather means heavy legs.

Discomfort, tingling, swelling... The sensation can be particularly unpleasant, affecting mobility and comfort.

For Dr. Naturel, it's impossible to leave you with heavy leg syndrome without doing something about it. He reveals these natural tips for relieving the problem and making the most of summer.

Particularly prevalent in hot summer weather, heavy legs are characterized by a feeling of heaviness, pain, cramps and swelling. In addition to these physical symptoms, this phenomenon can also cause fatigue, limit mobility and have an impact on overall well-being.

Before we reveal our tips for getting rid of this phenomenon, let's go back to the source. What causes heavy legs?

Heavy legs can be caused by a number of factors:

1. Heat: Prolonged exposure to the sun and high temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate, making venous return more difficult and leading to a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

2. Water retention: When the body retains too much water, it can cause the legs to swell, creating a feeling of heaviness.

3. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can weaken leg muscles and disrupt blood circulation, contributing to heavy legs.

4. Venous problems: Varicose veins, venous insufficiency and other circulatory problems can cause heavy legs.

So are there solutions to relieve heavy legs? Yes, there are! And thankfully so!

There are many tips to relieve this discomfort and help you regain your well-being.

Dr. Naturel's six tips:

Leg elevation

Raising your legs regularly is a simple trick to implement. Whether at home, by stretching your legs for a few minutes against a wall, or at the office, by elevating them with a cushion placed on a chair, for example, it's a quick and effective method. The aim? To encourage venous return, i.e. the flow of blood back to the heart, and thus reduce pressure in the leg veins, relieving discomfort and reducing swelling.

Cold water

Cold water can be used in two ways to relieve heavy legs.

Firstly, it's important to drink it. Good hydration helps eliminate toxins, which can reduce swelling and discomfort.

Secondly, cold water can also be applied directly to the legs. Finish your shower with a jet of cold water, starting at the feet and working up to the thighs, and you'll see! This grandmotherly remedy stimulates blood circulation.

Taking supplements that help circulation

Taking blood circulation supplements will help you feel lighter and more comfortable.

They contain ingredients that support circulation and help reduce the symptoms associated with the syndrome.

CELLU LITE

Comprising four natural plant extracts combined, such as Juniper, Horse Chestnut, Nettle and Scrofulaire, Cellu Lite is an exclusive formula that will reduce the appearance of cellulite and the sensation of heavy legs. It helps increase circulation and eliminate excessive water retention.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

Grape seeds offer a multitude of health benefits thanks to their nutrient- and antioxidant-rich composition.

Why take it? To optimize blood flow and return of blood to the upper limbs, as well as improving vascular health.

CARDIO TONIC

Hawthorn is traditionally used to improve heart health and heart rhythm disorders. But that's not all! By taking Tonique Cardio, you not only relieve your heart, but also your legs and reduce water retention.

GINGER

Known for its stimulating virtues and power over digestive disorders, ginger is also full of other secrets. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Perfect for those aching legs!

A few minutes' walk

Are you starting to feel a sensation of heaviness in your legs or pins and needles? It's time for a beneficial break!

Whether at work or at home, we sometimes forget to take breaks to stretch our legs. But it's essential! It helps to maintain optimum productivity and relieve accumulated tension in the body. Walking for a few minutes can help you revive blood circulation quickly, while avoiding aches and pains.

Tip +: It's also a good idea to take up a physical activity suited to your heavy-leg condition. Cycling, fitness, dancing and swimming are all highly recommended. Judo and tennis, on the other hand, should be avoided, as they could further disrupt your blood circulation.

Compression stockings

Don't be afraid! Compression stockings are no longer the ugly, flashy socks of our elders' day. Today, you can find beautiful compression stockings! Not only are they more modern, they're also much more comfortable to wear, and just as effective as ever for those suffering from heavy legs.

How do compression stockings work? They exert graduated pressure along the legs, with greater pressure at the ankle and decreasing pressure up the leg. This compression encourages venous return, i.e. the flow of blood from the lower limbs back to the heart.

By improving circulation, compression stockings also help to reduce fluid build-up in the tissues, thereby reducing swelling and edema in the legs and ankles.

A massage for relief

Why not soothe your legs with a massage? Using a vegetable oil such as argan oil or sweet almond oil, start your massage at the ankles and gradually work your way up to the knees and thighs. To stimulate circulation and relieve feelings of heaviness, we recommend gentle circular movements.

Dr. Naturel's tip: Add a drop ofpeppermint essential oil to your vegetable oil. It is beneficial for stimulating the body.

Did you know?

Cherry stalks reduce the sensation of heavy legs. They limit water retention and relieve symptoms of poor circulation. Rich in flavonoids and phenols, they prevent poor venous return by stimulating the vein walls and other small blood vessels.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to make your own herbal tea with cherry stems!