Isabel Viña, a doctor specializing in metabolism: "These dietary supplements can improve venous circulation."

With the arrival of summer, many people begin to notice uncomfortable symptoms such as heavy, swollen legs or a constant feeling of fatigue. The heat, less physical activity, and slower venous circulation make this discomfort a recurring problem for a large part of the population, especially during the hottest months of the year.

To alleviate this situation, Dr. Isabel Viña, a medical expert in supplementation, has offered some practical tips that combine a healthy lifestyle with the help of specific nutritional supplements. " Summer is coming and many people experience that feeling of tired or swollen legs, which is not at all pleasant ," explains Viña in an informative video aimed at the general public. To address this discomfort from a comprehensive perspective, the doctor reminds us that it is essential not to lose sight of the most basic: maintaining regular physical activity.

Walking, swimming, or doing simple exercises at home may be enough to promote venous return and improve the feeling of lightness in the lower extremities. In addition to moving frequently, another simple gesture that can help is keeping your legs elevated whenever possible. “ It's a good idea, as much as possible, to keep your legs elevated and even apply creams that promote venous return, ” he adds.

These recommendations, along with adequate hydration and comfortable clothing that does not hinder circulation, form the first line of defense against the symptoms caused by mild or moderate venous insufficiency.

But is changing habits alone enough? Isabel Viña believes it isn't always the case, and that's why she proposes a complementary solution: dietary supplements. " There are certain supplements that can help make this approach more comprehensive ," she says. According to the doctor, some natural ingredients have been shown to be useful in improving venous circulation and reducing associated discomfort. Among them, she mentions rutin, hesperidin, grape seed extract, and yellow sweet clover.

These active ingredients, present in many supplements available in pharmacies and parapharmacies, act by strengthening blood vessel walls, improving their elasticity, and reducing inflammation. “ All of them can contribute to lifestyle measures that give us an extra boost, make us feel better, and therefore better able to cope with the heat ,” Viña summarizes, focusing on a strategy that combines prevention, wellness, and natural relief.

Rutin, for example, is a flavonoid found in certain vegetables and fruits that has been studied for its ability to reduce capillary fragility. Hesperidin, another flavonoid widely used in circulation products, has antioxidant and vasoprotective properties. Grape seed extract, meanwhile, contains proanthocyanidins, compounds that promote vein health, while yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) has traditionally been used as a venous and lymphatic tonic.

Isabel Viña insists that, although supplements can be helpful, they should never replace a proper medical diagnosis. Each person should discuss with a professional what type of support is best for their individual situation. Furthermore, not all products have the same concentration of active ingredients, so it's important to choose those that are scientifically backed and well-formulated.

Various scientific studies have analyzed the potential of certain natural compounds to alleviate the symptoms of venous insufficiency. A trial published in the Journal of Vascular Research evaluated the efficacy of rutin, a flavonoid found in some fruits and vegetables, in people with mild venous insufficiency. The results revealed a notable improvement in the reduction of edema and the feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that hesperidin, another flavonoid common in citrus fruits, can optimize endothelial function, a key factor in vascular health, especially in overweight or obese people. The effect of grape seed extract, rich in antioxidants, on circulatory health has also been investigated. A scientific review published by McGill University includes various clinical trials that suggest its usefulness in patients with venous problems.