How to Protect Your Legs from the Heat in Summer

In summer, with the arrival of the Great Heat, legs suffer: a problem that affects 20 million Italians, the vast majority of whom are women. They often resort to medications and supplements. A waste of money, as legs can be protected from the heat with small but effective natural remedies. For example: elevate them to aid venous return, take showers with cool, not hot, water, and walk even just half an hour a day. And don't choose clothes and garments that are too tight, but only comfortable, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics. When nutrition can help, salt reduction, and from the increase, with the heat, of fruit and vegetables.

Index of topics

Why do legs swell in summer?

Le legs In summer, they tend to rise and swell because the high temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which then attempt to disperse heat and cool the body. But the fluids that have accumulated in the tissues (the phenomenon is called edema) produce swelling which, due to the law of gravity, is more accentuated in the feet, ankles, and lower legs.

Symptoms

The problem of legs that seem to rise due to the heat presents itself with some very specific symptoms, including:

Heaviness
Swelling
Excessive heat
itch

Cause

In addition to the exponentially rising temperatures, there are also other causes that lead to leg swelling in summer:

Poor hydration
Advanced age which could cause circulation problems, already existing before the arrival of the heat, in older people
Overweight and obesity
Reduced mobility
Some diseases that can promote fluid retention, such as heart failure, kidney failure and liver problems
The state of pregnancy

Natural remedies

Especially in the case of modest edema and in the absence of particular pathological conditions, it becomes useless to waste money with the usual supplements or with specific drugs for circulation (which, by the way, should only be taken after consulting a doctor).

It's best to start with some natural remedies, which concern summer lifestyles:

Drink at least two liters of water per day (remembering that fruit also contains water).
Favor a diet based on fruit and vegetables.
Reduce Table salt consumption: no more than 5 grams (the equivalent of a level teaspoon) per day.
Do physical activity every day, 15 to 30 minutes. Even a simple walk during the day at times when temperatures aren't scorching.
Shower your legs and feet even two or three times a day (if you are not in areas where there is a chronic lack of water), with cold water.
Massage at least once a day the part of the body that starts from the ankles and goes up towards the thighs, using a natural cream or gel suitable for this operation.
Try to keep your legs in the air for some time, especially between 11am and 17pm, when the sun is hottest and most intense.
Instead, don't overlap legs too long.
If you use any cream, Choose a moisturizing, natural, and lightweight one. It will help avoid dryness and irritation.

The right clothing to protect your legs from the heat

Sometimes legs, especially in summer, tend to swell because the clothing you choose is counterproductive to their tone. Yet, it's enough to make a few choices, like these:

Lightweight, breathable clothingWear loose-fitting trousers made of linen, cotton, or viscose, or loose-fitting skirts and dresses. Avoid synthetic fabrics.
Light colors: they reflect sunlight better and keep your legs cooler.
Avoid tight trousers: they hinder circulation and increase the sensation of heat.

Medicinal plants

Some medicinal plants are particularly suitable for protecting the legs from the heat

Centella asiatica
Horse chestnut
Birch
Dandelion
Red grapevine
butcher's broom
Hawkweed

Medicinal plants to protect the legs from the heat are taken in the form of herbal teas, infusions, decoctions, mother tinctures, or even with natural creams that contain them.

How to protect your legs from the heat