Maintaining a healthy metabolism

I will be in Washington, D.C., early next month, chairing and speaking at a session during the American Vein & Lymphatic Society’s 39th Annual Congress. The popular session will focus on inflammation’s role in varicose veins and lymphoedema.

Research increasingly shows inflammation plays a role in many chronic diseases, so more physicians are taking interest. Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are all about inflammation.

At the heart of the discussion will be metabolic health — how our cells function and process energy from food. Metabolic dysfunction can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and “inflammatory cholesterol.”

Cholesterol is a fat the body needs, but fat and water don’t mix, so cholesterol must be delivered by special proteins. These proteins can be “light and fluffy,” floating through the bloodstream, or heavy, banging against vessel walls and causing damage. They largely determine whether cholesterol is “inflammatory.”

One of the best ways to reduce inflammation and improve metabolism is to maintain strong muscles, particularly the calves, hamstrings and glutes. These large muscle groups help move blood through your venous system, prevent toxin buildup, reduce inflammation and support metabolic health.

However, if you have varicose veins and are experiencing any of these symptoms, further treatment may be needed:

• leg pain or swelling
• heaviness or fatigue
• itching, tingling or burning
• inflammation
• skin discoloration
• restless legs syndrome.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the UIP 2023 lead chair for scientific abstracts. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care and Elite Vascular Wellness, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center is at 7200 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140 or visit YourHealthyVeins.com.