Do your legs feel heavy, swollen, or plagued by cramps at the end of the day? It’s easy to dismiss these as minor annoyances, but your body is sending you critical signals that something is wrong with your blood flow. The real problem, however, is often much deeper than you think. There are seven hidden reasons behind these symptoms, and one of them is a silent enemy lurking in your own kitchen—something you might be consuming every single day without realizing its devastating impact.

This common culprit is so pervasive that you wouldn’t even suspect it’s weakening the very foundation of your veins. You see, those foundations are built from collagen, a protein that requires a specific, essential nutrient to form correctly. Without it, you’re trying to build a house without cement. This article will walk you through the seven key saboteurs of your leg circulation, from nutritional deficiencies to simple habits you’ve overlooked. By understanding these factors, you can take back control and restore lightness and vitality to your legs. (Based on the expertise of Dr. Iñigo Martín)