Varicose veins usually look blush in color, twisted, and bulge above the surface of the skin. They may not always be visible and for some people but can be painful or cause discomfort.
Varicose veins are more commonly found in the legs due to standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.
They are the result of tiny valves that weaken or become damaged when the leg veins cannot return the blood back to the heart to be recirculated.
To do this, the veins in your legs must work against gravity. Although varicose veins are not considered a serious medical condition, they can lead to more serious problems.
Read Also: Common Myths About Varicose Veins
Varicose veins risk factors
- Inherited
- Age
- Inactive
- Obesity
- Female
- Leg injury.
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement.
A healthy nutritious diet is vital to your overall health and can promote a strong venous system. This is especially important for anyone who lives with varicose veins.
Healthy eating habits play an important role in how well the blood circulates throughout the body.
Knowing the best and worst foods for varicose veins will give you the advantage of building strong veins.
If you are already going through varicose veins treatment, changing your eating habits will have a positive effect on your well-being.
Best Foods for Varicose Veins
Foods that are good for varicose veins include a low carb, low-calorie diet that is high in fiber and full of colorful vegetables and fruits.
- Avocados. These include vitamin C for inflammation and vitamin E as a natural blood thinner to help prevent clots. They also help protect veins against oxidant damage.
- Blackberries. They are filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories that can protect blood vessels against blood clots and can strengthen the capillaries to decrease the risk for new varicose veins.
- Beets. They are full of chemicals that support vein health by opening the blood vessels and letting more oxygen flow through. They can also lower your blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
- Ginger. This is a natural remedy to vein disease. It increases blood circulation and breaks down fibrin in the blood vessels which prevents the veins from hardening.
- Chia seeds and flaxseeds. These are high in fiber and help to prevent bloating which will ease pressure in the lower body.
Also, drinking at least half a gallon of water daily to avoid dehydration is just as important as eating healthy because it will keep the blood pumping.
Worst Foods for Varicose Veins
Maintaining a healthy diet also means knowing what foods to avoid that are harmful to the veins.
A good rule is to stay away from foods that are sugary, salty, and high in refined carbohydrates, especially if you are required to do varicose veins treatment.
- Fried foods. These can clog your arteries making it harder for the blood to flow through them.
- Milk and cheese can slow down the digestive system and cause constipation which enables the veins to swell.
- Processed meats. These are usually high in sodium and cause water retention which makes the blood thicker and harder to pump.
- White bread. The process to make white bread is to strip away the nutrients that promote strong veins.
- Alcohol. This dehydrates you and can make the venous system sluggish.
Eating a healthy diet is essential to improving blood circulation to help prevent or slow the development of varicose veins. Therefore, healthy eating can reduce their symptoms.
Self-care through diet and exercise is not only beneficial to varicose veins but also to your overall health.
Symptoms indicating you might have varicose veins
- A heaviness and aching in your legs
- Burning, swelling, cramping, and throbbing in your lower leg.
- Itchy feeling around one or more of your veins.
- Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Discoloration in the skin.
To diagnose varicose veins, the doctor will perform a physical exam and possibly an ultrasound to check the function of the valves.
Read Also: Varicose Vein Specialists: How Do I Choose?
Varicose Vein Treatments in Lafayette, LA
If you are looking for a doctor in the Lafayette, La area, for varicose vein treatments call CT Cardio today at 337-234-3163.
Dr. Corwin A. Thomas is a top-rated cardiologist who performs varicose veins treatment for patients in need, and much more.
You can schedule an appointment or view all the various services CT Cardio offers. Let Dr. Thomas and his experienced staff help you to stay young at heart.
Resources:
Foods to Avoid if you Suffer from Varicose Veins
Foods You Should and Shouldn’t Eat if You Have Varicose Veins
Recent Comments