5 Diet Tips for Varicose Veins
It’s no secret, choosing the right food can have enormous health benefits.
Varicose veins are no exception.
Ultimately, varicose veins are likely to need surgery. However, a few simple tips can be helpful in preventing their formation if you know they run in the family and/or limiting them getting worse if they’ve already started to appear.
1: Don’t Overeat
Excess weight is known to increase the risk of varicose veins.
If you are carrying extra weight, then the first and most important piece of advice is to lose weight.
Don’t be tempted to ‘crash diet’ or ‘yoyo’ – a sensible diet which includes protein, veg and fruit is the best way to start. The NHS says:
An important part of a healthy diet is eating the right amount of calories, so that you balance the energy you put into your body with the energy you use.
As a guide, men need around 2,500 kcal (10,500 kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight, and women need around 2,000 kcal a day (8,400 kJ).
2: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed for the manufacturing of collagen and elastin, two important connective tissues that help keep veins strong and toned. Vitamin C is also known to increase circulation. Therefore aim to include plenty of foods rich in vitamin C in your daily diet. This means fresh fruit and vegetables, which make good healthy snacks as well as forming part of your main meals.
3: Fibre
Fibre helps to keep the system ‘regular’ and prevent constipation. Constipation can put pressure on the veins which over time, can contribute to the development of varicose veins. Choose a fibre rich diet wtih pulses, veg, oats and fruit.
4: Water
Alongside fibre intake, be sure to drink enough water to keep well hydrated.
It is also advisable to shy away from alcohol, coffee, and tea as these substances have a dehydrating effect on the body.
5: Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are a group of compounds that occur naturally in fruit and vegetables, providing their vibrant colours. Some studies have found a link between a high, long-term intake of flavonoids and improvements in the appearance of varicose veins as they are believed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and to prevent free radical stress inside the vessels.
Rutin is one of the flavonoids that has been studied. Evidence suggests that it may help relieve swelling, aching and pain associated with varicose veins. Rutin can be found in foods including buckwheat, apples, asparagus, figs and elderflower tea.
Varicose Vein Treatment
If the varicose veins have developed and are causing cosmetic embarrassment or physical discomfort, then dietary changes are likely to be of limited value.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer private EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon. They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
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