5 Important Dietary Changes For Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, lumpy, enlarged or twisty, bluish or dark purplish colored veins which generally appear on the legs and on the thighs. Even though varicose veins appear most often on the legs, they can develop anywhere on the body. Improper blood flow from the superficial veins to the deep veins can cause blood to pool or collect in the superficial veins. This in turn can cause superficial veins to become abnormally enlarged and they in turn develop into varicose veins.

The natural ageing process, obesity, pregnancy and genetics are some of the known factors which can increase an individual’s risk of suffering from varicose veins. Besides conventional medicine, there are several self help measures which includes exercise, dietary remedies and alternative treatment options to reduce the discomfort and swelling due to varicose veins. In this article we will examine some important dietary changes which can help to get rid of unsightly varicose veins.

Dietary Changes For Varicose Veins

Eat More Fiber

Varicose veins typically appear on the thighs and on the legs, although they can develop on other parts of the body including the rectum. Severe constipation can put undue pressure on the veins in the rectum. Excessive pressure on the rectal veins can in the long run damage these veins and increase an individual’s risk of suffering from painful hemorrhoids.

The best option to get rid of varicose veins in the rectum, due to severe constipation, is to have a high fiber diet. Increasing the fiber content in your diet can ease the problem of constipation and help to get rid of knotty bluish, black varicose veins in the rectum. So, eat plenty of high fiber foods, like brown rice, whole wheat flour, vegetables and fruits.

Increase Intake of Rutin Rich Foods

Rutin, a normal bioflavonoid found in certain foods, plays a vital role in maintaining normal capillary strength. Detailed medical research has shown that consuming foods rich in rutin can help to relieve swelling, pain and / or the aching sensation due to varicose veins.

This plant derived flavonoid has the potential to prevent the formation of new varicose veins by reducing the fragility and the permeability of capillaries. Furthermore, rutin has excellent antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and vaso-protective properties as well. Apples, buckwheat and asparagus contain appreciable amounts of this bioflavonoid.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

The link between alcohol consumption and varicose veins is often overlooked. Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages can increase an individual’s risk of suffering from varicose veins.Drinking alcoholic beverages can increase the flow of blood to the legs and the feet. This in turn can put undue pressure on the venous valves. In the long run, excessive blood flow can damage the venous valves on the lower limbs and lead to the formation of painful varicose veins.

Increase Consumption of Vitamin C Rich Foods

People who suffer from painful varicose veins should increase their consumption of Vitamin C rich foods. Eating vitamin c rich foods can help to strengthen the walls of arteries, veins and even small capillaries. Furthermore, vitamin C also strengthens the collagen structure of the veins aiding in better blood flow and reducing incidence of broken veins. Broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits and berries are all rich dietary sources of Vitamin C.

Increase Intake of Bromelain Rich Foods

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapples. This naturally occurring enzyme has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Bromelain can also lessen the formation of protein like fibrous deposits which develop on varicose veins.These fibrous deposits can make veins appear lumpy in the long run. So, make it a point to consume plenty of pineapple slices and pineapple juices to heal varicose veins.

Lakshmi Unny Nair:
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