What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins refer to the enlargement or thickening of the veins, which are the vessels that carry impure blood back to the heart. These veins have valves that regulate the flow of the blood going to the heart. However, there are instances when the intravenous pressure increases, leading to the enlargement of the veins.
Varicose veins can actually appear at any part of the body but it largely occurs in women and in highly developed societies. Aside from being unsightly, this condition is also considered as dangerous. There is the tendency that a blood clot located inside the vein could breakaway and move to other vital organs in the body such as the heart and lungs. When this happens, serious complications could occur. Hence, varicose veins should not be left untreated.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Generally, the cause of the development of varicose veins is the sluggish blood circulation in the body. The underlying causes of such condition are the following:
- Lack of exercise
- Errors in the diet
- Standing for hours
- Tight clothing
Diagnosis, Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The following are some symptoms that you will most likely see and feel if you are suffering from varicose veins:
- Swelling. This usually happens on the course of the affected veins.
- Muscular cramps
- Tired feeling behind the knees
- Purplish veins
Treatment, Remedies and Cure for Varicose Veins
Treating varicose veins means getting rid of the factors that lead to a sluggish blood circulation. One of the most effective ways to do this is by living a healthy lifestyle and changing the diet.
Helpful Lifestyle Suggestions
- Take a hot Epsom salt bath twice a week.
- If you are traveling like riding on a plane or train, try to get up every 30 minutes and walk.
- If you are driving your car or together with family, try to make some stops to allow you to get out of the car and stretch your legs.
- Whenever you are watching TV or are reading, it is highly recommended for you to elevate your legs by resting them on a stool or chair.
- Be mobile. Try to walk or swim. These could help in pushing the blood upwards.
- When you sleep, try to raise your feet above the heart’s level. This could help in getting the blood to flow away from the ankles.
- You could also try elevating bedposts at the foot of the bed, by placing about 6 inches of blocks under them.
- If you are confined in bed, then try to move your feet and legs so as to keep the circulation of the blood.
- Avoid using round garters as they could cut off the circulation, increasing the pressure in the veins.
- Avoid using elastic girdles since they could hamper the blood’s return flow.
- Sun bathing could be very beneficial to your overall health.
- Deep breathing is highly recommended for those with varicose veins.
- Pregnant women are advised to lie down during the day to ease pressure from the legs. Lying down occasionally will suffice. No need to lie down all day.
Diet for Varicose Veins
- It is highly recommended that the patient undergo a juice fast in order to get rid of the toxicity in the body.
- An all-fruit diet is also highly recommended. 7 to 10 days of eating nothing but fruits could greatly benefit your body.
- Take orange and lemon for breakfast. Lunch can be made up of vegetables or raw salad. Dinner should also consist of steamed vegetables like carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and turnips.
- Do not include starchy foods in your diet. Bread should have to be avoided too. These foods will just render your diet ineffective.
- Remember to eat a well-balanced diet. Vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains should be given emphasis.
- Avoid coffee, tea and other strong drinks that contain a lot of caffeine.
- White sugar products must be avoided too.
- Carrot and spinach juice is considered as very beneficial in treating varicose veins. You can mix 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice. This could give you a 500 ml healthy juice drink.
Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs for Varicose Veins
- Vitamin C (3,000 mg) and Vitamin E (600-1,200iu daily). These vitamins are found to be very effective in treating varicose veins. These vitamins help in relieving the pain and the cramps brought about by the condition.
- Horse Chestnut. This is the most widely-used and popular herb for varicose veins. Seed extracts of horse chestnut is effective in fighting inflammation. It also protects the veins.
- Gotu kola. This is an effective herb that decreases swelling and hastens wound healing.