Varicose veins are those which have become rather large and twisted, typically located in a patients legs. Varicose veins do not allow the proper flow of blood. Veins have leaflets that allow the flow of blood, but when they become varicose, the blood begins to flow backwards causing an enlargement of the vein. These veins can become quite painful and cause swelling, itching and even become severe ulcers on the skin.
Some signs and symptoms to look far include aching and heavy legs, swelling in the ankles, brown or yellow skin, dry and itchy skin and cramping after sudden movements. Minor injuries may lead to excessive bleeding and take an excessive amount of time to heal. Additional complications can arise if a patient has severe varicose. Some of these complications include pain, tenderness and inability to stand for long period of time. Skin conditions, skin ulcers, carcinoma or sarcoma can occur. Blood clotting and severe bleeding are serious concerns with the affected veins.
There are foods that can be eaten to help prevent the onset of varicose veins and spider veins. It is recommended that those that already have this conditions eat these foods to help keep the symptoms as minimal as possible. Below are five foods that can help prevent varicose veins.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are high in vitamin C and boost blood flow because they contain anthocyanins. These antioxidants strengthen the blood vessels, which reduce the varicose veins. Blueberries also have rutin which is a strengthening agent as well as a promoter of the entire vascular system. Rutin is a bioflavonoid known for relieving the aches, pains, and swelling of varicose veins. Bioflavonoids also reduce blood clotting concerns. Blueberries are also an excellent source of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber as well as vitamin E.
2. Avocado
Natural remedies for vascular health are notoriously linked with Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Avocados are loaded with both of these vitamins. Vitamin E protects the cells in your body from damage and provide you with energy. Vitamin C maintains your blood vessels and skin. Avocados also have excellent molecules, called glutathione, that protect your veins against oxidation damage. Glutathione is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals. Free radicals can damage your body, which is why antioxidants like glutathione are so important.
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Natural remedies for vascular health are notoriously linked with Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Avocados are loaded with both of these vitamins. Vitamin E protects the cells in your body from damage and provide you with energy. Vitamin C maintains your blood vessels and skin. Avocados also have excellent molecules, called glutathione, that protect your veins against oxidation damage. Glutathione is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals. Free radicals can damage your body, which is why antioxidants like glutathione are so important.
3. Ginger
Ginger is an effective circulation booster because of its ability to dissolve fibrin. Fibrin is a protein that causes blood clotting. Patients with varicose veins typically cannot breakdown a protein like fibrin causing the veins to become enlarged. Therefore, once a patient can breakdown this protein the less visible varicose veins will be.
Ginger also helps improve your overall blood pressure level which minimizes the effects put on your veins and the thinning process of your blood. The thinner blood you have the easier your heart has to work.
4. Grapes
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Grape seed extract has been used all over the world for varicose veins. The extract contains powerful antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which make the veins more elastic and less likely to leak causing leg swelling on patients. This antioxidant is great at fighting off damage by free radicals to the veins and strengthening what is already there.
5. Asparagus
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Asparagus is another strengthening agent that helps to prevent varicose veins from rupturing or becoming anymore enlarged. It is rich with Vitamin C to help improve the circulation of blood and strengthen the walls of all of your veins. It is also rich in Vitamin E to help improve the overall physical wellbeing of patients through reducing the pain and swelling of varicose veins.
There are other all natural foods that a patient may eat, but these are the top five foods found to be the most effective. Miami Beach Vein Institute treats varicose veins in a variety of manners. It is best to maintain a healthy diet, eat all natural foods such as those outlined above that will limit your exposure to varicose veins, and treat them according to a professional.
Article in collaboration with Luke Peters