Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. That's because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.

For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more-serious problems.

Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of other circulatory problems. Treatment may involve self-care measures or procedures by your doctor to close or remove veins.

Symptoms

Varicose veins may not cause any pain. Signs you may have with varicose veins include:

·         Veins that are dark purple or blue in color

·         Veins that appear twisted and bulging; often like cords on your legs

When painful signs and symptoms occur, they may include:

·         An achy or heavy feeling in your legs

·         Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs

·         Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time

·         Itching around one or more of your veins

·         Bleeding from varicose veins

·         A painful cord in the vein with red discoloration of the skin

·         Color changes, hardening of the vein, inflammation of the skin or skin ulcers near your ankle, which can mean you have a serious form of vascular disease that requires medical attention

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they're smaller. Spider veins are found closer to the skin's surface and are often red or blue.

They occur on the legs, but can also be found on the face. Spider veins vary in size and often look like a spider's web.

When to see a doctor

Self-care — such as exercise, elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings — can help you ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them from getting worse. But if you're concerned about how your veins look and feel and self-care measures haven't stopped your condition from getting worse, see your doctor.

Causes

Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues. Veins return blood from the rest of your body to your heart, so the blood can be recirculated. To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity.

Muscle contractions in your lower legs act as pumps, and elastic vein walls help blood return to your heart. Tiny valves in your veins open as blood flows toward your heart then close to stop blood from flowing backward.

Causes of varicose veins can include:

·         Age. As you get older, your veins can lose elasticity, causing them to stretch. The valves in your veins may become weak, allowing blood that should be moving toward your heart to flow backward.

Blood pools in your veins, and your veins enlarge and become varicose. The veins appear blue because they contain deoxygenated blood, which is in the process of being recirculated through the lungs.

·         Pregnancy. Some pregnant women develop varicose veins. Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in your body, but decreases the flow of blood from your legs to your pelvis. This circulatory change is designed to support the growing fetus, but it can produce an unfortunate side effect — enlarged veins in your legs.

Varicose veins may surface for the first time or may worsen during late pregnancy, when your uterus exerts greater pressure on the veins in your legs. Changes in your hormones during pregnancy also may play a role. Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally improve without medical treatment three to 12 months after delivery.

Risk factors

These factors increase your risk of developing varicose veins:

·         Age. The risk of varicose veins increases with age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins that help regulate blood flow. Eventually, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into your veins where it collects instead of flowing up to your heart.

·         Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstruation or menopause may be a factor because female hormones tend to relax vein walls. Taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills may increase your risk of varicose veins.

·         Family history. If other family members had varicose veins, there's a greater chance you will too.

·         Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins.

·         Standing or sitting for long periods of time. Your blood doesn't flow as well if you're in the same position for long periods.

Complications

Complications of varicose veins, although rare, can include:

·         Ulcers. Extremely painful ulcers may form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles. Ulcers are caused by long-term fluid buildup in these tissues, caused by increased pressure of blood within affected veins.

A discolored spot on the skin usually begins before an ulcer forms. See your doctor immediately if you suspect you've developed an ulcer.

·         Blood clots. Occasionally, veins deep within the legs become enlarged. In such cases, the affected leg may swell considerably. Any sudden leg swelling warrants urgent medical attention because it may indicate a blood clot — a condition known medically as thrombophlebitis.

·         Bleeding. Occasionally, veins very close to the skin may burst. This usually causes only minor bleeding. But, any bleeding warrants medical attention because there's a high risk it can happen again.

Prevention

There's no way to completely prevent varicose veins. But improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones. The same measures you can take to treat the discomfort from varicose veins at home can help prevent varicose veins, including:

·         Exercising

·         Watching your weight

·         Eating a high-fiber, low-salt diet

·         Avoiding high heels and tight hosiery

·         Elevating your legs

·         Changing your sitting or standing position regularly

Diet for varicose veins

1. Restrict Calories Consumed:

A high energy intake is associated with an increased risk of varicose veins because it can contribute to the development of obesity and excess body weight. Many people have experienced a dramatic improvement in the appearance of varicose veins by losing as little as 10% of body weight. To lose weight, you will have to create a calorie deficit, either by reducing calorie intake from foods so that your body must draw on reserves for energy (such as fat stored within your body) or by increasing physical activity.

Weight loss is a key aspect of the anti-varicose vein diet.
To lose 1 pound per week, you need to create a deficit of 3,500 calories per week. This can be done by reducing a daily caloric intake by 500 calories per day (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories)

In  addition to restricting the amount of calories consumed, overweight people with varicose veins should pay attention to the timing of the daily caloric intake. It is generally recommended to spread the calories throughout the day by having 5-6 small meals. This will keep the metabolism humming and reduce cravings for sweets and starches, thus promoting weight loss.

 The breakfast should be the biggest meal of the day as a big breakfast will rev up your metabolism and you will burn more calories throughout the day.

2. Eat Plenty of Foods Rich in Vitamin C :

If you have varicose veins, one of the best diet tips you can follow is to include plenty of foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E in your daily diet. 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, it is no surprise that a deficiency of vitamin C has been associated with varicose veins. The positive effects of vitamin C on blood vessels are believed to be more pronounced when vitamin C is consumed together with vitamin E.

3. Eat Plenty of Fiber Rich Foods :

Dietary fiber is the part of plant foods that the enzymes in your body cannot digest. It is therefore not absorbed into the bloodstream and cannot be used for energy. Dietary fiber can be classified into two main categories: soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with water while insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, passes the intestines largely intact. Due to its ability to make stool bulkier and softer, soluble fiber can prevent constipation. Constipation increases pressure on the veins which can, over time, contribute to the development of varicose veins. Excellent sources of soluble fiber include oats, flaxseed, peas, beans, apples, carrots, barley, berries, and psyllium.

4.  Drink Enough Water:

If you eat a lot of fiber rich foods in order to avoid constipation and varicose veins, be sure to drink enough water or otherwise fiber can have the opposite effect and precipitate constipation, which in turn can increase pressure on the veins. It is also advisable to shy away from alcohol, coffee, and tea as these substances have a dehydrating effect on the body.

5.  Eat Foods That Contain Bioflavonoid:

Bioflavonoids (or simply flavonoids) are a group of compounds that occur naturally in plants. These compounds give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colours and protect them from microbes and insects. A large body of evidence suggests that the properties of bioflavonoid not only protect plants, but also humans. Some studies have found a link between a high, long-term intake of flavonoids and improvements in the appearance of varicose veins. The beneficial effects of flavonoids are believed to result from their ability to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and to prevent free radical stress inside the vessels.

Rutin is one of the flavonoids that have been researched extensively as a potential dietary remedy for varicose veins. Evidence suggests that this powerful bioflavonoid, abundant in buckwheat groats, may help relieve swelling, aching, and pain associated with varicose veins. In addition to buckwheat, there are a handful of other foods that contain rutin in significant amounts.

Natural diuretics: 

 Your body retains water to compensate excess sodium or deficient potassium consumption and the volume of blood circulating in the body is impacted. This fluid increase creates extra pressure on the veins and their valves, contributing to their weakness and increasing the chances of developing varicose. Doctors sometimes use water pills to help reduce water retention or swelling and increase urination. However diuretics have several unwanted side effects and are not suitable for daily consumption. However, you can achieve the same effect by consuming fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil, fennel, dandelion greens, cucumber, asparagus, oats, Brussel sprouts, and celery.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV): 

ACV is said to provide numerous benefits to the body. It potentially improves circulation and is an effective anti-inflammatory. You can either drink ACV or combine it with witch hazel  and apply it on your varicose veins to potentially alleviate swelling and improve skin appearance.

Foods for Moderate Consumption

If you consume moderate amounts of ginger, garlic and onions on a daily basis, you will help your body to break down a substance called fibrin that tends to surround varicose veins and cause blood clots.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in soybeans, walnuts, raisins, canola oil, chia seeds, and flaxseeds really make a difference when it comes to blood flow and circulation. It improves both the tone and elasticity of the vessels.

Make sure to include fish in your diet. Choices like wild salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and tuna are important sources of omega 3.

Foods to Avoid

Maintaining a proper balance between sodium and potassium is as easy as choosing the right foods. To avoid high sodium levels, limit these food selections or eliminate them from your diet entirely:

• Pretzels and potato chips
• Canned soups, chili and vegetables
• Frozen dinners
• Processed meat
• Salad dressing
• Soy sauce

Foods To Enjoy 

Foods that are high in potassium should be enjoyed as often as possible, to maintain healthy potassium levels and minimize water retention. Some potassium-rich foods include:

• Potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Beans and nuts
• Bananas, dates and avocados
• Fish and meat