Varicose Veins

Varicose veins happen to us because of dietary deficiencies as well as the aging process. As we age, the veins in our legs start to weaken losing strength and elasticity. This stretching and weakening of the veins results in the pooling of blood in the lower legs and ankles and this can lead to the development of varicose veins, leg heaviness and pain.

Varicose veins can affect our mental well being just as much as our physical health forcing us to take steps to hide our legs from the view of others. However, if you happen to be worried about the formation of varicose veins and the effects that it might have on your health and appearance, take heart. Merely making some small changes in your diet can actually dramatically limit the appearance of these veins and put you at ease when it comes time to show off your smooth and attractive legs.

Things you can eat to help with varicose veins:

Fiber rich foods: Foods that are high in fiber can help ease the appearance of varicose and spider veins. Getting 30 grams of fiber a day from whole grain foods can make a huge difference.  Seeds, nuts, raisins, figs and dates are also great examples of fiber rich foods.

Fresh fruits: berries, cherries, and citrus fruits all contain high amounts of Vitamin C and bioflavanoids and can help with keeping your veins elastic.

Steamed vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, carrots, turnips and cauliflower are all great example of vegetables that are high in fiber and can help keep those varicose veins at bay.

Ginger, garlic, and onion can assist is breaking down the fibrin that surrounds the varicose veins. If you do not add these to your diet, your varicose veins could keep multiplying.

Whole grains help take the pressure off of varicose veins and prevent constipation. Buckwheat, millet, oats, barley, beans, peas, lentils, baked potato along with the skin; brown rice and whole wheat are all great examples of whole grains that are good to eat.

Foods that are rich in flavonoids such as yams, onions, grapes and berries also help keep varicose veins at bay.

Fish, especially those rich in fatty oils can also help keep your veins strong and flexible.

Foods not to eat:

Starchy foods can cause constipation and put more pressure on your legs veins. Stay away from white bread, peeled potatoes and other foods high in starch.

Other foods that can cause constipation, sluggish circulation, leg pain and cramps should also be avoided. These include all condiments, salty foods, alcohol, fried foods, processed and refined foods, white flour products, white sugar, products made from white sugar, cheese and ice cream

You should also limit your consumption of alcohol, coffee and strong tea.

Red meat is also something that you might want to cut down on since fatty animal protein can worsen the symptoms of varicose veins.

Other things that can help you:

There are  several different creams and lotions are there that contain  safe but powerful herbs and essential oils that can help stimulate sluggish circulation in the legs and pump blood back to the heart increasing energy in the legs and easing the pain and discomfort.  Look for creams and lotions that contain calendula, horse chestnut or gingko biloba. These herbs are great for enhancing circulation, reducing pain and swelling and regenerating weakened veins.