Varicose veins: how to treat and prevent

Published: 07/15/2012 - Updated: 05/26/2016

Currently, one in 10 women suffers from varicose veins in the legs, although there is a smaller percentage than might have this condition in other parts of the body. If you have varicose veins, you know that this dilation or widening of the veins generate discomfort and depending on the gravity, you can feel from itching, heaviness, burning and cramping pain, to progressive pain.

Through this site, we'll find some natural alternatives for treatment and prevention.

First, you should know that varicose veins are formed by a malfunction of the valves in the veins of the legs, so the blood from the heart stuck and makes them wider and useless. From this, we can infer that a good blood circulation in muscles and calves will prevent this problem.

Prevention

Exercise will make your legs look healthy and beautiful; movement will prevent clogged veins. It is recommended that you go up and down in stairs, jogging, swimming or walking. Set a daily routine. Good circulation is the key to prevent blood from stucking in the veins.

If you already have varicose veins, you should avoid strenuous exercise. It is best that before starting an exercise program, you talk with a doctor.

Who suffer from varicosis?

The varicosis is not a problem that appears one day, the lifestyle conditions it. It is common for people who spend a lot of time standing to suffer from this condition and start with some symptoms. The first few lines or tiny veins may appear, or swollen ankles.

Who are also more prone to varicose veins are people with obesity, 50% more than normal people, they even run the risk of postoperative thrombotic complications, because varicose veins can cause a buildup of blood in the veins and form a blood clot.

How to combat

If you already have varicose veins and have some discomfort, your feeding and daily activities are important.

First you must avoid eating red meat and animal fats, which leave a residue in the body. Instead you should prefer the polyunsaturated fat, which have the ability to lower blood viscosity, and favors the bloodstream. This fat is found in seeds such as sunflower, corn, soybeans, nuts and oily fish.

It is also important to increase fluid intake, since it removes toxins and improves blood circulation.

Red tea is another product that can help to eliminate fat and improve your circulation, like the dandelion. One cup a day can be very beneficial.

Another ally against the formation of varicose veins is potassium, which can be found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, yeast and legumes.

The fibers also contain very beneficial elements for a good blood circulation; they have the power to capture certain substances in the intestine preventing absorption, including cholesterol and fats.

What not to do

Finally, here are some other recommendations to prevent, or if you already have varicose veins, help to avoid getting worse.

If you have pronounced veins, do not wait until they become serious, you have to talk to a doctor, a specialist in vascular problems.

You should avoid excessive heat, such as hot showers.

Avoid sun exposure, if you do it a lot, can cause vasodilation and the appearance of varicose veins.

Avoid hot waxing; now there are alternatives to do a low-temperature waxing.

Hot springs with temperatures above 28 ° C or swimming in very cold water is not recommended as well.

Recommended

Elevate the legs

Elevate your legs above the level of your hips and rest them on a chair.

Change of position

Lift your legs and rest them on the wall. You can do this exercise throughout the day, this position for two minutes helps blood to flow from the veins to the heart.

Raise your bed

Use books, guides or some objects that do support under your mattress, at the level of your feet so you can keep your legs up while you sleep, only if you have heart or breathing problems is better to consult with your doctor before.

Do yoga

Yoga helps to relieve the discomfort of varicose veins. Try this simple exercise: lie on your back, raise your feet to a chair, and breathe slowly through your nose. This helps gravity remove the accumulated blood in the legs.

Massage

It is good to massage the affected area, keep your legs elevated while you give yourself a few gentle taps from the ankle to the trunk, don’t do it strongly because you can damage your veins.

About the author
  • S.M. Aiquipa

    She has a degree in Communication. She has complemented her work as a journalist with an in-depth study of dietetics and health. Sally has a solid background in journalism and great communication skills. She is able to explain in a clear, simple and understandable way complex nutritional concepts or high level scientific studies. Linkedin profile.