Varicose veins or enlarged veins are abnormally enlarged, swollen and flooded vessels and they often have a lumpy and sinuous appearance. They are considered to be one of the many diseases of the blood vessels.
They are often associated with itching, a rapid feeling of stabbing and dull pain.
Varicose veins are the result of malfunctioning valves within the veins. The heart forces the blood through the arteries under high pressure, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and then the blood from the tissue back to the heart through the veins.
Just like the arteries, veins are built in a similar way, but unlike arteries, they have small flaps inside in order to prevent the blood to get back into the arteries.
Prevention and treatment of varicose veins are not very difficult and there are several options that are suitable for almost any category of people.
Prevention of Varicose Veins
1. Use flats instead of heels.
Limit the use of high heels. Wear high heels only if there is no other option. You should stick to flat shoes because they don’t prevent the calf muscles to contract in the right way. Wearing high heels affects the proper functioning of calf muscles and lead to varicose veins.
2. Use support hose.
It is always a good idea to wear support hose in every situation. They can successfully prevent a situation in which blood is accumulated in certain parts of the venous system.
3. Take care of your diet and weight.
One thing that has a significant effect on the pressure in our veins is excessive weight. So, try to lose weight and take care of your dieting practices. Nutritionists recommend consumption of food that doesn’t contain much salt or sodium because this type of food supports water retention which ultimately leads to swellings.
4. Physical activity.
Look for a recommendation from your doctor about the physical activity that suits you. One of the best exercises that are good for almost all people is walking. Walking improves blood flow in the legs. There are few other activities that can help the prevention of this disease like swimming and biking.
5. Leg elevation.
In order to promote the health of your veins and to improve the blood flow, you should elevate the legs slightly above the level of your heart at least two or three times a day. You can use few pillows, place your legs on them and take a rest.
6. Changing positions.
Don’t stand or sit in the same position for a long period of time. Try to change your position every time you can. You should never stay in the same position for more than 30 minutes. This is the best way to improve blood circulation.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
1. Butcher’s broom.
Ruscus aculeatus or Butcher’s broom is actually a plant from the lily family. People also know this plant as box holly. This plant is packed with Rusco-genins, a substance that improves the work of collagen in the walls of blood vessels and stimulates blood flow. It is recommended taking it by mouth 150 to 450 mg per day.
You can buy Butcher’s broom here.
2. Reflexology.
Reflexology is a healing technique that is focused on the feet. With the help of reflexology, you can easily reduce and eliminate leg swellings.
3. Horse chestnut extract.
This is one of the most popular natural remedies for cases of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. The substance called aescin is the main reason for the efficiency of horse chestnut extract. Recommended dose is 500 to 600 mg per day.
You can buy it here.
4. Grape seed and pine bark extracts.
These extracts are rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes. These compounds act as antioxidants and have the ability to improve the work of the connective structure in blood vessels and ease the effects of inflammation.
Visit Amazon.com to buy grape seed and pine bark extracts. Take them 0.5 – 1.0 mg per pound of body weight in divided doses.
Via Wellness Bin
