Varicose Veins Diet Treatment: 10 Foods to Avoid

Varicose veins or spider veins (because of the shape of the veins around the affected area- the veins around the affected area occurs in clusters) are usually found near the outer layer of the skin, and you can actually see them. The size of varicose veins varies – they can be quite small or very large.

The exact cause of varicose veins is not known – even by doctors! However, what is known is that the valves that circulate blood through the spider veins do not work properly, causing blood to clot in areas of the veins.

Some studies suggest that spider veins may be veins that are weak naturally, and could be easily inherited. Some other causes of varicose veins include: standing for long periods of time, obesity, age-related (they may become more visible as people grow older), and during pregnancy. On rare occasions, spider veins can be a symptom of tumors in the pelvis. Hence, when you notice it, it is best to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

It is not possible to completely cure varicose veins, but it can be treated successfully. Treatment of varicose veins focuses on relieving the pain that comes with it and managing the many complications. One can use sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that injecting a saline solution into the vein. This procedure causes the vein to collapse, thereby allowing blood to flow to the non-varicose veins. Another method of treatment is the use of lightweight compression stockings to relieve the pain. You can also avoid sitting down with your legs crossed and avoid standing in one position for long periods. There are some extreme cases, where surgery is required to treat varicose veins. Additionally, regular exercise and losing weight can help treat varicose.

It is very important that you choose the kind of foods you eat carefully in order not aggravate the spider veins or put you at risk of developing them. Diet plays a major role in this regard, that is why I have listed below, ten foods that you should avoid if you are suffering from varicose veins.

REFINED FLOUR AND GRAINS

Fiber is very crucial in the vein wall formation and vital to the proper circulation of blood in the body. This is simply because fiber prevents constipation and formation of blood clot. Normally, grains (that are not refined) are believed to be good for varicose. However, refined grains have most of their fiber content removed. Foods like refined pasta, white rice, and other food made with white should be avoided.

SUGAR

Processed grains behave exactly like sugar in the bloodstream. There is no surprise, therefore, why refined sugar is listed as one of the foods to avoid. High intake of refined sugar does not only lead to obesity (which is one cause of varicose veins) but can as well result in other health complications. Refined sugar is also low in fiber which can lead to constipation.

HIGH-SODIUM FOODS

Intake of excess sodium can lead to more retention of water in the body. This is because the body retains more water so it can lower the sodium content in the cells, which eventually increases the quantity of blood that flows through the veins. The effect of this is that pressure is added to the veins and valves, weakening the walls of the vein and contributes to the formation of varicose veins.

ALCOHOL

Excess intake of alcohol can lead to the release of high levels of insulin just as foods high in carbohydrate and high- sugar foods. Excess alcohol consumption can also lead to venous disorder. When the insulin level in the body is high, the body is no longer unable to get rid of sodium, causing an increase of water in the body. Alcohol can also affect the way the body circulates blood because it attacks the ability of the liver to properly remove toxins and wastes in the blood. This causes the blood to be thicker than normal and become more viscous, weakening the leg veins even more.

SALTED FOODS

Salted foods or foods containing too much salt can make varicose veins worse.

GREEN VEGETABLES

Vitamin K is known to clot blood. However, when there is too much of vitamin K in the body, it makes the blood thick and makes blood circulation to the leg and other parts of the body difficult. Some of these green vegetables you should avoid include kale, spinach, collard greens, and cauliflowers.

Since obesity is one of the leading causes of varicose veins, the following foods should be avoided if you want to lose weight and prevent varicose veins:

SOY SAUCE

To ensure you a healthy vascular system, it is very crucial to maintain potassium levels high and sodium levels low. Therefore, to avoid high sodium levels, you must limit Soy Sauce intake or completely eliminate it from your diet.

WHOLE MILK

Gaining weights can as well also result in increased pressure on the lower legs veins and therefore increase the risk of varicose veins. You have to avoid packing on the pounds, fill your plate with nutritious, colorful foods and keep a reasonable daily calorie count. To avoid or prevent weight gain you have to stay clear of Whole milk foods.

Others include:

TROPICAL FRUITS

FRUIT JUICE

Source by Moshe Nechushtan