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Varicose veins occur when the blood in your legs is not flowing properly back to your heart. This is called venous insufficiency, and there are several causes for this, including heredity, hormonal changes, obesity and lifestyle. At Miami Vein Center, we offer several effective treatments for removing varicose veins completely. However, there are some simple things you can do at home to help improve and prevent them. Healthy diet changes may help you lose weight, if necessary, to reduce the pressure on your veins and strengthen them. There are several diet changes that can improve your venous health.
Foods that contain rutin may strengthen your veins. Rutin is part of the flavonoid family. Plant pigments have several positive effects on the body, including reduction of the permeability and fragility of capillaries. Eating foods that are high in rutin can reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. Rutin is an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, protects blood vessels and protects against blood clots. Some foods that are high in rutin are:
• Cherries, red grapes, blueberries and blackberries
• Apples, especially the skin
• Apricots
• Buckwheat
Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menopause and birth control pills, may cause a woman to have a higher risk of developing varicose veins. While it is good to add food to the diet to reduce or prevent varicose veins, we also recommend that you avoid certain things that affect your hormones and may cause varicose veins. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that resembles estrogen. It is found in hard plastic that is used to make bottles and line cans. The label should say BPA-free, or that no BPA was used in this plastic. Otherwise, you can be sure it is present. Whenever possible, we recommend that you replace canned food with fresh, dry or frozen food.
Other foods that will lower the risk of developing varicose veins are:
• Watercress is considered a superfood by some and has been used as a remedy for illness for centuries. It is often recommended for people with varicose veins.
• Avocado contains several nutriments that fight varicose veins. It also contains glutathione, which protects the heart, veins and arteries.
• Rosemary contains a plant polyphenol rosmarinic acid that protects tissue from free, radical damage.
• Ginger dissolves fibrin and improves circulation.
• Beets contain betacyanin, a phytochemical compound that may significantly reduce the levels of chemicals that damage blood vessels.
• Asparagus helps strengthen capillaries and veins and helps stop them from rupturing.
Varicose veins occur when the vein becomes weak. The foods mentioned above may help veins stay strong, so they do not cease to function properly and become swollen and bulging. Obesity is one major cause of varicose veins, and with healthy diet changes and regular exercise, you can gradually stabilize at your correct weight, greatly reducing your risk of developing venous insufficiency.
During a consultation with our board certified doctor at Miami Vein Center in Miami, you can learn about customized diet changes for your lifestyle, including daily caloric needs and specific meal plans that will help you have smooth legs again. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.
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