The Relationship Between Varicose Veins and Nutrition

Diet plays a surprisingly large role in preventing your varicose veins from worsening over time.

Though genetics tend to be the deciding factor in whether or not a patient develops varicose veins, there are lifestyle choices that can alleviate or even help prevent those pesky, uncomfortable veins. For example, staying a healthy weight, resisting the urge to smoke, and leading an active lifestyle can all prevent or ease varicose veins.

Similarly, nutrition plays an essential role in promoting maximum circulation. Certain foods are known to keep veins healthy, while a poor diet may damage their ability to funnel nutrient-rich blood throughout our bodies.

Changing your diet alone won’t cure varicose veins; only minimally invasive surgical intervention can permanently rid you of the rope-like veins. Nevertheless, following some dietary guidelines can protect you against the onset of varicose veins or relieve their symptoms.

Foods to Eat — And to Avoid

A number of foods contain vein-boosting properties, while others have the opposite effect. Here are five tips to create a menu that supports vein vitality:

Pack Your Plate with Colorful Fruits and Vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables with distinctive pigments are termed “bioflavonoids.” Beyond their eye-catching colors, these antioxidant-laden fruits and vegetables lower inflammation and build up the connective tissue in the vein walls, allowing the blood to move freely. Citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, kidney beans, and grapes are just a few examples of bioflavonoids. When buying fruits and vegetables, always purchase them raw, not as a heavily processed product.

Eat More Fiber.

A high-fiber diet promotes proper digestion and weight maintenance. It also strengthens vascular health by preventing high cholesterol. Further, poor digestion may lead to constipation. Straining to pass a stool puts extra pressure on veins in the abdominal area, which could trigger varicose veins in the lower extremities. Some fiber-filled foods to try include whole grains, nuts, carrots, peas, plums, avocados, and figs.

Lower Sodium Consumption.

Too much salt leads to water retention. This excess fluid, in turn, exerts even more pressure on veins. Highly processed foods like soups, deli meats, prepared entrees, salad dressings, and fast food may contain huge amounts of “hidden” salt, so check the sodium content on the label before purchasing. Increase Water Intake. Proper hydration offers an array of benefits. As it pertains to vein health, water flushes out any excess fluids that could cause bloating, while also improving digestion. All in all, sipping water maintains a consistent blood flow throughout the body, which eases the symptoms and progression of varicose veins.

Add Potassium to Your diet.

A diet lacking in potassium increases the odds you’ll retain water, which, as discussed earlier, packs even more pressure on the veins. A variety of foods rich in potassium, such as almonds, salmon, chicken, lentils, tuna, and oranges, aid in keeping veins strong.

Let’s Discuss Your Vein Health

Diet is only one aspect of keeping your veins healthy. While the dietary tips listed here may hinder the development of varicose veins or mitigate their discomfort, the only proven way to cure varicose veins is through same-day procedures based on minimally invasive surgical techniques. The doctors at Desert Vein Institute in Las Vegas have years of experience in treating varicose veins and other venous disorders. Contact us today for a consultation.