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Varicose
Veins
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Varicose veins develop when blood pools in veins. It occurs
when the vein walls lose their elasticity and become dilated
causing the blood to flow more slowly than normal. The problem
usually occurs in veins near the skin surface, causing unsightly
bulges at the back of the legs. |
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Varicose veins most
often occur in women over 50. They can also occur in people who
are pregnant, over weight, have chronic constipation, or who sit
or stand for extended periods of time. They also tend to run in
families.
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| Varicose veins can be painful. They
often cause the leg to ache and feel heavy. |
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| How
to Help Avoid Varicose Veins |
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Exercising
regularly keeps circulation healthy |
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Keep your
weight within the normal range for your height |
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Eat a
healthy high fiber diet - this keeps your body in
shape and avoids constipation |
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Cut down on
salt - too much salt can stress veins |
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Avoid heavy
lifting |
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Avoid
standing or sitting for prolonged periods |
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Avoid
crossing your legs when sitting |
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Wear support
stockings when you must be on your feet for extended
periods. |
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| Supplements
Worth Considering |
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Vitamin C -
2000 - 4000mg daily (with Bioflavanoids if possible)
This keeps veins and capillaries strong and healthy. |
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Vitamin E -
400 IU - The worst potential side effect of varicose
veins is blood clots. Vitamin E has been shown to
reduce the risk of blood clots. |
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Bioflavanoids
- These will also keep blood vessels strong and
healthy. Bioflavonoids are found in dark colored
berries like cherries, blackberries, blueberries,
bilberries, the white material found under the peel of
citrus fruits, peppers and buckwheat. |
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Horse
Chestnut Extract helps strengthen blood vessels |
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Bilberry
Extract - rich in Bioflavonoids |
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Butcher's
Broom helps strengthen blood vessels |
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Gotu Kola
helps improve circulation |
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Witch Hazel
applied topically helps sooth painful legs |
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