Varicose & Spider Veins
Varicose veins and spider veins are not only unsightly, they can be painful, too. Both are caused by weakened valves in the leg veins that allow blood to pool, forcing the veins to expand. Varicose veins may develop in otherwise healthy people if they stand for long periods without movement.
Take anthocyanins to strengthen the veins
Blueberries, cherries, blackberries, and purple grapes are all rich sources
of pigments known as anthocyanins.These compounds have been shown to strengthen
the veins. Eat at least I 25g (4oz) daily of anthocyanin-rich fruit to prevent
and treat varicose veins.
Preventing varicose veins
Avoid anything that puts stress on the veins: sitting or standing for a
long time, constipation, excess weight, or tight clothing that constricts
blood flow. Regular exercise such as walking is also helpful; the contraction
of the leg muscles pushes the blood through the veins and keeps it from pooling
in the lees.
Eat high-fibre foods
A diet rich in fibre helps prevent constipation, a primary contributing factor
to varicose veins. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes,
nuts, and seeds daily. For an extra fibre boost, each morning take one tablespoon
of powdered psyllium husks stirred into a glass of water. Follow with another
glass of water.
Spice up your diet
Garlic, onions, ginger, and cayenne help your body break down fibrin, the
protein that creates the hard, lumpy tissue surrounding varicose veins. Include
at least one or two fibrin-fighting foods in your daily diet to help relieve
varicose veins.
Supplement with grapeseed extract
Grape-seed extract is a good source of antioxidants, which can strengthen
veins and capillaries. Each day take 300mg of a standardized extract of grape-seed
containing 85 to 95 percent procyanidins, regarded as the primary active compounds.
Take horse chestnut
Horse chestnut improves circulation in the legs, reduces inflammation, and
strengthens capillaries and veins. Take 300mg twice daily of an extract standardized
for aescin, regarded as the primary active compound in horse chestnut It may
take three months to see results. Caution: Do not exceed the daily recommended
dose. While this dose can be taken safely for an indefinite period of time,
larger doses can be toxic.
Soothing aromatherapy lotion
Witch hazel extract and the essential oils of cypress and yarrow can help
to reduce the swelling of varicose veins and soothe inflammation.
125m1(4fl oz) distilled witch hazel extract
10 drops cypress essential oil
10 drops yarrow essential oil
Mix the ingredients in a bottle and shake well. Apply to your legs as often
as desired.
