Varicose veins are blue or purplish in color, and they may bulge or lie just beneath the skin's surface. They usually are not a serious medical condition, but some people find that varicose veins are cosmetically unappealing. Over half of American women complain about varicose veins. Instead of resorting to invasive surgery to improve the appearance of your legs, use nutrition to improve the health of your veins.
Fiber
Dietary fiber helps you to have regular bowel movements, which decreases pressure on the blood vessels in the legs. Fiber also helps you reduce any strain you may have during bowel movements. But too much fiber may prevent your body from absorbing nutrients, which are vitally important for their antiaging benefits and the prevention of varicose veins. The Mayo Clinic recommends 25 g of fiber a day for women under 50 and 21 g for women over 50. The recommended daily fiber intake for men under 50 is 38 g and 31 g of fiber for men over 50.
Berries
As you age, varicose veins become more prevalent, due to the oxidation of cells and the increased time it takes to repair cells. Tannins in berries are beneficial for varicose veins because they protect against blood vessel leakage and free-radical damage to blood cells. Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries contain tannins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that provides protection against free-radical damage to cells. Vitamin C protects again blood vessel frailty and promotes collagen production. A lack of vitamin C can weaken blood vessels and connective tissue, which both contain collagen. You can eat foods that are rich in vitamin C or take a daily supplement. Citrus fruits, broccoli and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C. Talk to your doctor about treating varicose veins with vitamin C supplements to find an appropriate dose that meets your needs.
Other Sources
A balanced diet will help protect against the natural aging process of the body. For optimal health, your diet should consist of a variety of foods, including low-fat meats, fruits, vegetables and grains. And all healthy diets must contain some fats in order to provide your essential fatty acids. Unhydrogenated oils, or "good" fats, prevent artery and blood vessel blockage. Healthy fats also help clear out small patches of flooded capillaries.
References
- CosmeticSurgery.com: Varicose Veins-- More Patients Look for More Treatments
- American Dietetic Association: Use Caution When Boosting Fiber
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet
- "Fight Back with Foods"; Reader's Digest Association; 2002
- The Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
