Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are smaller and are closer to the surface of your skin. They appear as short, jagged lines and resemble the lines of a spider web, which is where the name comes from. Common areas for the formation of spider veins include the face and legs, developing most commonly from the backup of blood in the veins. Blood is pumped throughout the body through arteries, and then veins carry the blood back to the heart. Your veins contain valves that act as a one-way flap, stopping the blood they are pumping to the heart from flowing backward. If these valves are weakened, blood floods back into the vein, causing backup and swelling, leading to the appearance of red or blue lines on the skin. According to the Women's Health website, 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some sort of vein issue. There are various treatments for this condition, but understanding how to prevent the formation of it is important for total body health and a pain-free life.
Vitamin C
Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C helps build collagen and elastin, two key connective tissues that help maintain strong veins. Circulation is also important in the prevention of spider veins and has shown marked improvement when vitamin C levels are sufficient. Foods to include in your diet for this vitamin include red peppers, cauliflower, oranges and lemons.
Fiber
Fiber cannot be digested by the enzymes in your body, which means that it is not absorbed into the bloodstream and also not broken down for energy. There are two types of fiber -- soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber in the body helps soften your stool and aids the body in removing waste. This is important in terms of preventing spider veins because constipation puts an excessive amount of pressure on the veins in the body, which weakens them and can cause swelling and the backflow of blood. Consuming fiber-rich foods such as flaxseed, beans, peas, berries, carrots and oats helps the body prevent the excessive pressure on the veins that constipation can cause.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are compounds that occur naturally in plants. All of the bright colors you see in the produce aisle of the grocery store are a result of these bioflavonoids, and they also help protect fruits and vegetables from insects and microbes. Studies have shown a potential link between this compound and the strengthening of the walls of your blood vessels, which helps prevent free radicals from causing oxidative stress that can lead to both spider veins and varicose veins. Bioflavonoid-rich foods include broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, citrus fruits and green tea.
Additional Tips
Hydrate properly to flush toxins from your body, keep your metabolism moving and also to keep the connective tissues in your body supple. This will keep skin looking healthy and will provide support for your veins. Avoiding beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine, such as soda, coffee and heavily caffeinated teas also should be avoided. Dehydration precipitates constipation, which is often a contributor to spider veins.
References
- Women's Health: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
- "Nutrition: The Complete Guide"; Dr. John Berardi; 2009
