Leg ulcers are temporary or recurrent sores that manifest on various parts of your lower extremities. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are three principle types of leg ulcers: venous stasis, arterial and neurotrophic, or diabetic. Leg ulcers may cause pain or they may be painless, depending on their underlying cause. To learn more about this condition, including the risks and benefits of using diet and nutrition as treatment tools, meet with your family physician.
Leg Ulcers
Most leg ulcers are associated with a dysfunctional venous system. The American Academy of Dermatology states that about 70 percent of leg ulcers are caused by faulty valves in your veins. Numerous medical conditions may cause leg ulcers, including kidney failure, hypertension, lymphedema, infections, cancer, certain medications and pressure caused by prolonged bed rest. Ulcers may become infected and produce yellow or green discharge. Most ulcers are red in color.
Appropriate Diet
An appropriate diet for leg ulcers includes increased consumption of several important foods. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," dark leafy green vegetables -- such as kale, spinach and Swiss chard -- garlic and onions may be among the most helpful foods in treating your leg ulcers. Balch also recommends consuming a diet of raw foods and lightly steamed vegetables for one month to help assist your body's healing processes.
Beneficial Food
Kale may be a beneficial food in treating your leg ulcers. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B1, B3 and B6, manganese, fiber, copper, calcium and iron. In addition to its ability to promote leg ulcer healing, kale, notes biologist and nutritionist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," has historically been used in promoting optimal health, vision and sleep. This food has also been used to encourage proper bone building and energy production within your body.
Additional Information
Because there are numerous possible underlying causes of leg ulcers, it is important that you report to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment at the first sign of open sores. Your primary care provider can assess your condition and make appropriate treatment recommendations -- including dietary measures -- to help treat your health complaint. Some nutritional therapies historically used for this health purpose may require a larger body of scientific research evidence.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Lower Extremity Ulcers
- American Academy of Dermatology: Leg Ulcers
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
