Stasis ulcers, also called venous stasis ulcers, are open wounds or erosions that develop on the skin. Stasis ulcers are particularly common in lower extremities, especially the lower legs. The University of Washington Medicine Hospitals states that chronic stasis ulcers affect approximately 2.5 million people in the United States every year. To get a better understanding of how nutrition therapy can help treat stasis ulcers, talk to your primary care provider.
Venous Stasis Ulcers
Venous stasis ulcers are the most common type of skin ulcer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, venous stasis ulcers are responsible for 80 to 90 percent of all ulcers. Other possible ulcer types include diabetic and ischemic. Venous stasis ulcers commonly affect people who possess a history of leg swelling or blood clots and people who have varicose veins. Venous stasis ulcers are not life threatening, but they are indicative of serious underlying health problems and can significantly affect quality of life and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes are an important part of nutrition therapy in treating stasis ulcers. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," consider increasing your consumption of vitamin K-rich foods, such as dark green, leafy vegetables, to help treat your stasis ulcers. Eating a diet high in garlic, onions and raw foods -- especially lightly steamed vegetables -- may be helpful, too. These foods may help improve your peripheral circulation and enhance the action of your immune system.
Nutritional Supplements
Certain nutritional supplements may be helpful for treating your stasis ulcers. Some of the most beneficial nutritional supplements for this health purpose, notes medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," include gotu kola, aloe vera, essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil, flavonoids, folic acid, zinc and vitamins C and E. Further scientific scrutiny may be required to evaluate the true efficacy of these supplements for this health purpose.
Caution
Venous stasis ulcers may be an indication of an underlying health problem that requires the assistance of a qualified healthcare provider to diagnose and treat. Nutrition therapy, though commonly used as an adjunct therapy in treating this health problem, may not be enough to resolve your stasis ulcers. Only use nutrition therapy, including dietary changes and nutritional supplements, if you are under the care and supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Some foods and supplements may cause negative health effects.
References
- University of Washington: Venous Stasis Ulcers
- Cleveland Clinic: Lower Extremity (Leg and Foot) Ulcers
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
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