A few simple tricks to ease varicose veins

Varicose veins are a common condition that many people suffer from and are embarrassed about. Here are a few methods for easing varicose veins:

• Typically an unsightly cosmetic problem in the legs and feet, varicose veins look like swollen bluish cords just beneath the skin's surface.
• Sore, achy legs may accompany varicose veins, though pain and tenderness are usually mild.
• Lumpy skin frequently surrounds bulging veins and small patches of flooded capillaries — superficial spider veins — may cluster in the area or appear on the ankles and thighs.
• Blood clots may occasionally develop in varicose veins, but clots in these superficial veins are generally not considered life-threatening.
• Women are at least twice as likely as men to have varicose veins, and diet and lifestyle factors may play an important role in preventing and managing the condition.

• Weak vessel walls or faulty valves inside veins may hamper circulation, causing blood to pool and distend veins.
• Less frequently, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) or inherited abnormal vein structure may result in varicose and spider veins.
• The condition tends to run in families, and hormones, obesity, pregnancy, lack of exercise, increasing age and heavy lifting may also lead to varicose veins.
• Constipation, tight clothing, leg crossing and prolonged sitting and stand­ing may increase the risk for the disorder by unduly pressuring veins.

• Insoluble fibre promotes regularity and reduces straining during bowel movements.
• This is important, because straining contributes to varicose veins by increasing abdominal pressure and blocking blood flow from the legs.
• Soluble fibres such as pectin, gum and psyllium are particularly useful in easing elimination by bulking up waste and promoting contractions of the digestive tract.
• Vitamin C is thought to benefit varicose veins by teaming up with antioxidant flavonoids to fortify vessel walls and fend off oxidative damage, which may compromise vein strength.
• A host of flavonoids, especially those abundant in citrus fruit, may bolster vein structure by reducing blood vessel frailty and leakiness.
• The citrus flavonoid hesperidin is thought to enhance the actions of vitamin C and may be required for optimal capillary function.
• Diosmin, a flavonoid found in rosemary and citrus fruit, may prevent blood vessel fragility, which can lead to varicose veins.
• A flavonoid in white grapefruit called naringin may also enhance blood vessel health.
• According to preliminary research, rutin, a flavonoid present in apples and buckwheat, may promote blood vessel health by bolstering cell membrane support cells and structural tissue.
• In laboratory studies, the highly active flavonoid quercetin (closely related to rutin, hesperidin and diosmin and found in red onions and blueberries) has exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may protect against varicose veins.
• Additional antioxidants are under review for their benefit to vein health, including green tea polyphenols and vitamin E (a potent antioxidant found in avocados and olive oil), which may be important for blood vessel health by improving vessel function and strengthening capillaries.
• Finally, researchers believe tannin compounds (also known as proanthocyanidins) may benefit varicose veins because these antioxidants are incorporated into cell membranes where they are thought to protect against damaging free radicals.

• Eating pineapple may improve unsightly varicose veins.
• Though clinical evidence is lacking, a protein-digesting pineapple enzyme, bromelain, is thought to reduce protein-like fibrin deposits that build up around varicose veins and give a lumpy appearance to the tender skin.

• Asparagus
• Beets
• Lentils
• Pomegranates
• Apples
• Berries
• Citrus fruits
• Grapes
• Whole grains
• Broccoli
• Peppers

Hopefully, these remedies will help ease the pain of varicose veins. As with anything, varicose veins are a condition that should be discussed with your doctor.