6 Foods To Include In Your Diet If You Have Varicose Veins

Although there are many factors at play in the development of varicose veins, a healthy diet can go a long way in aiding their day-to-day management and preventing them from worsening. Nutrients are the building blocks of our bodies, and some are particularly efficient for helping maintain good circulation and healthy veins. 

We all know that making the right choices in our regular diet can help us look and feel our best, so check out our list of the 6 best foods to eat to help your veins. 

1. Blackberries & Blueberries

Antioxidants in foods such as blackberries and blueberries are brilliant at helping reduce inflammation and strengthening your veins. Blackberries also contain rutin, which has been shown to have vasoprotective properties. Blueberries, meanwhile, are high in anthocyanin, which can repair damaged proteins in the blood vessel walls.

2. Avocados

Packed with minerals and nutrients, avocado is one of the best fruits for minimising the risk of varicose veins - and for preventing them from getting worse. As a good source of vitamin E, they can help minimise the risk of developing blood clots by acting as a natural anticoagulant, while their high level of vitamin C is great for skin health. 

3. Chia seeds

Relatives of the mint plant, these tiny black seeds are rich in fiber and can help maintain heart health and support digestive function. They’re great at preventing inflammation and swelling throughout the body that might be adding extra strain on the abdomen and legs.

A lack of fiber in our diet can lead to constipation; this can lead to straining, which puts pressure on the veins of the lower rectum, leading to the formation of haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

4. Beetroot

One of the things that makes beetroot so good for you is the presence of betacyanin, a chemical that lowers the levels of homocysteine (a blood vessel damaging amino acid) in the body. It’s also rich in nitrates, which help to improve and support blood circulation. Nitrates open the blood vessels, allowing for increased oxygen flow throughout the veins.

5. Ginger

Ginger has been shown to help improve circulation and dissolve fibrin in the blood vessels. Fibrin is a protein that makes veins hard and lumpy, and people with varicose veins have difficulty breaking it down naturally - a great reason to up your ginger intake!

6. Green leaves

As well as their high fibre content, green leaves and vegetables are a prime source of magnesium, a key mineral in the management of blood circulation. Regular consumption of spinach, asparagus, lettuce, and broccoli are particularly recommended. 

Incorporating these 6 foods into your regular diet can help you take control of your vein health in your everyday routine. Learning which nutrients can help your vein health, and how they work, is a great way to stay engaged in your recovery and feel great about the choices you’re making.  

However, it’s also important to bear in mind that there are many factors at play when it comes to the development and ongoing issue of varicose veins. While diet is an incredibly important factor in our physical and mental health, good nutrition is not a substitute for professional care or clinical treatment. According to the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines:

1. All patients with Varicose Veins and Symptoms should be referred to a Vascular Service.

2. Assessment should include full Colour Duplex Ultrasound scanning.

3. Treatment should be a combination of Endovenous Thermal Ablation and/or Foam Sclerotherapy. Vein stripping is no longer considered best practice for the treatment of varicose veins.

If you’re concerned about the health of your veins or have experienced any symptoms, book a phone consultation with one of our specialists to discuss your varicose vein removal options today.   

References 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068482/

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-varicose-veins

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926888/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294764354_Prevention_of_Varicose_Veins