Potassium-high foods, such as almonds and pistachio nuts, can help varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body.
Salty or sodium-rich foods can cause the body to retain water, so cutting down on salty food can minimize water retention. Foods high in potassium can help to reduce water retention.
Foods that are high in potassium include:
- almonds and pistachio nuts
- lentils and white beans
- potatoes
- leafy vegetables
- some fish, such as salmon and tuna
Foods with fiber help to keep the bowels moving and prevent constipation. This may be important, as straining can aggravate damaged valves or make them worse.
Foods that are high in fiber include:
- nuts, seeds, and legumes
- oats, wheat, and flaxseed
- whole-grain foods
People
who are overweight are more likely to experience varicose veins,
therefore, shedding any excess pounds can reduce the pressure on the
veins and alleviate swelling and discomfort.
5. Eat more flavonoids
Adding foods that contain flavonoids may also help a person to shrink their varicose veins.
Flavonoids
improve blood circulation, which will keep the blood flowing, and make
it less likely to pool in the veins. They also help to reduce blood
pressure in the arteries and can relax blood vessels, all of which can
reduce varicose veins.
Foods that contain flavonoids include:
- vegetables, including onion, bell peppers, spinach, and broccoli
- citrus fruits and grapes, cherries, apples, and blueberries
- cocoa
- garlic
6. Herbal remedies
According to the National Institute of Health, taking grape seed extract, Vitis vinifera,
orally may help to reduce swelling in the lower legs and other symptoms
of chronic venous insufficiency, though there is currently limited
evidence for its effectiveness.
A person prescribed with
blood-thinning medication should avoid taking grape seed extract, as a
dietary supplement, as it can interact with the medication and increase
the risk of bleeding.
7. Choose non-restrictive clothing
Wearing
tight-fitting clothes can restrict blood flow. A person may find that
their circulation is improved by wearing loose-fitting clothes that do
not restrict the blood supply to the lower body.
Wearing flat shoes instead of high heels may also help with varicose veins in the legs.
8. Keep the legs elevated
Keeping
the legs elevated, ideally at the same height as the heart or above it
will help to improve circulation. This reduces the pressure in the leg
veins and gravity will help the blood to flow smoothly back to the
heart.
A person should aim to keep their legs elevated if they are
going to be sitting down for long periods of time, such as during work
or rest.
9. Massage
Gently massaging the
affected areas can help to keep the blood moving through the veins. A
person can use gentle massage oils or moisturizer for optimal effects.
It is crucial to avoid pressing directly onto the veins, however, as this may damage fragile tissues.
10. Keep moving
Avoid
sitting for long periods of time. If a person has to sit for long
periods of time for work, they should aim to get up and move around or
change position frequently to keep the blood flowing smoothly.
Avoid
sitting with crossed legs, as this can further restrict blood flow to
the legs and feet, which may add to circulation problems.