Home remedies for varicose veins

Varicose veins occur when a person’s veins become swollen and enlarged. In some people, they can cause pain and discomfort. A range of home treatments may help to reduce the appearance and pain of varicose veins.

Around 20 percent of adults will experience varicose veins at some point. There are several medical treatments for this condition, though a person may also wish to try natural home remedies to relieve their symptoms.
In this article, we look at 10 natural ways to treat varicose veins at home.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins have a dark blue or purple appearance and may bulge out from underneath the skin.

Varicose veins can develop when small valves in the veins become weak. These valves usually stop blood flowing backward through the veins, and when they are damaged blood can pool in the veins. This causes twisted and swollen veins that also become very visible.
Varicose veins can be noticeable because of their dark blue or purple appearance, they also often bulge out from underneath the skin.
Other symptoms of varicose veins include:

• burning or throbbing sensation in the legs
• uncomfortable legs that feel heavy or achy
• muscle cramps that can be more noticeable at night
• swelling of the feet and ankles
• dry or itchy skin that appears thinner over the varicose vein

Ten home treatments for varicose veins

If a person has varicose veins, they can try the following home remedies to help manage the condition and improve symptoms:
1. Exercise
Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation in the legs, which helps to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Exercise also helps to lower a person’s blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose veins.
Low-impact exercises help to get the calf muscles working without excessive strain. Effective, low-impact exercises include:

• swimming
• walking
• cycling
• yoga

2. Compression stockings
Compression stockings are available from most pharmacies and can help by applying pressure to the legs. This aids the muscles and veins to move blood toward the heart.
A study from 2018 found that people who used knee-high compression stockings with a pressure of 18 to 21 mmHg for one week, reported a reduction in the pain and aching associated with varicose veins.
Compression stockings can be found in pharmacies or online stores.
3. Plant extracts
A review study from 2006 suggests that horse chestnut extract, Aesculus hippocastanum L., may help to reduce leg pain, heaviness, and itching in people with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a major cause of varicose veins. Aesculus hippocastanum L. is available to purchase in health stores and online.
A review study from 2010 reports that sea pine extract, Pinus maritima, and Butcher’s broom extract, Ruscus aculeatus, may both reduce leg swelling, or edema, that is often associated with varicose veins. Ruscus aculeatus is available to purchase in health stores and online.
Plant extracts and essential oils should be diluted in carrier oils before being applied topically or used in a diffuser for aromatherapy.
4. Dietary changes

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 onions, 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.

Medical treatments for varicose veins

There are a number of medical options available if home treatments have not improved a person’s condition.

If varicose veins home treatments are not working or causing a person severe discomfort, medical treatment is also available to help tackle varicose veins. A doctor may prescribe the following:

• Endothermal ablation. This is a procedure where heat is used to seal the affected veins.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy. This is where a doctor will puncture the skin and remove the varicose veins through small slits. Scarring is usually minimal afterward.
• Sclerotherapy. This procedure uses a particular foam to close the veins and shrink them.
• Ligation and stripping. In this procedure, the varicose veins are surgically removed.
• Laser surgeries. Here, intense bursts of light are directed onto the vein, making it gradually fade and disappear.
• Endoscopic vein surgery. During this surgery, a tiny video camera is inserted into the leg to help the surgeon see better. Removal of the veins then takes place via a series of small incisions.

Outlook

Varicose veins can cause discomfort and make a person feel self-conscious. Treating varicose veins at home is possible, and diet and lifestyle changes may improve the symptoms.
People with severe varicose veins may wish to seek medical treatments to help reduce their appearance and improve symptoms.
Talking through the options with a doctor will help an individual make the best and most informed decision about the right treatment for them.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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This is How to Avoid Cataracts

The world's leading cause of blindness is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded. Responsible for letting light rays to pass onto the retina, the lens is a transparent structure mostly made up of water and protein fibers. When those fibers clump together, the lens loses its clarity, leading to blurred vision and, if left untreated, complete blindness.

Preventing Cataracts Naturally

Reducing your exposure to ultraviolet light, abstaining from cigarette-smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption all can help protect against cataract development. Here are three other possible ways to reduce your cataract risk naturally.

Fill Up on Antioxidants

In a 2008 study of 35,551 women, researchers found that those who consumed the most lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants found in yellow or dark-green leafy vegetables) had an 18% lower chance of developing cataracts than those who consumed the least amount of lutein and zeaxanthin.

In addition to helping absorb harmful ultraviolet light, antioxidants can help stop damaged lens-fiber proteins from clumping together and causing cataracts.

Get Your Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Known to fight inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids can help shield your eyes from cataract development, according to a 2005 study. Looking at data on 71,083 women, the study's authors discovered that those with a higher intake of omega-3s (found in oily fish like salmon and sardines, as well as in flax seed) had a reduced risk of cataracts.

Consider Herbal Medicine

Animal-based research has shown that bilberry (an herb rich in antioxidants) and turmeric (an anti-inflammatory compound found in the curry spice turmeric) can help prevent the development of cataracts. 

Causes and Symptoms

In most cases, lens fibers clump together due to aging-related deterioration. However, cataracts can also develop in younger individuals due to eye injuries, eye diseases, or inflammation.

Cataract symptoms include:

    Blurred or dim vision

    Loss of distance vision

    Sensitivity to light

    Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

    Difficulties with night vision

    Tendencies to see a halo or glare around lights

    Double vision in one eye

    Loss of depth perception

It's important to note that cataracts tend to develop slowly and cause no pain. Since early detection is key to keeping cataracts in check, people ages 65 and older should get their eyes examined at least once every other year.

Using Alternative Medicine- Caution

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend alternative medicine for cataract prevention or treatment. It's important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using alternative medicine, make sure to consult your physician first. 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Signs that You Have Sleep Apnea

• Symptoms of sleep apnea-
• Pauses that tend to take place when snoring
• Choking or gasping episodes that follow the pauses when asleep
•  Very dry or sore throat after waking up
• Loud snoring
• Lack of energy or sleepiness all throughout the day
• Restless sleep
• Occasional wakefulness together with a choking or gasping sensation
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• Decreased interest in sex
• Mood changes
• Learning problems / inability to concentrate
• Morning headaches                                                                                                                      Side- effects of Sleep Apnea-
• brain fog
• depression
• anxiety
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• arrhythmia
• obesity
• low blood oxygen levels
• impotence
• congestive heart failure
• type 2 diabetes                                                                                                                        A significant percentage of people that have this disorder do not even know it, and so it takes them many years before they get treatment or use the natural remedies for sleep apnea.
  Sleep apnea involves a temporary pause in breathing when sleeping and it can last for as little as two seconds to as much as 30 seconds. Also, the breathlessness can be for a couple of times or hundreds of times as you sleep. But, there are some natural remedies that you can use to deal with the condition, including:
  

  1 Adjust Sleep Position

  Sometimes changing your sleep position is all the remedy that you need to deal with apnea. Sleeping on your back (which happens to be most people’s favorite) causes the tongue to fall back and the throat muscles to close up.
  This action, in turn, narrows the airways, and this is what triggers apnea. However, adjusting your slip position and sleeping on the side or your stomach reduces the likelihood of the airways blocking and hence preventing or reducing the probability of apnea.
  
  

  2 Shed off the Excess Weight

  Studies show that there exists a link between being overweight and sleep apnea. In fact, a majority of people who have this disorder are overweight. Weight gain leads to fat accumulation on the throat, and this will affect the movement of the muscles on the throat and your breathing capabilities.
  And so working out or using a weight loss diet can be very useful when dealing with apnea.
  
  

  3 Treat Any Underlying Cause

  Once you know that you have apnea, the first thing should always be to figure out what is causing it because this makes it easier to deal with the problem. Research shows that most people with this issue have some underlying problems such as congestion and acid reflux which interfere with their normal breathing.
  Nasal obstructions come with breathing difficulties through the nose which becomes worse when you sleep. Acid reflux also means that the acid is finding a way to the throat and causing swelling or irritations. Treating these underlying conditions is very useful for dealing with apnea.
  
  

  4 Herbal Remedies

  Valerian Root Tea

  Valerian root has been in use as a sedative for treating insomnia and sleep apnea for centuries. You can take the capsules that come in 100mg and 50mg doses, but the tea is more refreshing.
  Recipe: This recipe will only require dried valerian root and water, but you can also add some honey to improve the taste. It is a simple recipe as you will only need to put one teaspoon of dried valerian in an empty mug and pour a cup of boiling water over it. You should then steep for between five and ten minutes, and it will be ready to drink.
  

  Ginger, Cinnamon and Honey Tea

  Ginger and cinnamon also are known to have sedative properties. If you suspect you are suffering sleep apnea try this excellent tea at bedtime.
  Recipe: To make this tea you will need fresh ginger and cinnamon and a couple of teaspoons of honey. You will have to grate the fresh ginger and cinnamon and add them to a mug of hot water. Be sure that you leave the mixture to steep for a few minutes. The last thing is sieving the tea into a cup and adding the honey.
  

  Passionflower Tea

  Passionflower is a common herb that is famous for offering relief from pain and triggering a calming effect. For sleep apnea, it is useful because it has a relaxing effect on the nervous system and this can help to keep the airways open as you sleep. 
  Recipe: You will need about 8 ounces of water and a teaspoon of dry passionflower leaves (use a tablespoon for fresh ones). The first step is to bring the water to a boil. You should then put the passionflower in a muslin bag and add it to the water. Leave it to steep for ten minutes, and it will be ready to drink. It is also a good idea to mix it with lemon balm which also has some elements that can help with apnea. However, you will have to adjust the ingredients and use three-quarters of a spoon for passionflower with the lemon balm making the other quarter.
  

  Chamomile Tea

  Chamomile is another herb that you can use as a remedy for sleep apnea. Chamomile has excellent sleepy properties and is also a relaxant. This herb increases calmness and alleviates nervousness which is a common issue associated with this disorder.
  Recipe: You will need eight ounces of water if you are making tea for one person and two tablespoons of dried chamomile or four spoons if you prefer the fresh flowers. To make the tea you should boil the water and add in the flowers. The next step is to stir the flowers and then cover the beverage before leaving it to steep. Five minutes is enough steeping time, but you can decrease or increase it depending on the tea strength that you want. Lastly, place a sieve on your cup and pour in the chamomile tea.
  Sleep apnea comes with significant negative health implications, but you should never let it affect your way of life. If you know or suspect that you might have the problem, it is important to take some action immediately. The bedtime herbal teas above are a good starting point and be sure that you visit a health professional that is proficient with this condition.
  
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