Diet and Nutritional Supplements for Varicose Veins

Dietary Fiber and Varicose Veins

Increasing the fiber content of the diet is a fundamental step in the treatment of varicose veins. A lack of fiber is more likely to produce straining during defecation leading to an increase of pressure in the abdomen that obstructs the blood flow up the legs. When this situation becomes chronic the vein walls become weakened eventually leading to varicose vein (and/or hemorrhoid) formation.

It is recommended that the diet be high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes and if necessary a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk of slippery elm bark may be used. The increased fiber will promote peristalsis and produce a softer stool so that straining is reduced.

It is also very important to maintain a high water intake especially when taking fiber supplements.

Nutritional Supplements for Varicose Veins

A variety of nutritional supplements can be used to improve the health of the veins and enhance circulation.

Vitamin B Complex and Varicose Veins

Vitamin B Complex helps to maintain the strength of the blood vessels.

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids and Varicose Veins

Improves the circulation, strengthens the vein walls and promotes healing.

Dosage:

Vitamin C: 1000-5000 mg daily

Bioflavonoids: 100-1000 mg daily

Rutin and Varicose Veins

Rutin is a bioflavonoid frequently used in the treatment of varicose veins.

Rutin is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, rosehips and buckwheat.

Proanthocyanins and Anthocyanins and Varicose Veins

These bioflavonoids improve the structural integrity of the veins and the entire circulatory system.

Proanthocyanins and anthocyanins are found in high concentrations in blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries and hawthorn berries. It is also possible to obtain these compounds via supplements of grape seed or pine bark extract.

Vitamin E and Varicose Veins

Vitamin E improves the circulation, reduces susceptibility to varicose veins, relieves pain and can sometimes correct varicosities.

Dosage: 300-800 iu daily.

Zinc and Varicose Veins

Zinc enhances healing and formation of collagen.

Dosage: 50 mg daily

Lecithin and Varicose Veins

A tablespoon of lecithin granules daily assist with emulsification of fats and improve circulation.

Bromelain and Fibrinolytic Compounds and Varicose Veins

Individuals with varicose veins have an increased tendency to develop fibrin deposits in the tissue surrounding the affected veins. This causes the skin to become hard and lumpy.

There is a decreased ability to break down fibrin, a compound involved in clot formation, thus an increased risk of the formation of a thrombus which may potentially cause life threatening complications.

Bromelain and other fibrinolytic compounds such as cayenne pepper, garlic, onion and ginger help to promote fibrin breakdown.

A good source of bromelain is fresh pineapple. It is also available as a nutritional supplement.

Effectiveness of Diet and Nutritional Supplements for Varicose Veins

Natural medicine can greatly assist in improving vein function and providing relief from symptoms however it may not be possible to resolve veins already present, especially if they are very large.

In severe cases surgical treatment may be required. In such instances the dietary and nutritional treatments outlined can be used to prevent a recurrence post-surgery.

Copyright © Mizpah Matus 2003

See Also:

Pineapple - Healing Fruit of the Tropics

How Berries Help Your Health