Your diet has a direct effect on the development and progression of varicose veins. Nutritious foods strengthen your veins and boost healthy blood circulation.
The top 5 nutrients to improve your varicose veins
1. Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids do more than give fruits and vegetables their color, they are super-antioxidants that can reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins and rebuild the collagen proteins that make your blood vessel walls stronger and more pliable.
The best bioflavonoid-rich foods are red cabbage, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, grape seed, garlic, beets, onion, spinach, mango, papaya, and pineapple.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps your body generate collagen and elastin proteins, which keep your vein walls and arteries strong and flexible. Strong vein walls keep your blood pumping through your legs and back into your heart, and prevent your veins from stretching and becoming varicose. Weak vein walls are a significant factor in developing varicose veins.
Foods packed with vitamin C include oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, grapefruit, guava, and kiwi.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps keep your blood platelets from adhering together and forming blood clots. Blood clots can damage your blood vessels and cause varicose veins, and they can have more significant health impacts as well. If you have diabetes then you may be at a higher risk for blood clots.
Vitamin E-rich foods include tofu, leafy green vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados, shellfish, fish, plant oils, broccoli, papaya, olives, parsley, pumpkin, and squash.
4. Fiber
A diet rich in fiber can help reduce constipation and strain when going to the bathroom. Straining puts pressure on your veins and can lead to hemorrhoids, which are actually a type of varicose vein. Abdominal pressure can also limit the blood flow from your legs to you heart.
Foods full of fiber include split peas, lentils, black beans, oatmeal, artichokes, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raspberries, and blackberries.
5. Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight oxidation in your body, which is a natural chemical process that can give off atoms called free-radicals, which can damage your cells. Antioxidants have many health benefits, and reduce varicose vein symptoms like inflammation.
Antioxidant-rich foods include dark-green vegetables, grapes, chili peppers, tea, berries, artichokes, beans, and whole grains.
