According to the doctors at Brazos Vein Institute, your diet has a direct effect on the development and progression of varicose veins. Eating nutritious foods not only helps to maintain your weight, it also strengthens your veins and aids in healthy blood circulation. So, what types of foods should you eat to maintain healthy veins?
1. Vitamin C protects your cells and contains antioxidants that aid in vein health. This vitamin is a nutrient that generates collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep the vein walls and arteries strong and flexible.
2. Bioflavonoids are super-antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation, aching, pain and swelling associated with varicose veins. They also assist in rebuilding the collagen proteins that make your blood vessel walls stronger and more pliable.
3. Vitamin E helps keep platelets from adhering together and forming clots in the blood vessels. Blood clots that stick to the sides of the vessels cause the vein walls to narrow and stiffen.
4. Fiber can ward off constipation and problems in the abdominal area. Abdominal pressure and straining keeps blood from traveling back to the heart. As a result blood remains in the leg veins, which raises pressure and worsens varicose veins.
5. Antioxidants can help to reduce varicose vein symptoms like inflammation and swelling. Inflammation and swelling can add pressure on the vein walls and valves. A healthy diet paired with exercise is the best way to avoid or reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
If regular diet and exercise are not enough, the doctors at Brazos Vein Institute can help. Take the next step and schedule a consultation with a Brazos Vein physician, or sign up for a FREE vein screening. Call 979.776.9255 (WALK)or visit WWW.BRAZOSVEIN.COM.
article courtesy of the Brazos Vein Institute