What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins is a disorder causing abnormalities in the veins, weakened walls and faulty valves and are classified under circulatory disorders as decreased blood flow may be a root cause.

How Are Varicose Veins Formed?

Normally, the one-way valves keep blood flowing efficiently against gravity toward the heart. When these valves do not function properly, blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weakened, enlarged, and twisted, predominately on the legs and lower body.

Who Is Susceptible?

*This condition is more prevalent in women then men.

*Varicose veins tend to develop due to inherited characteristics (genetics) and the aging process.

*Any vein in the body can become varicose, however it is more prevalent in the legs due to pressure from walking and prolonged standing.

*Pregnancy and obesity are also responsible for this condition.

What Are The Signs and Complications Of Varicose Veins?

*Venous diseases cause great suffering to those individuals plagued with them.

*Cosmetically they are unattractive and embarrassing, however the health issues can be dangerous.

*The signs are quite apparent and include skin discoloration with purple and blue veins protruding from the affected area, itching, swelling and in serious cases ulceration.

*Spider veins are related however much smaller and found closer to the skin surface.

Home Varicose Vein Treatments:

Keep legs elevated when ever possible.

Elastic support stockings Support stockings help your leg muscles push blood upward by concentrating pressure near the ankles.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen to alleviate occasional swelling and pain.

If you notice skin around a varicose vein becoming ulcerated or discolored, or if you have continuing pain with no obvious outward signs, contact a doctor at once as there may be deep vein involvement.

Varicose veins can be eliminated by one of several methods:

• Laser treatment
• Sclerotherapy, in which a chemical is injected into the vein to collapse its walls so it can no longer transport blood
• Catheter-assisted methods that use heat or radiofrequency waves to destroy and ultimately close the vein
• Surgical removal, or stripping

Natural Dietary Support:

proanthocyanidins: found in many fruits such as cherries, blueberries and blackberries aid in strengthening vein walls, lesson discomfort and may prevent varicose veins.

Horse chestnut: improves venous circulation.

butchers broom: Due to vasoconstriction and steroidal content, has helped to reduce inflammation.

gotu kola: Strengthens blood vessels and improves peripheral circulation

Vitamin A: In the form of beta carotene, 25,000 IU for skin integrity and healing varicose ulcers.

B Complex: helps maintain strong blood vessels.

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids: 1,000 to 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 100 to 1,000 milligrams of bioflavonoids aids circulation and strengthen vein walls to prevent dilation.

Vitamin E: 300 to 800 IU improves circulation and reduces susceptibility to varicose veins.

Lecithin: One tablespoon of granules daily to emulsify fats and aid circulation.

Zinc: 50 milligrams daily to assist with healing and collagen formation and help maintain the proper concentration of vitamin E in the blood.