How Your Diet Can Impact Your Vein Health

1. How Your Diet Can Impact Your Vein Health

2. Vein Disease Varicose and spider veins are signs of underlying vein disease, or venous insufficiency. Vein disease develops when your veins are placed under strain, causing damage to tiny vein valves. When vein valves malfunction, they are unable to efficiently circulate blood back to your heart. This can cause blood to pool in different regions of the body.  Most often, venous insufficiency impacts the lower extremities –– that is, the legs, ankles, and feet. For some people, the ability to stand up or comfortably move around can be affected, leading to a diminished quality of life. Others may feel self-conscious about the unsightly appearance of visible veins. Because of this, they may avoid wearing shorts or skirts. 

3. If you have vein disease, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe pain and discomfort in affected areas. Symptoms of vein disease can vary and include: • Swelling in the legs and ankles • Itchy, dry skin • Numbness or tingling sensation • Difficulty standing for long periods • Burning in the calf or thigh • Non-healing wounds on your legs Along with causing painful and uncomfortable symptoms, vein disease sometimes gives rise to dangerous health conditions.

4. Blood Clots One potentially dangerous outcome of vein disease is the development of blood clots. The most common type involved is known as Superficial Thrombophlebitis. Superficial Thrombophlebitis symptoms are similar to those of venous insufficiency, but can be more serious and severe. Be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice: • Red, inflamed skin along the affected vein • Warmness in the surrounding tissue • Tenderness and pain, similar to a bruise • Pain in limbs • Darkened skin in the area • Hardening of the vein

5. A serious type of blood clot called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can also occur. This is considered a medical emergency. Please seek immediate care if you experience: • Leg pain • Swelling • Tenderness • Warmth • Redness or skin discoloration • Cramping in the calf

6. Blood clots in the deep veins can potentially break off and travel to the lungs. This is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and it is a life-threatening situation. Act quickly and go to the nearest emergency room if you notice any PE symptoms, which include: • Rapid heart rate • Difficulty breathing • Feeling faint • Chest pain or discomfort made worse by deep breaths or coughs

7. Venous Ulcers Another potentially dangerous condition related to vein disease is the formation of venous ulcers. These are open, non-healing wounds that develop near varicose veins. Venous ulcers are often mistaken for unrelated skin issues. If you have venous insufficiency, be on the lookout for: • Cracked or dry skin that may open up • Hardened skin around the ulcer • Itchy, dry skin on the legs • Brown, red, or purple color on the skin If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor or a vein specialist as soon as possible. Untreated venous ulcers can lead to serious skin or blood infections.

8. Risk Factors For Developing Vein Disease You may be wondering who is most at risk for developing vein disease. You are considered at increased risk if you: • Have a family history of varicose veins • Are obese or overweight • Are inactive • Are female • Are over age 50 • Are pregnant • Have other underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes • Spend long periods of your day standing or sitting

9. How Diet Can Impact Vein Health Eating well can potentially improve your vein health in several ways. First of all, it can help you maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). This can reduce undue strain on your veins. Healthy eating can also boost your energy so that you remain active. Physical activity can help improve symptoms like leg swelling and cramping. Finally, following the right diet can improve your overall blood circulation. This can help stave off venous insufficiency.

10. Foods for Varicose Veins Now that you understand vein disease and why healthy eating is important, you are probably wondering how to strengthen veins with food. Let’s start by asking, what foods are good for varicose veins? We have plenty of recommendations.

11. Some of our favorites include: • Broccoli, kale, and spinach: Leafy greens pack a nutritional punch and are high in fiber. • Brussels sprouts: Try roasting them with a touch of olive oil. • Hot, sweet, and red bell peppers: These colorful items make great snacks. • Red and yellow onions: You can eat them raw in sandwiches and salads, or cooked into entrees. • Garlic:Saute some in olive oil, because who doesn’t love that savory aroma? • Citrus fruits: Vitamin C improves blood flow and helps build collagen stores so that veins retain elasticity.  • Strawberries: These delicious, low-calorie treats make a tasty and healthy dessert.  • Tropical fruits: Why not envision an island getaway while also benefiting your veins with mangoes and papaya?

12. If you are prone to heartburn issues, you may have some concerns about some of the above food groups. To avoid potential discomfort, you can: • Eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks • Don’t eat within three hours of bedtime (or lying down) • Sleep with your head raised 6-8 inches • Wear loose, non-constrictive clothing, especially around your abdomen • Lose excess weight • Don’t smoke

13. FIBER-RICH FOODS Eating foods rich in fiber can help digestion, which can benefit your vein health. Constipation places pressure on veins and leads to vein valve damage. Fiber-rich foods are also part of a balanced diet to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which also affect vein health. Unfortunately, the average American adult eats only 10-15 grams of fiber per day. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends the following quantities: • Women: 25 grams (up to age 50), 21 grams (over age 50) • Men: 38 grams (up to age 50), 30 grams (over age 50)

14. Good sources of fiber include: • Fruits and vegetables: Eat up when it comes to leafy greens, avocado, apples, and sweet potatoes. Of course, many other types of fruits and vegetables also contain fiber.  • Whole grains: These staples include whole wheat, oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. If you’re looking for a crunchy, fiber-rich snack, try air-popped popcorn. • Nuts, seeds, and legumes: Chia seeds, lentils, and walnuts are all excellent fiber sources. FOODS RICH IN VITAMIN E Did you know that Vitamin E can help promote proper blood flow? It may also prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). You can find this powerhouse nutrient in these delicious foods: • Nuts: Look for Vitamin E in almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and brazil nuts. • Seeds: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds can help your blood circulation.

15. Avocados: Try mashing half an avocado on whole wheat toast for a delicious, healthy start to the day. • Olive oil: A good source of healthy fat, olive oil is also rich in Vitamin E. • Pumpkin: For your convenience, you can buy non-perishable cans of this fall favorite to use all year round. • Mangos: Enjoy a tropical experience as you reduce potentially dangerous venous insufficiency.  • Dark leafy greens: Reach for spinach, kale, arugula, swiss chard, bok choy, or collard greens to add this important nutrient to your diet.  • Fish: Reduce or eliminate your meat and poultry intake by eating fish like salmon and trout.

16. FOODS WITH OMEGA-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are known for stimulating blood flow. They can also help break down potentially dangerous blood clots. Look for it in the following foods: • Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines • Nuts and seeds: Flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts • Plant-based oils: Canola, soybean, flaxseed • Fortified foods: Eggs, yogurt, juice, milk, soy beverages

17. Foods to Avoid for Varicose Veins Along with the importance of eating the above foods, we want you to know it’s crucial to avoid others. Unfortunately, ingesting the wrong foods and substances can cause additional damage to your veins and make matters worse.

18. Food to avoid for healthy veins include the following: • SODIUM • SUGAR • UNHEALTHY FATS • ALCOHOL • CAFFEINE • SMOKING • FRIED FOODS • FAST FOOD, PIZZA • CANNED GOODS, FROZEN MEALS, AND PROCESSED MEATS • RESTAURANT FOODS

19. Other Ways to Improve Your Vein Health Eating the right food for healthy veins is important, but there are additional things you can do to improve your vein health. If you are at risk for vein disease, we recommend that you: • Maintain a healthy weight • Exercise daily • Avoid prolonged standing or sitting • Manage other health conditions • Ask your doctor about wearing compression socks • Consider available vein treatmentoptions

20. Minimally-Invasive Vein Treatment at USA Vein Clinics Although vein disease is never good news, now you know what food makes your veins stronger. However, it is also important to understand that sometimes eating a healthy diet just isn’t enough. If you are suffering from the effects of varicose veins, we want you to know that there’s help available. Our vein treatment specialists offer a range of effective, minimally-invasive vein treatments. Vein treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure and allows you to return to most normal activities immediately afterward. 

21. Your vein specialist will work one-on-one with you to address your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan. No matter which exact treatment is recommended, they all have a similar goal. This goal is to close off diseased veins and divert their blood flow to healthy, surrounding ones instead. • Our state-of-the-art treatments include: • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) • ClariVein • Varithena Foam Treatment • Sclerotherapy

22. Contact USA Vein Clinics At USA Vein Clinics, we are here to support your diet plan for varicose veins. We are also available to help you explore your vein treatment options. If you have any questions related to your vein health, our experts are happy to meet with you and answer them.  You can schedule an initial consultation online or call us at 888.768.3467. For your safety and convenience, we also offer telemedicine appointments. Wherever we meet up, we look forward to helping you discover a better quality of life!