The blood vessels in the human body play an essential role of distributing oxygen and supplying nutrient-rich blood from the body to the heart. However, as we age, venous complications such as spider veins may arise and interfere with normal body function. Spider veins usually appear on the leg as small red or blue lines in the shape of a spider’s web. According to Health Diet Base, the main symptoms of spider veins include pain, aching and swelling of the lower limbs, the throbbing of the muscles and discolouration of the skin.
The pain can get nasty after sitting or standing for lengthy periods. Spider veins or telangiectasia may develop into varicose veins if left untreated. The condition is caused by several factors, including lack of movement, exposure to the sun, obesity, genetic propensity, age, pregnancy and changes in the hormonal balance. Age is a big causative factor because the veins often weaken and lose elasticity as we age. When that happens, the blood flow is affected and deoxygenated blood begins to pool in certain branches of the veins.
Treatment for Spider Veins
Common treatments for spider veins include: putting on doctor-recommended support stockings, surgery, Radiofrequency Occlusion, Sclerotherapy, Endovenous Laser treatment and lifestyle changes. Examples of lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, exercising and not smoking. Compression stockings works by squeezing a dilated spider vein, which in turn pushes the blood back into the leg, the heart and the rest of the body. The stockings also help reduce foot swelling, and pressure on the veins.
When sitting, it is important to elevate your legs to promote speedy blood circulation and reduce the chances of developing varicose veins and spider veins. The Sclerotherapy procedure entails shooting a solution into the affected veins. The solution works by collapsing the affected vein. The laser treatment, on the other hand, works by shrinking and collapsing the spider veins through heating. The procedure is fairly fast and easy since it involves beaming light directly onto the affected area. The damaged vein turns into scar, which soon disappears.
Can Diet Help Prevent Spider Veins?
Studies have shown that certain nutrients in our food can help grow more robust and more elastic veins and arteries. The following dietary recommendations can help fight venous conditions such as spider veins and varicose veins and also go a long way to improve leg function.
Eat variety of foods
Vitamin P or the Bioflavonoid element in some foods and drinks has been shown to help reduce varicose veins, thanks to high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. The latter helps strengthen the connective tissue and diminish the swelling inside the walls of the veins. The stabilisation also causes the blood to flow more efficiently to the legs and other parts of the body. The following fresh fruits and vegetables are good best sources of Bioflavonoid:
- Various teas
- Broccoli
- Green vegetables such as spinach
- Citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Garlic
- Tropical fruits such as papaya and mangoes
Drink more water
The symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins can be greatly diminished by staying hydrated with water and sufficient quantities of fiber. The combination helps flush out the system, which greatly reduces cramping or bloating. The best way to do it is beginning the day with glass water. To make water more interesting to drink, you can add a slice of orange, lime, mint leaves and other fruit flavours into your water. Also, when travelling, make it a habit to carry a bottle of water at all times.
Eat more fiber
Fiber forms a critical part of the human diet since it helps maintain normal digestive function and reduces risk factors of developing high cholesterol and other disorders. High levels of cholesterol can be detrimental to the function of the body’s vascular system. Fiber also helps maintain healthy weight and curtails the occurrence of varicose and spider veins. The best food options for the vascular system include antioxidant rich fruits that help reinforce the veins; whole wheat containing vitamins, proteins and minerals and super grains such as barley and oatmeal.
Reduce your sodium intake
Foods that have high concentrations of sodium have been shown to cause the retention of body fluid. When that happens, the veins become susceptible to damage. To stay on the healthy course, always take a careful look at the food labels to understand the nutritional content. Besides salt, the foods that may contain high amounts of sodium include fast food, canned soups, salad dressings and deli meat.
Avoid foods canned in Bisphenol A (BPA)
The BPA leaden hard plastic bottles and cans are known to contain estrogen like chemical which has been tested to be a risk factor in the development of spider veins. One way to avoid BPA is to take time to read the labels of the foods purchased from the groceries.
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