Varicose veins are weakened, enlarged blood vessels which result from damaged valves within the veins. Under normal circumstances these valves prevent blood from pooling, but if blood can’t circulate freely, the excess pressure allows the water to escape from the veins and into the surrounding tissues, causing oedema. This is the reason for the associated heaviness, tiredness and aching that comes with varicose veins. Leg cramps are also more likely to occur because of the impaired circulation.
With further deterioration, the veins become painful and inflamed. The resulting lack of circulation starts to affect the surrounding tissues, causing the skin to become itchy and thin. This may be accompanied by brown skin discoloration. Ultimately leg ulcers may begin to develop. Surgical removal of varicose veins ultimately exacerbates the situation as it increases the demands on an already overburdened venous system.
In the early stages, varicose veins are preventable and treatable, but as the process continues, the condition becomes more difficult to heal. Varicose veins may also lead to blood clots or thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis, which can develop from varicose veins, may become a serious condition if the blood clot detaches and travels to other body parts. Varicose veins, which affect about half of all people in middle age, occur more commonly in women; often precipitated initially by pregnancy.
Causes
Veins become varicose when they are overburdened with blood, which can occur for a number of reasons. While the veins feed blood back to the heart, they are easily susceptible to excess strain. Exercise, especially leg exercises like walking and biking, helps the venous system return blood to the heart, whereas standing for long periods of time will significantly increase the pressure on the veins. Sitting for prolonged periods has a similar effect and crossing the legs while sitting further interferes with circulation. In hot weather, the veins are naturally distended and circulation is more sluggish. Walking as much as possible and putting the legs up at the end of the day will ease the problem. Pressure on the venous system from straining while constipated increases the risk of varicose veins, as does haemorrhoids and varicocele. Pregnancy also puts pressure on the veins in the legs and can also cause haemorrhoids. Age and obesity increase the risk of varicose veins, due to a loss of tissue elasticity.
Lifestyle modification
- Lie supine with the legs elevated for ten to fifteen minutes every day before bed. This helps to prevent varicose veins; and reduce the pain of an existing problem.
- Swim, cycle and walk briskly to improve circulation and help keep the bowels regular.
- Walk barefoot whenever possible, ideally on sandy beaches.
- Douche the knees and thighs regularly with cold water and alternating hot and cold foot baths to improve circulation and help avoid blood stagnation.
- Elevate the bed mattress 20cm at the foot end.
- Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.
- Avoid tight socks or stocking tops, or anything that hinders blood circulation to and from the lower extremities.
- Avoid crossing the legs when sitting.
- If the varicose veins have deteriorated beyond repair, use compression stockings.
Nutrition
General dietary advice is directed at a healthy diet that will improve circulation and ensure a regular and healthy bowel activity.
Foods which will prevent constipation (high-fibre foods) include:
- raw vegetables including the stems
- fruit including the peel
- cabbage – red and white
- brussel sprouts
- nuts and seeds
- dried plums
- figs
- dates
- wholegrain breads and cereals
Flax seeds are a natural laxative and can be added to cereal or taken as flax seed oil and used as a dressing for salads or baked potatoes. Flax seeds also absorb water and therefore soften the faeces.
Avoid saturated fats from red meat and trans-fatty acids found in hydrogenated oils such as margarine and most commercially processed foods. The bitters in grapefruit juice have a stimulating effect and help alleviate varicose veins. Wheat germ has a high natural content of vitamin E, which has a dilatory effect on the blood vessels. To optimise the integrity of the blood vessel walls, eat foods rich in vitamins B and C, such as whole grains, green vegetables and citrus fruits.
Nutritional supplement treatment options
- Rutin is a type of flavonoid that is found in foods such as citrus, green tea and figs. It can both strengthen and improve the flexibility of blood vessels and is often prescribed to help with varicose veins.
- Pycnogenol – research has shown that Pycnogenol improved the function of leg veins in people with widespread varicose veins.
- Vitamin E is well-documented in helping to improve circulation and tissue elasticity. It also prevents the formation of blood clots.
- Grape Pip is a polyphenol that has been shown to maintain healthy collagenase and elastase, thus supporting the integrity of venous blood vessels.
Botanical treatment options
Although witch hazel is known primarily for treating haemorrhoids, it may also be useful for varicose veins.
Since varicose veins are largely precipitated by constipation and poor blood circulation, botanical options are directed at the use of herbs that support liver function, such as:
- Dandelion root, which stimulates the liver and increases bile flow
- Chicory tea, which improves liver and kidney functions
- Horsetail, which strengthens connective venous tissue
- Horse chestnut seed extract decreases the permeability of capillaries, increases the tone of slack and dilated veins and helps to reduce venous inflammation and thrombosis. It can be taken orally or used externally for various disorders of venous circulation, including varicose veins. Studies have shown that horse chestnut seed reduces the formation of enzymes that are thought to cause varicose veins.
- Ginkgo biloba has a supportive role to both veins and arteries. Ginkgo has been shown to cause vasodilation, particularly of the peripheral blood vessels.
- Bilberry strengthens capillary and vein walls. It also helps to relieve constipation.
- Arnica gel can be massaged into the legs for symptomatic relief of varicose veins.
- Oral supplementation with butcher’s broom or gotu kola may also be helpful for varicose veins.
Homeopathy
Varicose veins should be treated primarily with physical therapy. However, if the veins have become inflamed and painful, homeopathy may promote healing. The following remedies are commonly used:
- Arnica is useful for treating veins that have been affected by bruising and pain after an injury.
- Hamamelis is indicated in many venous problems and should be used if bruising remains. Like Arnica, it provides symptomatic relief to venous soreness and bruising.
- Pulsatilla is often useful for healing varicose veins that develop during pregnancy. Indications for use are if the veins are swollen and painful and are aggravated by heat and having the legs hang.
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Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates, DO, DIBAK, L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio Ltd. Copyright © Pure Bio Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Pure Bio Ltd are a leading UK supplier of the highest quality PURE nutritional supplements, based in Horsham, West Sussex. Proud Winners of Southern Enterprise Awards, Best Nationwide Hypoallergenic Nutritional Supplements Distributor 2022 and 2023.
