Many people with varicose veins do everything in their power to cover them up; however, varicose veins are nothing to be ashamed of. These swollen and at times painful veins most often manifest themselves in the legs, and more than forty million Americans are affected by them.
The formation of varicose veins can be blamed on gravity. When blood circulates to the legs, it must be pumped upwards to the heart, which puts it at odds with the pull of gravity. Varicose veins are blue and puffy, because when blood travels through the veins, they’re kept going one-way by special valves that prevent blood from flowing back down the legs; however, sometimes those valves don’t work properly due to being damaged or stretched, which results in blood running back down and pooling.
Because of the rigidities of pregnancy and childbirth, women suffer from varicose veins more than men do. As a reaction to childbirth, certain hormones are released in a pregnant woman’s body, which tends to weaken collagen as well as connective tissues that are situated in the pelvis to make the process of childbirth a little smoother. Unfortunately, these hormones that were designed to make childbirth easier can also hasten the likelihood of varicose veins by weakening the collagen as well as the valves in the veins. There are other factors that can bring about varicose veins such as standing for long periods of time, sitting without moving for long periods, specifically with the legs crossed, genetics, and obesity.
Many people that suffer from with this problem consider them unsightly; however, they’re not life threatening when the veins that are affected are near the surface. But, if you have varicose veins that are deep within the leg, they can lead to serious medical emergencies such as phlebitis, thrombosis, and skin ulcers. These ailments will demand immediate medical attention.
Natural treatment for varicose veins
- The plant extract bromelainhelps promote the breakdown of fibrin, which is a protein that forms during the blood’s clotting response. For best results, take five hundred to seven hundred and fifty milligrams 2 to 3 times a day between meals.
- Taking vitamin Cwill help to promote healthy veins. In addition, vitamin C also helps circulation by limiting the propensity of the blood to form clots. For best results, take 1,500 milligrams a day, take them in divided doses.
- Promote healthy veins by taking zinc. You can take fifteen to thirty milligrams a day.
- Strengthen your vein walls with bilberry. You can use the tea as a wash for the affected areas. You can also use a bilberry herbal product that’s on the market; just follow the package directions for the proper dosage information.
- Reduce straining during bowel movements by taking fiber; it’s used to build bulk in the stool. People that strain due to constipation can weaken the vein walls over time, which can result in varicose veins as well as hemorrhoids (varicose veins in the anus). There are plenty of fiber products on the market that you can use, just follow the directions on the package for the proper dosage information.
The best way to prevent getting varicose veins is to avoid standing for long periods of time, lifting things that are heavy, crossing your legs, and wearing tight clothing or shoes. Exercising on a regular basis is another good way to prevent and treat varicose veins when they have already formed. Walking, jogging, and biking are among the best exercises to help remedy the problem. The blood in the legs goes back into circulation with the contraction of the leg muscles.
Contact your doctor immediately if you begin to experience sharp pains in your leg or you notice a lump in your vein that’s red and doesn’t disappear when your leg is placed in an upright position. It may be a blood clot, which could lead to a serious medical condition or a stroke.
