Blood flows thru your arteries, moved by the
heart's beating and providing both nutrients and oxygen to all of the body tissues. Blood returns to the heart by the veins. Like
the arteries, the veins are tube-shaped vessels in graduated
sizes, but unlike the arteries, the veins have little valves on their
inner walls to prevent the blood from flowing backward, toward the arteries. If these valves
do not work properly, circulation is affected and blood accumulates in
the veins causing them to stretch. This results in what is known
as "varicose veins", which are abnormally enlarged, bulging,
often bluish and lumpy-looking veins. These very noticeable veins also include the following symptoms: dull,
nagging aches and pains. Swelling, leg sores, itching, leg cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are
characteristic of varicose veins. The poor circulation contributes to the formation of varicose
veins and thus the problem is more common in people that sit or stand in one position for prolonged periods of
time, people who habitually sit with their legs crossed, and those who are not getting regular exercise.
Excess weight, heavy lifting, and pregnancy will increase pressure on the legs, increasing the risk of
developing varicose veins. Also keeping the colon clean is important to reduce risk.
Abdominal tumors, constipation, heart failure, liver
disease, and phlebitis can also play a role in the formation of varicose veins. A deficiency of vitamin C and
bioflavonoids can weaken the collagen structure of the vein walls, which can lead to varicose veins. A
tendency toward varicose veins may also run in families. Most cases of varicose veins do not pose a
serious problem and can be managed with simple home measures. However, in some cases if the varicose
veins are not treated correctly, other complications such as bleeding under the skin, deep vein blood
clots, an eczema like condition near the affected veins, or ulcerated places around the ankles can be
a serious problem.
|
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Helpful notes |
|
Essential
Fatty acids |
helps minimize blood clot formation
as well as keeping both the veins and arteries soft and pliable. Essential fatty acids are found
in omega fatty acids from
fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. |
|
Multi-vitamin
Mineral supplement |
contains vitamin E, vitamin C,
magnesium,
calcium, and zinc which all aid in
both the treatment and the prevention of varicose veins. These
nutrients contained in a daily supplement are required for general
good health and well being. |
|
Garlic |
garlic helps to improve circulation
and thin the blood. This herb has been
shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals thus benefiting people with varicose veins. Garlic also helps boost the immune
system. |
|
vitamin C |
helps improve blood
circulation and reduction of blood clotting problems. |
|
vitamin
E |
helps to prevent the
heavy feeling in the legs that people with varicose veins and
related disorders suffer from. It also helps with blood circulation and boosts the body's immune system. |
|
Shepherd's
Purse |
this herb is good for
blood flow issues as well as various forms of infection. |
|
Bioflavonoids |
bioflavonoids can reduce clotting tendencies, aid in
circulation, and strengthen the blood vessels. They are also powerful anti-viral agents
that increase energy levels. Found in fruit and vegetable
based supplements. Many people are deficient as a result of poor
diet where they eat very little good quality fruits and vegetables. |
|
Grape Seed extract |
is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps restore flexibility to
the arterial
walls and reduces risk of both blood vessel disease and varicose veins.
|
|
|
All information presented on this web
page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to
administer to any
physical ailments. In all
matters related to your health please contact a
qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by
GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb
Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA |