This is true whether or not you experiences other symptoms like pain and swelling. Increased stress levels can cause vascularity due to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Learn which lifestyle changes to make to reduce plaque. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for reducing the appearance of varicose veins include: 5. High levels of salt in your diet can cause fluid retention, which then increases your blood pressure and swelling. Raising your legs above your heart will reduce pain and pressure in your legs due to vein problems. Homocysteine can damage the endothelium and increase the risk of blood clots, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Medication to help control blood sugars if you have. This one is a question for your healthcare provider, according to Dr. Hornacek. Apply elastic stockings or elastic bandages. 2. Keep your cholesterol in check by opting for healthy fats and skipping unhealthytrans fats. At his offices in Sewell, Voorhees, Vineland, andLumberton, Dr.Dietzekoffers custom treatment plans optimized for the unique needs of each patient, beginning with a thorough vein health evaluation to identify problems in their earliest stages. Aside from assisting athletes, beets may help improve blood flow in older adults with circulatory issues. The heart-healthy Mediterranean diet has huge benefits, including lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. Feb 3, 2021 Some foods make more of an impact on vein health than others. Gently massaging the affected areas can help to keep the blood moving through the veins. If you need to stand for a long time, you should move your legs from time to time to improve blood circulation. According to the Department of Health and Human Science, about 50 percent to 55 percent of women and 40 percent to 45 percent of men in the U.S. suffer from some sort of vein problem, with varicose veins affecting about half of all people 50 years and older. All you need to know about varicose vein pain. In fact, both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine have utilized turmeric since ancient times to open blood vessels and improve blood circulation (31). If youve experienced tingling, skin color changes or even wounds in your extremities, it could be from blood circulation. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Test-tube studies note that tomato extract can inhibit ACE, reduce inflammation, and disrupt platelet aggregation, which can improve circulation (48, 49). Research indicates that ingesting cayenne pepper increases circulation, improves blood vessel strength, and reduces plaque buildup in your arteries (7). Do compression stockings help to treat varicose veins? All rights reserved. Key Takeaways What Causes Spider Veins? Get lean Beyond genetics, the most important factor in skin-popping veins is how lean you are. You can start small and still get benefits from the exercise.. Flavonoids in dark chocolate promote endothelial health and reduce vessel stiffness, according to a report in a study in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in February 2014. Practice yoga Yoga is a low impact form of exercise that is easy to modify for beginners. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but smaller. Green vegetables are good sources of omega-3, which helps build up healthy veins. older people, specially those over the age of 40, people who have jobs thatrequire them to sit or stand for many hours, allowing blood to pool in the legs orblood flow to slow down, those with low levels physical activity and a, people with poor circulation and high levels of inflammation, caused by things like a poor diet, lack of exercise, injuries to the limbs, hormonal imbalances and high amounts of stress, pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, teens going through puberty, women on birth control pills or women going through, those withfamily members who have had varicose veins, people with light skin who have experienced high levels of sun exposure and skin damage, hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause: Studies suggest that women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men due to hormonal effects. Movement means artery health improvement. Many different essential oils are beneficial for improving blood flow while also lowering inflammation and hormonal imbalances. It shrinks the veins. Flavonoids Many herbs contain flavonoids, which strengthen capillary walls and assist the overall circulation of blood throughout the body and brain 1. Eating nitrate-rich foods may help improve circulation by dilating blood vessels, allowing your blood to flow more easily. Exercise moderately such as walking or swimming. Weakness in the valves of veins contributes to poor circulation, although its not entirely understood why some peoples valves malfunction more than others. Aesculus hippocastanum L. is available to purchase in health stores and online. Vitamin E is another antioxidant to include in your diet. Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels and raise your blood pressure, which can cause circulatory issues (51). 13. Spider veins are usually smaller than varicose veins and not as painful or likely to cause symptoms since theyre located on the surface skin layers. When lounging or even sleeping, try elevating your legs above your heart using pillows. Suter, A., Bommer, S., & Rechner, J. In an older, 30-day study in 23 males, taking 4.3 grams (g) of onion extract daily significantly improved blood flow and artery dilation after meals (15). The fruit of the bilberry plant can be eaten or made into extracts or tea. So you could try doing the following: Pour one liter of cold water into a bowl and add five drops of cypress oil (its best to dilute the essential oil first in a tablespoon of carrier oil of your choice). Vasodilators allow blood to flow more easily through your veins and arteries by relaxing the tiny muscles found in blood vessel walls. 14 Tips to Improve Varicose Veins Naturally + The Best Essential Oils for Varicose Veins was last modified: November 15th, 2018 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. When lying down, place a pillow under your feet, and make sure they are slightly upward. In theory, by following a healthy diet, we should all get enough essential nutrients. A study from 2018 found that people who used knee-high compression stockings with a pressure of 18 to 21 mmHg for one week, reported a reduction in the pain and aching associated with varicose veins. This is a bit of a no-brainer, but Dr. Hornacek emphasizes the need to cut out smoking. It thickens the blood and can cause plaque build-up in the arteries. Natural varicose veins treatment includes exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, essential oils for balancing hormones, an anti-inflammatory diet, and natural herbs like bilberry and horse chestnut. Avoid strenuous physical activity which applies heavy pressure on the veins, such as weight training. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/peripheral-venous-disorders/varicose-veins. Vein and Vascular Institute of New Jersey, Top 3 Signs of Vein Disease (do you have it? Spider veins (telangiectasias) usually look like fine lines or web-like shapes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536172, http://nccih.nih.gov/health/grapeseed/ataglance.htm, http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/flavonoids, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1078588417306421, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02850359, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vv, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/varicose-veins/, http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072431/, http://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/varicose-veins-and-spider-veins, Alzheimers: New blood biomarker could predict risk of cognitive decline, Researchers investigate what causes psoriasis and how it spreads, Low-dose atropine eyedrops may delay onset of nearsightedness in children, Heart attack may speed up cognitive decline, study finds, Type 2 diabetes: 1 in 5 'healthy' people may have prediabetes metabolism. You can talk with your doctor and individualize those items to meet your needs, she adds. Cutting back on red meat and full-fat dairy items can help treat or prevent atherosclerosis, which causes PAD. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If you experience pain when starting to exercise, take it slowly and try icing or heating sore muscles after a workout. Try to avoid being constipated frequently as it increases the pressure on the legs. Veiny Arms: What Causes Them and How to Make Your Veins Bulge - Healthline Women are at least twice as likely as men to develop varicose veins, but people of any age and race can be affected. It involves bending, stretching, and twisting. If you experience muscle aches, swelling or skin blisters, try using other diluted essential oils like peppermint, tea tree and lavender oil in small amounts to soothe problem areas. As theVascular Disease Foundation describes it, Under the pressure of gravity theseveins continue to expand and, in time, they may becomelonger, twisty, pouched, thickened and painful. (14). According to a 2012 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, treatment options for varicose veins range from conservative (e.g., medications, compression stockings, lifestyle changes) to minimally invasive (e.g., sclerotherapy or endoluminal ablation), to invasive (surgical techniques), to hybrid (combination of 1 therapies). (3), A 2007 report published in the Journal of the Royal College ofSurgeonsof Englandfound thatnerve injuries following varicose vein surgeries are common and that more than half the patients treated will develop some recurrent varicose sites within 10 years of surgery. In turn, muscle cells boost levels of the enzymes that allow them to use oxygen to generate energy. The valves in your veins are weakened, so they cannot prevent blood from flowing back towards your feet with gravity. Although we tend to think of them as a womans problem, both men and women develop varicose veins those bulgy veins thatappear lumpy and dark in color (usually blue or purple). Focus on increasing fiber intake with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Genetic weakness of the vein walls and valves, and excessive pressure in the veins are also among the causes for varicose veins. Massage the affected area with this blend twice a day. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without movement. ), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment. Can Herbs Strengthen Capillary Walls? | Healthfully Movement of muscles helps squeeze veins, which pumps blood back to the heart (one reason regular exercise is beneficial for circulation). In addition, you can combine these with butchers broom (200 milligrams daily), grape seed extract (200 milligrams daily) and vitamin E (400 IU daily) to help boost blood flow, protect veins and achievenatural blood-thinning effects safely. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Foods high in potassium can help to reduce water retention. How To Make Your Heart Stronger - Cleveland Clinic However, you can think of them as a warning sign that something is impairing normal blood flow. Many athletes supplement with beet juice or beet powder to help improve performance. Look for horse chestnut seed extract standardized to contain 16 percent to 20 percent aescin (escin), the active ingredient. In these cases, your blood has difficulty getting back to your heart and pools in these veins as a result. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 2005. According to one 2013 study, eating walnuts may reduce blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, and decrease inflammation, which may be particularly helpful for those with diabetes (41). Avoid sitting for long periods of time. The amount of blood that pools in the veins is small, and most blood is still being sent back to the heart. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Foods that are high in potassium include: Foods with fiber help to keep the bowels moving and prevent constipation. People with severe varicose veins may wish to seek medical treatments to help reduce their appearance and improve symptoms. And pressure on your veins oftentimes means varicose veins. 11. If you suffer from spider veins, read my other article: The Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Spider Veins. Here are five steps you can take today to strengthen your veins and enjoy better overall health to boot. Just like varicose veins, spider veins normally show up on the legs, backs of the thighs, calves, ankles and feet. This aids the muscles and veins to move blood toward the heart. In animal studies, cinnamon improved blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart. We have the best vein doctors in Ohio and can help you strengthen your veins and avoid future complications. Conditioning muscles is also an important element in improving circulation, says Dr. Hornacek: "Our veins are reliant on muscle compression to push blood flow back up the veins, particularly in . The reason varicose veins appear blue is because they hold deoxygenated blood. Yarrow Oil is popular to increase blood flow, contract blood vessels, and attack inflammation in the circulatory system that can cause swelling of blood vessels. Theyre a common problem among older or pregnant women due to hormonal influences, and they tend to develop over time as someone ages and veins lose their natural elasticity due to rising levels of inflammation. Reduced blood flow can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as pain, muscle cramps, numbness, digestive issues, and coldness in the hands or feet. 1) Horse Chestnut Extract: The herb horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum) is one of the most widely used alternative medicine remedies for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (a related condition). For example, lie down with the legs resting on three or four pillows. Natural Herbs Including Bilberry and Horse Chestnut. Dr. CharlesDietzekis a top-ranked provider of state-of-the-artvein treatmentand same-day vein surgery for patients throughout South Jersey. It's the compound that gives red and purple produce that deep-colored hue.. At work, a small stepstool can help reduce pressure on your lower legs, and it can also reduce your risk of lower back pain. Skin that appears pale or even blue or is abnormally red and inflamed. 15 Foods That May Help Prevent Clogged Arteries - Healthline Some may find it helpful to work with a specialist experienced in fitting and selecting garments to serve their needs. Learn how you can enjoy better vein health. Start all the way at your feet and massage upwards. While people often use these two terms interchangeably, these two skin conditions are actually somewhat different. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. A review study from 2006 suggests that horse chestnut extract, Aesculus hippocastanum L., may help to reduce leg pain, heaviness, and itching in people with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a major cause of varicose veins. All Rights Reserved. 1. Feelings of pain or weakness in muscles; leg heaviness. Whats more, research has observed that people following a traditional Japanese diet high in nitrate-rich vegetables like Chinese cabbage and spinach have lower blood pressure than those who consume a diet low in vegetables (35, 36). And as for e-cigarettes, Dr. Hornacek says those should also be avoided. . Essential oils work well to prevent varicose veins altogether and to stop them from getting worse when they are still small. The care of patients with varicose veins and associated chronic venous diseases: Clinical practice guidelines of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Our team will answer all questions and make you feel comfortable. However, as we age, our bodies cannot process and absorb vitamins and other nutrients. Foods That Strengthen Blood Vessels | livestrong Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to muscle tissue (28). Being active keeps your blood flowing, helps lower cholesterol and enables you to maintain a healthier weight. If you need to stand for a long time, you should move your legs from time to time to improve blood circulation. Supervised exercise therapy (SET) can help many people with PAD lessen leg pain and improve their walking distance. In a study in 12 older adults, those who drank 5 oz. Treating varicose veins at home is possible, and diet and lifestyle changes may improve the symptoms. Carrying excess body weight puts higher amounts ofpressure on your veins and can contribute to inflammation or reflux, especiallyin the largest superficial veins, such as the saphenous vein in the legs. It then returns to the heart through veins, which normally only move blood in one direction. Maintain a healthy body weight. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, obesity, smoking, and Raynauds disease are some of the many causes of poor circulation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Alternatively, make ginger tea or cinnamon tea and add the appropriate oil. | on Instagram: " "Yoga It also stops blood cells from sticking together. 9. See additional information. A. Someone might hear that one of these options might help them, but may be confused about how they work.. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Folate, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12 have one job in common: They help reduce the amount of homocysteine in your blood. Still, oils work well to prevent varicose veins altogether, to stop them from getting worse when they are still small, and to improve blood flow and vein health enough to tighten and improve the appearance of small to medium-size ones. Healthy veins are crucial to living a good life, free of pain, and with the ability to walk and perform daily activities without disturbance. Exercise and conditioning even from low-impact workouts like walking or pool therapy improve the vascular system in your legs. Here are the best essential oils for varicose veins: Clary Sage is a favorite to improve blood flow. In addition, during long-haul flights make sure to wear elastic socks. Step 2: Lift one leg and hold it in the air for a few seconds. Exercise Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation in the legs, which helps to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Keeping the legs elevated, ideally at the same height as the heart or above it will help to improve circulation. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-of-lower-extremity-chronic-venous-disease. Eat foods that are high in fiber. Our expert explains whats happening and how you can improve your circulation naturally. Around 20 percent of adults will experience varicose veins at some point. As an extra tip, dont ignore signs of vein disease. In one study, researchers used it successfully to reduce menstruation cramps caused by strangled blood flow, blended with marjoram, cinnamon, ginger, and geranium.1, Rose Oil also improves blood flow, and has also tested to be effective to improve blood flow in menstruating college girls, especially when mixed with lavender and clary sage.2. If you visit a dermatologist or doctor to talk about treatment options, youll likely be advised to make certainlifestyle modifications first, before surgery or other treatments areeven considered. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. The heat involved in these activities expands the capillaries and aggravates varicose veins. Other treatments Summary Circulation problems can. Poor circulation is a common problem caused by a number of conditions. The horse chestnut tree (sometimes called buckeye) producesseeds, leaves, bark and flowers thatcan be found in extract, cream/lotion, tea or capsule form. Medical treatments focus on closing those veins while oils must try to promote blood flow and vein health. Symptoms and Causes of Poor Circulation in the Arms and Legs, 5 Ways to Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, The 17 Best Foods for High Blood Pressure, The 10 Best Foods to Boost Nitric Oxide Levels. This type of diet emphasizes foods such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish, monounsaturated fats from olive oil and nuts, and soluble fiber from beans, vegetables and whole grains. Some people, especially pregnant women, also wind up developingheaviness or fullness in the legs, restlessness, fatigue, pain,cramps, skin ulcers and itching, andthickening and discoloration of skin. Put your feet up. Exercising muscles need more blood. Smoking is bad for the cardiovascular system. Cold compress may provide temporary relief from pain and burning. Spider veins are common in both men and women. Cinnamon and Cedarwood Oils are on many aromatherapists favorites list for contracting blood vessels and promoting blood circulation. Their appearances are not exactly the same, although their causes are somewhat similar. Tomatoes may help reduce the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which causes blood vessels to constrict to control blood pressure (47). While incorporating any of these foods into your diet may improve circulation, other lifestyle changes may have a larger impact. Repeat . Research reveals that tomato extract works similarly to ACE-inhibiting drugs, by opening up your blood vessels and improving blood flow. Too much salt increases the volume of your blood, which can make your blood pressure problems worse. How to Strengthen the Veins in Your Legs | USA Vein Clinics Antioxidant flavonoids in blueberries improved blood vessel functioning in healthy men, reported a study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in November 2013. Both have been studied for chronic venous insufficiency that causes pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching and nighttime leg cramping. Omega-3 fats also help inhibit the clumping of platelets in your blood, a process that can lead to blood clot formation (26). What Vitamins are Good for Your Veins? - Vein & Vascular Institute If you can find food-grade ginger and cinnamon oils, you can make some tea and add the oils to it. 1. Can vitamins help increase blood flow? - Medical News Today Consuming Plenty of Water Every one of you might have read it a million times in your life and everywhere that you should consume a lot of water, an average of 3 liters daily. The belief is that female-dominant hormones tend to relax the veins more often and increase the likelihood of blood leakage, especially during pregnancy, puberty, when taking, structural (congenital) abnormalities of the veins, inflamed veins or blood clots within the veins, injuries to the veins, heart disease or an obstruction that blocks normal blood flow, weight gain: Circulation can slow when someone gains weight if that personalso experiences increased. 14 Tips to Improve Varicose Veins Naturally - Healthy and Natural World To improve the blood flow in the legs, take several short breaks daily to raise the legs above the level of the heart. (1). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (56 g) of walnuts per day for 6 months experienced significant improvements in the function of the blood vessels compared to a control group (46). Calamus Oil improves blood circulation, especially if it is inhaled. Try to incorporate foods and drinks that . In a study in 112 people at risk for diabetes, those who ate 2 oz. According to a report published by the Huffington Post about the connection between obesity and varicose veins, for overweight people varicose veins are often more difficult to assess and treat because they commonly go unnoticed until they progress to be more inflamed and larger in size (up to four or five centimeters long, deep inside the leg). ), or 500 milliliters (mL), of pomegranate juice during or before weight training reduced soreness, muscle damage, and inflammation in elite weightlifters (12). Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper gets its spicy flavor from a phytochemical called capsaicin. (4). There are 14 warning signs that you have poor blood circulation. Make a cold or lukewarm showers. There can be some trial and error when trying to find the best fit for compression socks, notes Dr. Hornacek. Obesity Extra weight on your body means extra pressure on your veins. A person prescribed with blood-thinning medication should avoid taking grape seed extract, as a dietary supplement, as it can interact with the medication and increase the risk of bleeding. Hur, M.H., et al., Aromatherapy massage on the abdomen for alleviating menstrual pain in high school girls