Foods that improve blood circulation and vein health help decrease the chances of getting varicose veins which can affect 20% of all adults at some point in their lives. While you may not like the way they look, these swollen, bluish, lumpy intrusions are usually harmless, but for some people, they can be throbbing and dangerous.
According to a study led by Stanford University School of Medicine, researchers have examined the genes of 400,000 people in search of evidence of what causes varicose vein conditions.
“Genes that predict a person’s height may be one of the reasons for varicose veins disease. A person’s height and varicose veins have a link and may provide clues for treating the condition,” said Nicholas Leeper, MD, associate professor of surgery and cardiovascular medicine at Stanford.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged, and swollen veins which can cause frequent pain, itching, and discomfort. More than 30 million people in the United States have varicose veins, which are often seen as a natural symptom of aging. Most varicose veins, however, are caused by weak vein health. When veins don’t support and pump blood properly, it begins to pool in them. Over time, it creates a small thin network of new veins close to your skin surface, and that results in the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins look hideous, can be painful, and are often irritating. Improving vein health can help decrease the chances of getting varicose veins. One way you can help maintain good vascular health is through healthy nutrition. A healthy diet is an excellent way to encourage happy veins.
Foods That Improves Blood Circulation In The Veins: Healthy food, Happy Veins!
It has been medically proven that diet and nutrition affect overall health. A combination of healthy foods affect various functions of our body, including blood flow and circulation. The best foods to improve blood circulation, and vein health, will improve blood sugar level and reduce pain caused by chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
What we eat has a significant effect on our health, including energy, digestion, weight gain, and weight loss. Proper blood circulation provides the oxygen necessary for our body’s organs to function properly. A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients can contribute to healthy circulation and healthy veins. Essential nutrients keep the veins strong and flexible, but not all nutrients work the same.
Here is a list of foods, and recipes that can help keep your veins in good health and shape.
- Fiber:
Soluble fiber helps in preventing constipation. Constipation can increase pressure on your veins and later can contribute to the development of varicose veins. Also, insoluble fiber helps in reducing cholesterol levels. The foods rich in fiber, such as oats, apples, flaxseed, carrots, berries, and barley, are good for fighting against varicose veins and keeping veins healthy.
- Bioflavonoids:
Bioflavonoids give food extremely vibrant colors and are good for preventing the development of varicose veins. Choosing a diet that contains a higher amount of bioflavonoids can benefit a vein condition. The more colorful your diet, the better it is for your health. Start improving vein health by adding dark leafy greens, along with red and yellow foods to your meals.
- Vitamin C:
If you want to strengthen your blood vessels and defend membranes against damaging free-radicals, then getting some berries, citrus fruits, and peppers are sure to help you. Vitamin C can be very helpful in preventing varicose vein development symptoms by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, strengthening vein walls and improving overall health.
- Celery:
Celery is a good source of vitamin K, and also essential for blood clotting and healthy blood flow in your body. Celery is low in calories but high in minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. It is often overlooked, but this veggie is extremely helpful to eliminate toxins and is quite delicious in soups, and smoothies.
Garlic:
Garlic is a natural blood thinner and has been used medicinally for centuries. It has been proven as the best food that can help to keep the constant flow of blood through veins. It aids in digestion and relief from nausea. It is also known as a good source of increasing blood circulation.
- Raw Nuts & Seeds:
Nuts are rich in niacin and vitamin B3, these are essential for blood flow and prevent circulation problems and they contain unique antioxidant components. Hemp, sunflower, flax, and chia are some foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. They are also a good source of anti-inflammatory proteins that help by removing cholesterol and improving blood flow quality.
Add healthy food in your lifestyle to have happy veins.
Recipe Ideas
Creating dishes with varicose vein fighting potential is not as challenging as most people think. Here is a list of simple to follow recipes that will allow you to whip up vein-health boosting main dishes in no time.
1. Radicchio, Cress and Pear Salad
Garden cress and radicchio add an extraordinarily delicious and peppery bite to any vegan salad. Radicchio’s red leaves contain rich coloring anthocyanins, and acts as an antioxidant that is good for your health. The addition of garden cress delivers glucosinolates that have beneficial health-protecting qualities.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup shredded radicchio
- 2 small unpeeled pears
- 3 cups shredded Romaine
- 40 g garden cress, trimmed
- 60 g unpeeled cucumber
- 2 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2. Delicious Zucchini “Noodles” with Avocado, Cherry Pine Nuts, and Tomatoes
Try eating zucchini by turning it into noodles. These grain-free noodles made of whole zucchini are good carbohydrates and rich in vitamin C. The addition of creamy avocado in this dish delivers a large amount of vitamin K and B complex vitamins. Antioxidants contained in cherry tomatoes help protect your body’s cells and reduce the risk of developing a varicose vein disease.
Recipe Ingredients:
- One clove garlic
- A handful of fresh oregano and basil
- Five cherry tomatoes
- One avocado
- Salt, to taste
- One yellow (or green) zucchini
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
It’s important to understand the effect of eating healthy in order to fight against varicose veins. Eating healthy is good not only for varicose veins but also for various health conditions.
Have questions about the treatment of pregnancy-related varicose veins?
Treatment of varicose veins depends on the patient, severity of the veins’ appearance, and other medical factors. At San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center, our Board Certified Cardiologist, Dr. Behzad Taghizadeh, will discuss all the options available, listen to your concerns, and explain a treatment plan in easy-to-understand language. Our patients’ experience is just as important to us as their results, and we promise to take good care of you. If you’re looking for treatment for your varicose veins, give us a call to schedule a consultation today.
