Veins are vessels that carry blood to the heart and within them are valves that allow blood to travel in only one direction. Sometimes these valves become weakened and do not close completely, this allows some blood to flow backward where it can end up collecting. A condition known as chronic venous insufficiency occurs when veins in the legs cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. The blood pools, legs may feel heavy and painful and the ankles may swell. The condition often leads to the occurrence of varicose veins, a swelling and bulging of the veins.
Varicose veins are most commonly seen in the legs and are not usually a serious causes for concern. Sometimes blood and other fluid can leak out of the veins into the surrounding tissue, this is uncommon but severe and can cause scaly, itchy skin or fluid pooling and swelling in the legs. Without attention varicose veins do tend to worsen and may need to be removed via surgery. However, veins can be strengthened through a variety of means in order to prevent any chronic venous insufficiency and subsequent varicose veins.
Individuals who spend a lot of time standing in one position may be at a greater risk of developing varicose veins. Genetic and hormonal factors may also be involved in the development of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins and obesity, lack of exercise, pregnancy and heavy lifting can aggravate the condition.
Fibre
There is some evidence to suggest that one of the causative factors of varicose veins is constipation. It seems that straining in constipation can cause raised abdominal pressures which are transmitted to the veins of the legs, putting pressure on the valves (1,2). Individuals who are susceptible to varicose veins may well benefit from looking to increase the amount of fibre in their diets. Most of us in the UK tend not to include enough daily fibre in our diets and could well do with a boost! Ensuring a good daily supply of vegetables, fruits, beans, pulses, oats, nuts and seeds will go some way to boosting daily fibre intakes. Taking a prebiotic and/or probiotic supplement may also help prevent constipation and keep the digestive system functioning optimally.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids, or bioflavonoids, are bioactive plant compounds found in large quantities in vegetables and fruits. Readers of my blog will be used to me mentioning them. They have antioxidant, amongst other, actions within the body. Procyanidins (or proanthocyanidins) are a subclass of flavonoids and studies have shown that they are useful in the treatment of symptoms associated with varicose veins (3,4,5,6). One paper (3) analysed the data from several trials testing a herbal remedy in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency. The supplement tested contained 150mgButchers broom (Ruscus aculeatus), 150mg hesperidin and 100mg vitamin C. Butcher’s broom is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean, it contains the flavonoids ruscogenin and neoruscogenin. Herperidin is another type of bioflavonoid found mainly in citrus fruits. The paper pulled together data from many trials, in total there was information from over 10,000 participants. The supplement appeared to alleviate pain severity, feelings of heaviness in the legs and water retention.
A study (7) examining the procyanidin content of some foods including; red wine, dark chocolate, cranberry juice and four varieties of apples found that, on average, dark chocolate and apples, especially Red Delicious and Granny Smith, contain the largest procyanidin content per serving. Other good sources of these flavonoids include blueberries, grapes (especially the skins), peanuts and bilberries. Incorporating procyanidin rich foods into the diet may prove beneficial to those suffering with, or wanting to prevent, varicose veins. In general a diet rich in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits will provide a whole host of flavonoids to the body.
Specific supplements for vein health are available and these tend to contain various classes of flavonoids. You may wish to consider taking a supplement, in addition to a healthy balanced diet, in order to boost your dietary intake levels.
Horse Chestnut
Supplements are now available which contain extracts from the seed of the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.). Horse chestnut has been traditionally used for many years to treat individuals with weak veins and varicose veins. The benefit seems to come from a compound called escin, another type of flavonoid. It appears to strengthen veins thereby preventing fluid loss and subsequent leg swelling. Supplements and leg gels containing horse chestnut are readily available for treatment of the symptoms of varicose veins. A study (8) reviewing the available evidence indicates that products containing horse chestnuts are helpful, especially in alleviating leg pain, feelings of leg heaviness and itching in patients suffering with varicose veins and other issues associated with venous insufficiency.
Other helpful advice
*Try to incorporate some form of exercise, such as walking, into your day
*Avoid crossing your legs whilst seated
*Avoid standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
*Elevate your legs when possible to prevent the blood from pooling in the veins
*Avoid tight clothes that constrict circulation
*Wear compression stockings, especially if you regularly sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
(1)Burkitt DP. 1976. Varicose veins: facts and fantasy. Arch Surg. 111(12):1327-32.
Fine AM. 2000. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes: history, structure, and phytopharmaceutical applications. Alternative Medicine Review. 5(2):144-151.
(2)Lee AJ et al. 2001. Fiber intake, constipation, and risk of varicose veins in the general population: Edinburgh Vein Study. J Clin Epidemiol. 54(4):423-9.
(3) Boyle P, Diehm C, Robertson C. 2003. Meta-analysis of clinical trials of Cyclo 3 Fort in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Int Angiol. 22(3):250-62.
(4) Fine AM. 2000. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes: history, structure, and phytopharmaceutical applications. Alternative Medicine Review. 5(2):144-151.
(5)Gomez Trillo JT. 1973. Varicose veins of the lower extremities: Symptomatic treatment with a new vasculotrophic agent. Prensa Med Mex. 38:293-296
(6)Royer RJ et al. 1981. [Evaluation of venotropic drugs by venous gas plethysmography. A study of procyanidolic oligomers.] Sem Hop. 57:2009-2013
(7)Hammerstone JF et al. 2000. Procyanidin content and variation in some commonly consumed foods. Journal of Nutrition. 130(8):2086-2092S.
(8) Suter A, Bommer S, Rechner J. 2006. Treatment of patients with venous insufficiency with fresh plant horse chestnut seed extract: a review of 5 clinical studies. Adv Ther. 23(1):179-90
Written by Ani Kowal
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