We all know that a healthy diet is beneficial for your overall health. But did you know that eating certain foods can actually impact your vein health as well?
If you have varicose or spider veins, consider eating these foods to improve your vein health and prevent further vein damage.
Let’s look at some of the best foods to improve your vein health, as well as which foods to avoid.
Food High in Rutin
Many specialists agree that the best foods for varicose veins are those high in rutin, a plant pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables.
Rutin is “vasoprotective,” meaning it protects blood vessels. It can strengthen weak capillaries that could develop into varicose veins. Rutin is also, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant.
Food that contains rutin includes:
- apple
- buckwheat
- grapes
- cherries
- apricots
- blackberries
- avocados
Food High in Water
Drinking water is one of the best ways to improve your vein health. It helps circulate the blood by making it thinner and helps strengthen the muscles that support the veins. Choosing foods high in water content will help your veins stay hydrated.
Water-rich food includes:
- strawberries
- cantaloupe
- peaches
- oranges
- broths and soups
- zucchini
- celery
- tomatoes
Food High in Vitamins & Minerals
Your body needs vitamins and minerals (aka micronutrients) to function properly. They not only nourish the body but also reduce your risk of diseases, especially vein disease.
Eating nutrient-rich foods will give your body the power it needs to protect and strengthen the arteries, veins, and heart from damage that lead to varicose veins.
Food that contains vitamins & minerals:
- Avocado
- Asparagus
- Berries
- Citrus Fruits
- Leafy Greens
- Bananas
- Fish
Avoid Food High in Sodium
Sodium causes the body to retain water which increases your blood volume and blood pressure. This puts pressure on the venous system.
Food high in sodium includes:
- canned foods
- deli meats
- bacon
- packaged seasoned meat
- pizza
- soy sauce
- olives
- pickles
- condiments
- salad dressings
Avoid Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are stripped away of fiber that promotes strong, healthy veins. Fiber helps to reduce constipation, which puts pressure on the veins in your lower body.
Food with refined carbohydrates includes:
- white bread
- white rice
- pasta
- chips and other snacks
- baked goods
- breakfast cereals
Avoid Food High in Sugar
High amounts of sugar in the blood cause an excess of insulin to be released into your circulatory system. Excess blood sugar causes the blood vessels to lose elasticity and narrow.
Food high in sugar includes:
- candy
- cake
- cookies
- ice cream
- yogurt
- granola & granola bars
- soda
- sports drinks
- fruit juice
- BBQ Sauce
- ketchup
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol causes dehydration, making the body work harder to move blood throughout the body. This puts extra pressure on the veins and makes varicose veins symptoms worse.
Eay Healthy Food AND Get Vein Treatment
While a healthy diet isn’t a substitute for vein treatment by a vein specialist, paying attention to the foods you consume can help you manage your varicose veins. But the best approach to better vein health is to combine exercise, diet, and vein treatment.
If your legs are painful, itchy, or swollen, it could lead to a serious medical condition, especially if you don’t seek medical help. In this case, food won’t help as much as vein treatment.
At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, our medical staff has years of experience helping people with their spider and varicose veins. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE virtual consultation and vein evaluation.
