Varicose veins are a problem that no one wants to deal with, but unfortunately many are faced with.
In fact, over 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, so there is no better time than the present to take a look at what may be affecting your vein health.
Top 5 reasons why people develop varicose veins
Age
Though it is a myth that only older people develop varicose veins, it is true that the older you get, the more likely you are to develop varicose veins, especially when you hit the age of 50 and over. This is due to the fact that as you age, your veins wear and weaken more, and thus are more susceptible to developing varicose veins.
Genes
This one is completely out of your control — if you have a history of varicose veins in your family, then chances are good you’ll get them too.
Hormones
Changes in hormones have been proven to increase your chances of developing varicose veins. This is particularly true when pregnant or when going through menopause. Pregnancy causes the amount of blood in a woman’s system to multiply greatly, thus adding pressure to her veins, which oftentimes leads to enlargement of the veins and, you guessed it, varicose veins.
Sedentary lifestyle
One of the worst things for your health all-around is a sedentary lifestyle, but it is especially damaging to your vein health. When you sit or stand for long periods of time, you cause your veins to work overtime to keep the blood properly flowing to your heart and throughout the rest of your body.
Obesity
The extra weight in your body puts extra pressure on your veins, which oftentimes causes varicose veins to form. And the scariest part about being obese with varicose veins is that oftentimes, people can’t even see the varicose veins due to the excess fat they’re carrying around.
However, obesity is one of the leading causes of varicose veins that you can actually do something about. Unlike hormones, genes, and age, obesity is something that can be controlled.
You have the power in your hands to keep yourself healthy, and that begins with your diet.
What to eat to keep your veins healthy
Avocados
Thankfully avocados are all the rage right now because they are great for vein health.
Whether you like your avocado on top of some toast, in a salad, or on its own, this fruit (yes, it’s technically a fruit) is great to eat to keep your veins healthy. Avocados are loaded with vitamins C and E, which are known to be great for vein health. Glutathione is also present in avocados, and this is known to protect your arteries and your veins.
Beets
Not only are beets a nice colorful addition to your plate, but they are also a great addition to your diet for vein health. This vegetable is filled with a phytochemical compound that helps lower the levels of a naturally-occurring amino acid in your body that can sometimes attack blood vessels.
Asparagus
Steam it, throw it on a salad, add it to your steak — however you choose to eat your asparagus, know that you are doing your body a favor by eating it. Asparagus is full of a number of vitamins and minerals including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Fiber
- Folate
- Chromium
- Calcium
- Niacin
- Amino acids
- Phosphorus
Is that enough for you? We think so. Definitely, do not miss out on adding this one to your list.
Rosemary
Known to get the circulation moving again, rosemary is a great herb to add to your diet to help your veins properly working. In addition, it contains a compound called rosmarinic acid that helps protect your tissues from free radicals. Throw rosemary on top of your lamb, in a soup, or in some homemade bread and you will love it for more reasons than one.
Ginger
Ginger is a great thing to have on hand for a number of ailments. And, now you’ll have another reason to keep ginger in your home — to help keep your veins healthy. Ginger has been known for centuries to increase circulation, and the same is still true today.
However, fresh ginger is always the best option as its flavor is much more strong and it has more concentrated volumes of its beneficial parts.
Cherries, apples, buckwheat, and other rutin-filled foods
The most beneficial foods for varicose veins are those that contain rutin. What’s rutin, you ask?
Rutin is a flavonoid that helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as keep your veins strong. In addition to all this, the flavonoid is also anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and help to prevent blood clots.
The best places to find rutin include:
- Apples
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Buckwheat
- Grapes
- Capers
- Black olives
- Asparagus
- Raspberries
- And many more
Keeping your veins healthy by simply modifying your diet doesn’t have to be difficult. You do not need to do a complete 180 on what you’re eating, you simply need to find ways to incorporate some of the above foods into your diet. And for your veins to remain healthy, we think it’s certainly worth it. If you’re unsure about the health of your veins, you should find out today by visiting USA Vein Clinics near you. With over 160 locations in 30 states across the country, we are the most trusted and long-standing vein clinic in the United States.
Interested in finding more healthy eating tips? Explore our collection of food and diet topics.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Yan Katsnelson is a philanthropist, business owner, and highly skilled cardiac surgeon. He is the Founder and CEO of USA Vein Clinics, which is part of USA Clinics Group, the parent company of USA Fibroid Centers, USA Vascular Centers, and USA Oncology Centers, with more than 100 facilities nationwide. Dr. Yan has established himself as a strong advocate for accessibility and affordability of the most advanced medical care close to home. His mission is to create a positive experience for each patient with compassionate, personalized, and expert care.
