You can get varicose veins at any age and, in fact, it’s a common medical condition that affects about 1 in 3 adults. Before you know how to avoid varicose veins, you may want to find out what they are and who is at risk.
What are varicose veins?
Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. There are valves inside the veins that open and close to propel the blood to flow back to the heart. When these valves fail or become dysfunctional, they do not open and close in the normal way.
This dysfunction allows blood intended to flow to the heart to flow backwards and pool, particularly in the lower extremities. This backflow and pooling of blood can lead to varicose veins.
Varicose veins stretch the walls of the veins, which may already be weak, and show them twisted and blue, just under the skin.
They are more common in the legs because the veins move blood towards the heart against gravity, and leaky valves and weak walls can make this movement even more difficult.
Why do varicose veins appear
As we age, our veins and valves also age, which means they can weaken. But even the younger population can get varicose veins. Certain people are more prone to varicose veins, and age is just one factor. These are the other groups of people who may be susceptible to varicose veins:
1. Middle-aged and older adults. Around 22 million women between the ages of 40 and 80 have varicose veins. Female hormones are thought to play a role. While the female population is more at risk, men in the same age range of 40 to 80 also suffer from this problem, with 11 million of them having varicose veins.
2. People with sedentary jobs or who have to stand for long periods of time each day.. Sitting for long periods of time can lead to varicose veins. Leg muscles play an important role in moving blood, but when we sit for long periods of time, we prevent them from being able to help move blood against gravity. The same is true of prolonged standing, as this puts pressure on the veins which encourages varicose veins.
3. People taking hormonal medications. For example, women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, which is sometimes prescribed to help with the symptoms of menopause, have a increased risk of varicose veins.
4. Circulatory problems. Any damage to a vein, either from trauma or the presence of a blood clot, can damage its valves and walls, increasing the likelihood of the vein developing into a varicose vein.
5. Obesity and overweight. Weight gain puts additional pressure on the valves and walls of veins and veins in the legs. increases the likelihood of developing varicose veins..
6. Family history. The genetics is a risk factor, and when other family members have varicose veins, they are likely to develop them, as leaky valves are thought to run in families.
7. Pregnant women. During pregnancy, the developing foetus rests on the veins in the lower abdomen, which can increase the amount of blood that pools in the legs. Figuring out how to avoid varicose veins at this stage can often be tricky, although pregnancy-related varicose veins tend to disappear after the baby is born.
The symptoms of the appearance of varicose veins are:
– Feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the legs
– Swelling in the feet, ankles or whole leg
– Itching around the veins or burning in the legs.
– Feeling of throbbing in the legs.
– Changes in the skin, its feel or tone.
How to prevent varicose veins naturally and effectively
Those who know how to avoid varicose veins know that there are 3 methods that work and that their combination delivers even better results:
Exercises
Exercise is not only a great ally for losing weight or maintaining a healthy body weight. It is also a great way to help balance hormones naturally and lower blood pressure. All this can prevent the development of varicose veins. Sport promotes blood circulation, and this helps to minimise inflammation, improving the condition of the veins of those suffering from this condition.
Some of the routines indicated to avoid varicose veins are:
- Leg activation: repetitive upward and downward movements, both full leg and half leg.
- Bicycle: it can be a stationary bike or a road bike. It is also an option to do the cycling exercise lying on your back on the ground.
- Walking: walks of a duration and intensity appropriate to age and physical condition. Always wear suitable footwear.
- Swimming: an exercise that effectively relieves prison and can also be performed by those with joint problems, due to its low impact.
Diet
The foods we eat every day should nourish us, keep us healthy and heal us. Avoiding processed foods, excessive salt, caffeine or alcohol is a good place to start. Those who know how to avoid varicose veins are clear that some of the best foods to include in the diet are:
Fibre-rich foods, such as chia seeds and flax seeds (which also provide omega-3 and are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties), vegetables, fresh fruit, pulses and wholegrain cereals. Red fruits deserve special attention because they also provide antioxidants, vitamins E and C and flavonoids; substances that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as the appearance and health of the skin. In addition, green leafy vegetables are a source of magnesium, along with sweet potatoes and bananas.
Herbs and spices, such as cayenne, black pepper, basil, parsley and coriander, for their diuretic properties and their benefits for the circulatory system.
Quality proteins, such as those from pulses, fish and seafood, which provide fibre, some of them; omega-3 and fatty acids, others; in both cases favouring blood flow and the health of veins and capillaries. These effects increase in effectiveness if apple cider vinegar, known to be a good anti-inflammatory, is included in the diet.
Massages to promote circulation
Massages physically activate the circulatory flow, if performed with the right pressure and working the area from bottom to top. Using essential oils makes it easier to get the intensity of the pressure right. When it comes to the choice, one of the oils that is often used with good results to activate circulation is cypress oil. To improve the condition of the legs and varicose veins, other options are peppermint, tea tree and lavender essential oils in small quantities to soothe the problem areas. In addition to a diet based on nutrients and healthy products and the use of essential oils, it is advisable to provide the body with everything it needs for optimal functioning through supplements, such as G7 Activ+ with Silica, for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; and creams and care products based on natural ingredients, such as G7 Light Legs+ for tired legs, which moisturises and soothes.
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