What Are Varicose Veins?
We will cover something here that women (and men) don’t just sit around and openly talk about. It is something that is kept covered up. Not with lies, but with pants. We will be addressing the topic of varicose veins.
When veins in the human body become enlarged, they are know as varicose veins. The color of these veins can vary. They can be a dark blue, blue, purple, or even a flesh like color.
These veins look like they are wrapped and enveloped into each other. They are at their worst when they actual enlarge past the skin and protrude. These veins do not make wearing shorts fun and they develop mostly on a persons legs.
Varicose veins are the visible signs of an underlying venous insufficiency problem, where venous blood escapes from the normal flow of blood into an already congested leg
If you suffer from the problem of varicose veins, don’t worry; you are by no means alone. Over half the women in the Unites States on America suffer from this problem. I always thought it was just something that happened to woman, as they get older.
I then found out that there are many factors that could cause a woman to get varicose veins. I remember when my wife first started getting them. She was the ripe old age of 28. Were expecting our third child. That’s when I found out that one of the causes is an increase of the flow of blood in the body. Because she was pregnant there was more blood flowing through her veins.
The problem of varicose veins can escalate into something much more serious than just bad appearances. Varicose Veins are a more serious form of venous insufficiency that can accompany other symptoms, including pain, soreness, burning, aching, throbbing, cramping, muscle fatigue, and restless legs. Over time, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to skin and soft tissue breakdown.
Venous insufficiency is caused by valves in the veins that have broken down. These valves prevent blood flow back to the arteries. If their integrity is compromiseD, blood can accumulate and collect. This condition in aggravated in people who are sedentary or obese and likewise aggravated by hormonal imbalances found in pregnancy or with the use of HRT and chemical birth control.
Because the legs are so far below the heart the veins located there have the hardest time pumping the blood back up. As more and more pressure is put on the legs (through pregnancy, weight gain, etc) the blood collects there. It is pumped through at a much slower rate than the rest of the body. The collection of blood could very easily lead to blood clots. This is a very dangerous situation as blood clots passed to the heart and brain cause strokes and possibly death.
How can you avoid the problem of varicose veins?
There are several extra steps you can take for the treatment of varicose veins.
Changes in diet can help with the appearance of spider and varicose veins. There are several herbs that will keep blood thin and flowing smoothly. Also consider the nutrients required to keep veins and capillaries strong. Increasing your intake of monounsaturated and saturated fats can help. All cells replace themselves on a regular basis, including the cells in your circulatory system.
A diet heavy in polyunsaturated fats is inadequate for tissue repair and can often excerbate the problem with an increase of free radicals. Your body requires cholesterol and saturated fats for the building of strong cell walls. If you have been eating mostly seed oils, your body is not getting the right kind of fats. Consider switching to olive oil for salad dressings and coconut oil and butter for cooking. Also, the dietary enzyme bromelain can improve overall circulation by reducing the build up of fibrin along the walls of the blood vessels. It is very inexpensive, and good for circulation disorders of all kinds.
When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area around the broken veins first in a circular motion and then in a brushing motion upwards towards the bowels. This will improve circulation.
Painful varicose veins should always be evaluated by your physician as they may require surgery. If you have asymptomatic varicose veins, it may be a good idea to tell your doctor during your regularly scheduled check up so she can be aware of any possible vascular disease or disorder.
There are new commercial cosmetic procedures available for the reduction of varicose veins, however many of them are simply not justifiably affordable for the average person. Even if such procedures are used, natural, inexpensive at-home treatments can increase the success of expensive procedures and prevent a future repeat of symptoms.