How Diet Can Affect Varicose Veins

As anyone who has this condition knows, varicose veins can be painful and frustrating to deal with. When you’re dealing with varicose veins, what you eat can be both helpful and hurtful to the severity of the condition. The diet you choose to follow is not as simple as saying healthy foods are good for you and unhealthy foods are bad. Certain foods will go a long way in actually lessening the pain caused by the condition, while others will only increase it. The following is a brief guide outlining how a diet can affect varicose veins.

Foods That Are Bad for Varicose Veins

In essence, varicose veins are formed through an increase in water retention within these veins. As more water is retained, veins are put through much more stress, which leads to stretched out veins. Water retention in and of itself is brought about because of eating foods that are particularly high in sodium or salt. In fact, even if you already have varicose veins, too much sodium and salt in your diet can negatively affect your veins even further. Make an effort to avoid high salt foods such as any type of canned soup, pizza, ham and hot dogs. High sodium content can be found in soy sauce, cheese, salad dressings and especially ramen noodles; all of which you should also avoid. As for drinks, it’s recommended that you stay away from any alcoholic beverages.

Foods That Bolster the Health of Your Veins

While there are certain foods that can negatively affect your veins, there are also foods that can help varicose veins. It’s important to keep a diet that is high in potassium, as well as fiber. In regards to fiber, increase your intake by simply replacing white flour, white rice and sugar with whole wheat flour, brown rice and lots of fruit. Fiber is helped along through your body by increasing your water intake as well.