Keeping varicose veins at bay

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the body upwards to the heart. Sometimes, the valves of the veins lose their elasticity due to prolonged high pressures in the veins. Improper functioning of the valves causes the blood to flow backwards, and collect in the veins, making them swollen and enlarged. These enlarged, swollen, twisted veins are known as varicose veins, and often appear blue or dark purple. Heredity, obesity, lack of exercise, sitting or standing for a long time, low fibre diet, pregnancy and age cause varicose veins.

TREAT VARICOSE VEINS NATURALLY

■ Keep legs at an elevated position. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing

■ Indulge in regular exercise (walking is ideal)

■ Avoid alcohol and smoking

■ Avoid tight-fitting clothes Also, follow a diet consisting of foods rich in protein, fibre, rutin, hesperidin, quercetin, and vitamins C, E and B.

Proteins: Lack of proteins weaken the walls of veins. Consume legumes, such as soy and nuts. Nonvegetarians can eat poultry and lean meats in moderate amounts.

Fibre: It contributes to wall formation in veins. A good intake of soluble fibre is necessary to maintain vein health.

Rutin: It helps improve circulation because of its ability to prevent capillary fragility. Plant sources of rutin are strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, citrus fruits, apricots, elder tea, spinach and watercress.

Hesperidin: It is used especially as a protector of the capillaries. Its dietary sources are citrus fruits.

Quercetin: It is present in onions in large amount. It helps prevent varicose veins. Other rich sources of quercetin are green tea, spinach, kale, and garlic.

Vitamin C: It helps in the development of collagen and elastin. Its antioxidant property prevents free radicals to alter health of blood vessels and stops varicose veins from becoming worse. Citrus fruits, peppers, carrot, dark green leafy vegetables like cabbage or broccoli, are good sources of this vitamin. Vitamin E: It improves blood circulation. Sources are wheatgerm oil, sunflower seeds and oil, hazelnuts, toasted almonds and olive oil. Vitamin B: It helps maintain blood vessel health. Whole grains are rich in this vitamin. Other sources are legumes and nuts.

PHOTO: ISTOCK