Nutrition for Vein Health

Whether you suffer from large, bulging varicose veins, smaller varicose veins, spider veins or the symptoms of venous insufficiency, there are things you can do to help lessen the severity of certain symptoms. Exercise, compression therapy, and vein-friendly nutrition can help improve how your legs feel and work on the inside.

This post focuses on nutrition choices for promoting healthy blood flow and veins as a result. If you feel your venous disease is severe and can’t be helped with nutritional choices, schedule your free vein screening or consultation today.

Or learn more about other risk factors for vein disease.

What do veins do?

Our veins have a very important job of carrying de-oxygenated blood from your extremities (arms and legs) back toward the heart. When they weaken and stretch, they are unable to efficiently pump blood back toward the heart, causing reflux and pooling in the veins.

Fortunately, you can help maintain proper vascular health in part, through healthy nutrition, although often times genetics may also play a role. Proper nutrition is beneficial for those who are predisposed to varicose veins or who already have them.

What makes foods “vein-healthy”?

Certain foods and beverages are vein-friendly because they are fortified with key ingredients proven to improve circulation and strengthen vein walls.

Foods rich in bioflavonoids (vitamin P) can help reduce varicose veins because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Try these delicious bioflavonoid-rich foods to help manage your varicose vein symptoms:

• Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons
• Apples, apricots, cherries, black currants and grapes
• Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
• Mangos and papayas
• Onions and red bell peppers
• Buckwheat and fiber
• Broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts
• Garlic and cayenne

Liquid nutrition for healthy veins

• Water
• Tea, especially green tea
• Smoothies and juices
• Red wine

Keep these foods and drinks in mind while you prepare your meals, shop for groceries or dine out, so you can make smart, vein-healthy choices.

Learn more about the state-of-the-art vein treatments we offer by calling our North Center location at 773-231-9884 or our Downtown Chicago location at 312-234-0750 to schedule your complimentary consultation if diet alone isn’t enough.