VARICOSE VEINS
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki, MPH
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Veins are blood vessels that carry de-oxygenated blood to the heart. Varicose veins are caused by the poor blood circulation, reduced flexibility of the vein walls and faulty valves. Valves found in veins close for a moment after each heartbeat to prevent the blood from flowing backwards to assists in returning blood to the heart against gravity. If these valves become weakened by unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, bad diet, or genetic abnormalities they are not able to close properly. As a result, the blood can’t flow upwards and tend to accumulate in those areas causing veins to swell and become inflamed, especially when the walls of the veins are weak and not flexible enough.
– Vitamin K deficiency. It seems that calcium build-up in the veins may be a cause of varicose veins and vitamin K2 supplementation prevents it. New research shows vitamin K deficiency leads to accumulation of calcium in muscle cells found in the walls of the veins causing varicose veins (Toumanizntz, Boularan, Schurgers, et al. 2007).
– Many lifestyle and nutritional factors may contribute to this condition by damaging valves, weakening walls of the veins, and leading to poor blood circulation. That includes bad diet (refined foods, lack of fibre, sugar, meat, dairy), nutritional deficiencies, free radicals, constipation, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged and frequent sitting or standing, smoking and other stimulants, sitting with crossed legs, etc.
– One of the causes of varicose veins (as well as haemorrhoids) is constipation as straining during bowel movement (caused by constipation) creates pressure in the abdomen making blood vessels to swell and become inflamed. Constipation is mainly caused by inactivity, dehydration, and diet low in fibre. Lack of fibre in the diet is caused by avoiding unrefined plant foods (whole grains, vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, palsies, seeds, and nuts) and consumption of deprived of fibre foods such as sugar, white flour products, all animal products, white rice, etc. Varicose veins are much more common in countries where the diet has been low in fibre and high in processed foods.
– Poor venous (vein) tone and elasticity (due to bad diet which is deprived of rutin and bioflavonoids) often leads to varicose veins. If the walls of blood vessels are weak and stiff they tend to swell and are unable to return to their natural shape.
– Thick blood caused by bad diet (meat, dairy, milk, sugar, refined products, eggs, bad oils and fats, etc.).
– Poor blood circulation caused by inactivity, dehydration and bad diet.
– During pregnancy the baby may actually press on the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart. Pregnancy can also increase pressure on pelvic blood vessels, causing them to enlarge.
– Overweight and obesity.
– Stress.
– Constipating iron supplements and calcium carbonate or bicarbonate.
– Drugs such as aluminium hydroxide antacids and antihypertensives, and narcotics such as morphine and codeine as they cause constipation.
– Dehydration (drinking insufficient amount of water) as it makes blood thicker and causes of impaired blood circulation.
– Failure to have regular exposures to sunlight increases the risk of varicose veins.
– Deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays an important role in helping promote relaxation of blood vessels.
– Vitamin C and E deficiency. Both vitamins are antioxidants which help to repair cellular damage in the body including veins. Vitamin E is also known to reduce the spider veins.
– Vitamin K deficiency as it is an anticoagulant vitamin, which means it helps prevent clotting.
– Heart failure.
– Inactivity. Lack of exercise increases the risk of getting a blood clot. In one study 13 men ages 60 to 62 who exercised four to five times a week for six months showed a 39 percent increase in the ability to dissolve blood clots which had already formed. The exercise program included walking, jogging, and cycling for 45 minutes five times a week. The activity of clot dissolving enzymes increased 39 percent after six months. According to the same study findings the dissolving ability was lowest in the early morning and highest in the evening. It explains why heart attacks usually take place in the morning.
– Overweight and obesity.
– Overeating causes insulin levels to go up. Insulin interferes with the mechanism which prevents blood clotting.
– Eating foods high in sugar increases the risk of blood clotting. Sugar in the diet increases platelet stickiness and therefore increases the likelihood of having intravascular clotting.
– Saturated fats (found in meat, dairy products, butter, or margarines) in experimental animal studies increased both venous and arterial blood clots.
– Several studies have shown that stress (due to elevated adrenaline levels) increases the risk of platelet aggregation.
– Increased estrogen caused by birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
– Stimulants, especially smoking.
– Prolonged standing or sitting can increase the risk.
– Deficiency of antioxidants.
SYMPTOMS
– Pain and swelling.
– Skin ulcerations.
– Severe bleeding if the vein is injured.
TREATMENT
LIFESTYLE AND DIET RECOMMENDATIONS
– Please read carefully and implement principles included in the Health Recovery Plan.
– Take 100-200 mcg of Vitamin K2 MK7 every day. Calcium build-up in the veins causes varicose veins and vitamin K2 supplementation prevents it. New research shows vitamin K deficiency leads to the accumulation of calcium in muscle cells found in the walls of the veins causing varicose veins (Toumanizntz, Boularan, Schurgers, et al. 2007). Read more about Vitamin K >
– In addition to K2 take also 5000 IU of D3 and 2 times 400mg of magnesium citrate.
– Improve venous (vein) tone and elasticity by increasing consumption of unrefined plant foods high rutin (buckwheat), bioflavonoids (citrus fruits). Often eat also blackberries, cherries, and blueberries (bilberries) as they are also rich in other flavonoid compounds including anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins, or leukocyanidins.
– Veins bulge because they lack elastin which can be increased by applying mixture of 20-30 drops of dill seed essential oil and 100 ml of raw organic coconut oil to the affected area. Continue the treatment for at least three months.
– Bee pollen, taken at a dose of 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals, strengthens the vein walls significantly.
– Go on plant-based unrefined (high in fibre) 50-85% raw diet. Hallelujah diet is the best example.
– Avoid: standing or sitting for a long time.
– Avoid overeating, lifting heavy objects, smoking, caffeine (coffee, cola, black and green teas, etc.), and decaffeinated coffee, chocolate (extremely acidic), alcohol, meat, dairy, sugar, glucose, fructose syrup, refined foods, white flour products, white rice, hot spices, antibiotics, refined salt.
– Avoid or at least significantly reduce consumption of dairy and meat products as they thicken the blood. Switch to a totally plant-based (vegan) unrefined diet eliminating the intake of all animal-based foods (dairy, meat products, and fish) as they contain too much protein, are packed with high-risk factors (cholesterol, triglycerides, dioxins, heavy metals, antibiotics, bacteria, virus, cancer cells, prions, etc.) and because they don’t contain fibre. According to Professor Colin Campbell the author of the famous China Study, “The more you substitute plant foods for animal foods, the healthier you are likely to be.” The same scientist considers “veganism to be the ideal diet.”
– Avoid hot spices and instead use only mild spices such as marjoram, fennel, cumin, oregano, etc. to improve digestion.
– Drink 3 times a day about 3 glasses of water (distilled is the best) 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. Never drink water or other liquids with meals (except ½ glass of juice).
– Learn to control stress.
– Drink 1 or 2 glasses of fresh raw and possibly cold-pressed (using a slow juicer) vegetable juices (carrots, beets, broccoli, kale or spinach, etc.) 2 to 3 times a day before meals or instead. It is even better to have them with chlorella or spirulina, alfalfa, turmeric and barley grass. If you want to maintain your health drink 2 to 3 times 1 glass. In case your intension is to treat different health problems such as cancer, etc. you need to have 2 glasses 3 to 4 times a day.
– Stop smoking.
– Lose weight if you are overweight >
– Exercise or walk regularly to improve blood circulation in your legs.
– Consume more raw vegetables, vegetable juices, fresh fruits, oats, barley, pulses, and buckwheat.
– Do not delay going to the toilet as it can make your stools drier and harder leading to constipation and straining.
– Avoiding medication that causes constipation including painkillers that contain codeine.
– Avoid certain iron supplements and calcium carbonate or bicarbonate as they cause constipation.
– Regular sunbathing if possible.
– Drink 3 times a day about 3 glasses of filtered or even better-distilled water between meals.
– If possible avoid drugs such as aluminium hydroxide antacids, antihypertensives, and narcotics such as morphine and codeine.
– Wash your bottom with 100% natural (unperfumed) soap after each bowel movement.
– Use only soft toilet papers.
– Instead of synthetic underwear wear only loose, cotton underwear to keep the area as dry as possible.
– Do not use talcum powder.
– Avoid straining during bowel movement. Find out how to cope with Constipation >
– Avoid prolonged standing.
– Avoid margarine, mayonnaise, fried foods, cooking oils and fats, salad oils, peanut butter and any nut butter with added oils and fats. Studies have indicated that the more free fats people consume, the greater their likelihood of having an increased risk of blood clotting.
– Consume foods high in antioxidants as they reduce blood clotting by the effect they have on platelets. Antioxidants are found especially in fresh fruits and raw vegetables.
– Ajoene, a compound released from Allicin when garlic is crushed or chopped prevents blood clotting.
MOST IMPORTANT REMEDIES
– Rutin (500mg) 1 or 2 a day as Rutin (vitamin P) is the most important vitamin for vain health. It is also very helpful in haemorrhoids.
– Use Venaforce (Horse chestnut) caps internally. Venaforce contains the extract of fresh Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds. Horse chestnut is probably the most popular herb used in the treatment of varicose veins but it is also useful in DVT. This herb contains aescin which has anti-inflammatory properties, improves blood circulation in the veins, and strengthens walls of blood vessels.
– Externally use Venagel which contains the extract of fresh Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds. Horse chestnut extracts are commonly associated with the treatment of varicose veins. However, Horse chestnut extracts in gels are soothing, providing a cooling relief to legs that feel weary, heavy and uncomfortable – fantastic after a night out or a day’s shopping. It is also useful for long journeys (especially by plane), during hot weather and can be used during pregnancy.
– Bee propolis cream – externally. It gives excellent results by reducing swelling and inflammation and immediately brings relief to itching and pain.
– The best probably herbal formula to treat varicose veins is Gotu cola. Wholistic Gotu Kola is a concentration of the finest parts of whole Gotu kola leaves gathered from fertile organic soils. This broad-spectrum formula enhances healthy circulation, creating vibrant skin, improving wound healing as well as strengthening connective and nervous tissue. Recommended for skin inflammation, slow-healing wounds, scars, cellulitis, cellulite, ulcers, connective tissue inflammation, varicose issues, deep vein thrombosis prevention, arthritic pain, hyperactive nervous conditions and degenerative brain conditions.
Gotu Kola is a stimulant to the circulation with a particular focus on healthy skin. Constituents such as triterpenoid saponins encourage collagen production, collagen synthesis and effective connective tissue repair. Gotu Kola also has a relaxing effect upon the central nervous system; increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), providing relief from hyper anxious states, lowering corticosterone levels, enhancing memory and protecting the brain from degeneration. Gotu Kola is packed with saponins which act as cleansing and softening agents for the skin. Oligosaccharides act as moisturisers and phytosterols are protective agents. The calming effect of Gotu Kola has made it a popular remedy in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne associated with stress. Ingredients: Gotu Kola leaf wholistic extract 70%, Gotu Kola leaf 25%, Nutrigest Seagreens Arctic fresh seaweed, Ginger root, Spirulina, Vegetable cellulose capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose).
– Grape Seed Extract: Commonly prescribed in France for varicose veins and other vascular problems. Antioxidants found in the grape seed can help fight chronic venous insufficiency by strengthening the walls of blood vessels and improving their elasticity and promoting blood circulation. Grape seed extract is also beneficial in reducing inflammation of the veins and has been known as a natural remedy for several other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels (including atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol).
– Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Most potent natural circulation booster and excellent blood thinner. It has shown its ability to increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels. This leads to increased peripheral blood circulation (including in legs) and increased oxygen supply. It is rich in bioflavonoids, natural compounds with the ability to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It helps reduce symptoms of varicose veins and prevent them from getting worse.
– Serrapeptase is a blood cleanser and thinner. It also reduces vein inflammation and hardening of the veins caused by calcification. In this way, it helps improve the elasticity of blood vessels and therefore is very beneficial for people with varicose veins and haemorrhoids. “After 8/9 months a side benefit is many of my capillary varicose veins in my feet are gone because of the serra”.
– Cayenne Extract: Regarded as the most effective natural blood thinner. It can naturally boost blood circulation. Considered a miracle treatment for varicose veins. Being a very rich source of bioflavonoids, it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, increases blood flow and eases the pain of congested, swollen veins.
– Ginger Extract: Supports circulation and has the ability to dissolve fibrin, a protein that encourages clotting inside blood vessels. People with varicose veins suffer from reduced ability to dissolve fibrin. Ginger also helps reduce spider veins.
– Bilberry Extract: Contains a group of potent antioxidants called anthocyanins. Animal studies have found that bilberry extract improves blood flow and helps thin the blood. It also makes blood vessels less porous thus reducing their permeability. Apart from benefiting people with varicose veins it also helps reduce swelling of the legs.
– Vitamin C: According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C is important for assisting in the production of collagen, a protein that is used to make collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin are essential for healthy veins because they help treat pain from varicose veins and help reduce inflammation of the blood vessels.
– Bromelain: Reduces blood clots. It has anti-coagulant properties which help reduce the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, improving blood circulation and helping improve various circulatory problems varicose veins.
– Citrus Bioflavonoids: Help strengthen blood vessels and assist the body in fighting varicose veins, haemorrhoids and micro leaks of blood (which causes easy bruising).
– Manuka honey: One of our customers used good quality Manuka honey bought from us and said it reduced the size of his veins.
– Chlorella (requires drinking more water in between meals). It is very effective in lowering acidity, detoxifying the body, boosting energy and regenerating damaged tissue including damaged vein valves.
– Take Magnesium oxide or citrate 2 times a day about 400mg between meals with water. Magnesium improves peristalsis and relaxes the nervous system, intestines and colon (colon is a muscle). Many people have problems with bowel movements because they are deficient in magnesium. Instead of magnesium, you can use Epsom salt. It is also an effective home remedy for constipation. It absorbs water from, softening up stool and making it easier to pass. In addition, the magnesium that is present in the Epsom salt promotes contractions and relaxation of the bowel muscles, which also helps to pass the stool easier. Take about two teaspoons of Epsom salt with at least one cup of water or vegetable juice about 30 minutes before meal one or two times a day.
– To strengthen the veins and regenerate valves take vitamin D3 and K2 (MK7) as well as the following antioxidants: Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), Alpha lipoic acid, NAC, vitamin E, and C.
– Take formulas with Silica and Bioflavonoids.
– Manuka honey. One of our customers bought from us a good quality Manuka honey and after using it externally said it reduced the size of his swollen veins.
– A cold or even ice compress will help the varicose veins to shrink and become small in size. It will reduce pain and provide instant relief from pain. Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and apply it directly over the varicose veins. Doing this several times, a day will help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce varicose veins effectively.
– Organic Apple cider vinegar with mother is beneficial in treating varicose veins. Take a clean clothe and soak it with organic apple cider vinegar (shake vinegar before using). Apply it directly on the varicose veins for an instant relief. Initially, it may cause a stinging sensation.
– According to Dr Michael Greger, “The bigger our bowel movements, the healthier we may be. The risk of low stool weight includes bowel cancer, diverticular disease, appendicitis, varicose veins, various anal diseases—even, perhaps, the healthfulness of breast tissue. From a study of 23 populations across a dozen countries, a graph of average daily stool weight versus colon cancer incidence. As you can see, once you get down around half a pound (200 grams or so), colon cancer rates really seem to skyrocket. And once people start dropping quarter-pounders, colon cancer incidence quadruples. The link between stool size and colon cancer may be related to transit time; the number of hours it takes for food to go from mouth to anus. The larger our stool, the quicker the transit time, the easier it is for our intestines to move things along. People don’t realize you can have daily bowel movements, and still, be effectively constipated. You can be regular, but five days late. What you’re flushing today you may have eaten last week. If you want to test it for yourself, all you need to do is eat a big bowl of beets and see when things turn pretty in pink. And ideally, it should be down in the 24- to 36-hour range to reach that half-pound target… The fiber in flax seeds and other whole plant foods is about more than just reducing our risk for the #1 and #2 killers of Americans—heart disease and cancer. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, leading to millions of doctor visits every year. More than just the discomfort, constipation can increase risk for hiatal hernia, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and painful conditions with names like anal fissure. The biggest study on bowel movement frequency in history was recently published, comparing the bowel habits of 15,000 meat-eaters to 5,000 vegetarians and 1,000 vegans. The researchers conclude that being vegetarian, especially vegan, is strongly associated with a higher frequency of bowel movements. Vegans, for example, were about 3 times more likely to have daily BMs. Like I always said, vegans, are just regular people.”
SOURCES
J E Pizzorno, Jr & M T Murray (eds), A Textbook of Natural Medicine, Bastyr University Publications, 1992, VI: Hemor 2&3.
Arch Phys Ther, X-Ray, and Radium, September 1934.
M van Straten, The Complete Natural Health Consultant, London: Ebury Press, 1987, p89.
G Leibold, Practical Hydrotherapy, Wellingborough: Thorsons Publishers Ltd, 1980, p80.
R Trattler, Better Health through Natural Healing, Wellingborough: Thorsons Publishing Group, 1985, p342.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 1986, 139(17): 385-9.
J Amer Acad Dermatol, 1988, 18:714-9.
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