Vitamins and Supplements for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are the bluish-purple twisted and bulging veins you may have noticed along your legs and feet. This is an extremely common condition that’s usually benign but can result in serious complications (like venous ulcers) if left untreated. While many medical treatments are available, most people prefer to resolve their problems naturally through alternative methods like eating healthy foods and making lifestyle changes to minimize any side effects. 

These days, many vitamins and supplements are being sold in the market, but you might find it challenging to determine which of them is truly effective for your condition. Read on to learn everything you need to know about natural remedies and nutrition for managing varicose veins.

What Are Some Vitamins and Supplements for Varicose Veins? 

If you’re not sure what kind of dietary changes to make, here’s a basic list of some of the most popular vitamins and supplements for varicose veins to help you get started:

Vitamin B

Vitamin B-complex, particularly vitamin B3 (niacin), is great for strengthening your blood vessels and improving blood circulation. It can also help in lowering the cholesterol levels in your blood. All of these factors can decrease the stress in the blood vessels of your legs, thus controlling the development of varicose veins.¹

Niacin can be found in coffee, cereals (like oats), tuna, turkey, cheese, eggs, pumpkin, peanuts, and beans. If you have problems with blood clots or other vein-related conditions, vitamins B6 and B12 are also beneficial in removing an excess amount of an amino acid called homocysteine, which is linked with clotting issues.²  

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) has antioxidant properties and is great for protecting your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also promotes the production of an important protein called collagen. Furthermore, it has inflammation-preventing properties, which are important for maintaining healthy blood vessels.³ 

All of these factors are essential in preventing the worsening of varicose veins. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and berries.⁴

Vitamin E

Vitamin E (or tocopherol) is critical for improving blood circulation and relieving painful cramps caused by blocked hardened vessels. It’s found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy greens.⁵

Vitamin K

Vitamin K (or phytonadione) has an anticoagulant function, which means it prevents the formation of blood clots. This improves your blood circulation and supports your heart health. It’s found in mustard seeds, broccoli, pumpkin, and Brussels sprouts.⁶

Some useful herbs and supplements for varicose veins include:⁷

• Butcher’s broom: It’s a European shrub that has anti-inflammatory properties for reducing pain and swelling from varicose veins.
• Pycnogenol: This pine bark extract can relieve chronic venous insufficiency symptoms like pain and heaviness. However, it’s not recommended if you have an autoimmune disease, as it can stimulate your immune system.
• Flavonoids: They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are usually found in cranberries, blueberries, and hawthorn.
• Gotu Kola: It belongs to the parsley family and is useful for relieving symptoms like vein leakage and swelling. But if you have liver disease or are taking sedatives, avoid this herb.
• Horse Chestnut: It has anti-inflammatory properties and supports your vein health.

Take the Next Step in Treating Varicose Veins 

Keep in mind that although natural remedies are great for your vein health, they cannot completely cure vein diseases like varicose veins. Therefore, if you’re looking for symptomatic relief or to effectively treat varicose veins, you’ll need to consult a vein specialist.

Some of the most common minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins include:⁸

• Microfoam Injections
• Laser or Radiofrequency Ablation
• Cyanoacrylate Ablation
• Microphlebectomy

Check out My Vein Treatment today for more useful information, the latest updates, and special recommendations for varicose vein treatments and procedures. You can also access our locator tool to find a specialist that can answer all your questions regarding vein treatments.

SOURCES:

1. Biochemical Pharmacology: “Reversal of endothelial dysfunction by nicotinamide mononucleotide via extracellular conversion to nicotinamide riboside.”
2. Current Medicinal Chemistry: “Homocysteine, intracellular signaling and thrombotic disorders.”
3. Thrombosis and Haemostasis: “Effects of antioxidant vitamins C and E on endothelial function and thrombosis-fibrinolysis system in smokers.”
4. Thrombosis and Haemostasis: “Effects of antioxidant vitamins C and E on endothelial function and thrombosis-fibrinolysis system in smokers.”
5. Thrombosis and Haemostasis: “Effects of antioxidant vitamins C and E on endothelial function and thrombosis-fibrinolysis system in smokers.”
6. Everyday Health: “7 Diet Tips to Help Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis.”
7. Mount Sinai: “Varicose Veins.”
8. MedlinePlus: “Varicose vein – noninvasive treatment.”