Varicose veins in the legs are a global problem, especially for the fair sex.Many drugs are aimed at combating this pathology in the form of tablets, creams and ointments, as well as special compression pants and elastic bandages.
However, scientists have proven that proper nutrition for varicose veins in the legs can significantly improve health and minimize symptoms of the disease.To do this, it is enough to give up unhealthy foods and supplement your diet with a well-designed dietary menu.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are called swollen veins due to poor blood circulation and stagnation.The veins become swollen, visible on the skin's surface, and have a bluish color.
Gradually, nodules form and the valve leaflets are destroyed or completely closed.disrupts natural blood flow.Varicose veins are often accompanied by unsightly and bulging spider veins.
According to statistics, every fourth inhabitant of the planet suffers from this pathology.The main causes of varicose veins are:
- genetic predisposition;
- dysfunction of the endocrine system;
- frequent stress, nervous disorders;
- Circulatory disorders due to pathological formations (thrombosis, tumors).
Very often varicose veins are an "occupational" disease.people who, by profession, are forced to stand for long periods of time (for example, salespeople, flight attendants, waiters) or, conversely, employees who spend time working in a sitting position (mainly office workers).
List of products allowed to treat varicose veins
Healthy foods for people with varicose veins are very diverse, so a diet based only on allowed foods will not cause discomfort.
So, the list of approved products for varicose veins of the legs is as follows:
- seafood;
- lean;
- any foods rich in fiber;
- vegetables, fruits, dried fruits (special attention should be paid to cherries, raspberries, kiwi, grapes and citrus fruits);
- nuts;
- Honey;
- legumes;
- wheat;
- onions, garlic (helps improve blood clotting and prevent clot formation);
- spices (ginger, thyme, curry and turmeric, in addition to wonderful taste, also help to actively improve blood flow and general blood condition).
Separately, it should be noted the level of fluid consumption.For varicose veins, drink plenty of water.Plain water can be replaced with green or herbal tea, freshly squeezed juices and rose hips.
Salads can and should be seasoned with olive oil;it has a beneficial effect on blood composition.
What should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
It's time to learn what you shouldn't do when you have varicose veins.You need to pay close attention to this list and completely exclude these products, even if among them there are particularly popular products.
Prohibited products include:
- fatty meat and fish;
- any smoked products;
- spicy and salty;
- sauce;
- road;
- salt;
- confectionery;
- baking;
- canned food.
Important information for coffee lovers!Coffee and varicose veins are completely incompatible!
For people with varicose veins, preparing rich meat broth and drinking black tea is also harmful.
Can you drink alcohol if you have varicose veins?
One of the most important questions of many people is whether people with varicose veins can drink alcoholic beverages?Lovers of strong drinks are convinced that alcohol will only be beneficial because it helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.
However, it should be noted that the phenomenon of vasodilation when alcohol enters the blood is only the first stage.After some time, the second stage occurs - vasoconstriction!
With varicose veins, damaged, thickened, dilated and tortuous veins will begin to dilate more after exposure to alcohol.Dilated nodes and vessel walls will also be negatively affected.
Ultimately, even small amounts of alcohol can lead to broken blood vessels and internal bleeding.If surgical intervention is not performed promptly, death is possible.
However, doctors have determined a safe dose of strong alcohol for health.For women, 15 grams, for men, 30 grams is acceptable.Is it worth risking your health and testing whether such a small amount of alcohol is really safe?
And beer and varicose veins in the legs.Despite the fact that beer has a lower alcohol content than vodka or cognac, you should not overdo it.If you indulge in intoxicating drinks, you can significantly exceed all permissible limits and harm your health.
If you have a disease like varicose veins, you should completely avoid all alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks during treatment!
Dietary principles for varicose veins
It is worth noting that it is not only necessary to consume healthy food, but also to do it correctly.Strictly follow simple ruleswill help you gain maximum benefit from your diet:
- Breakfast must be hearty and nutritious!
- You need to eat food in small portions, but often!You should forget about three meals a day.From now on, you should eat 5-6 times a day.
- Don't drink water while eating!This causes dilution of gastric juice.You can quench your thirst 30-40 minutes before meals and one hour after meals.
- Don't eat late at night, before going to bed!You should stop eating no later than 3 hours before going to bed.
Choosing a diet menu for varicose veins
Following a diet for varicose veins of the lower extremities will normalize blood flow, cleanse the body of toxins and waste that interfere with the functioning of the circulatory system, and reduce the load on damaged veins.
Table showssome dietary optionswith varicose veins.
| Diet number 1 | Start the morning with porridge and vegetable salad. For a snack – green tea and some raisins. For lunch - light soup with chicken fillet and stewed vegetables. In the evening you can eat seafood salad. For dinner - fruit salad and low-fat yogurt. |
| Diet number 2 | For breakfast - herbal tea, a slice of black bread with a piece of hard cheese and a slice of tomato. During the day, satisfy your mild hunger with natural low-fat yogurt with added fruit. Lunch – mashed potatoes and steamed fish. In the evening, you can eat a portion of vegetable salad. Before going to bed, drink a glass of freshly squeezed juice. |
| Diet number 3 | Start your day with cottage cheese topped with dried fruit and raisins. Enjoy fruit during the day. Lunch - wheat porridge and steamed meatballs. If you feel a little hungry, drink a glass of tomato juice or eat some crusty bread. For dinner - chicken breast (boiled or steamed), stewed vegetables. |
The menu options presented can be replaced.For maximum treatment effectiveness, it is recommended to consult your surgeon before starting the diet!In addition, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent side effects of the diet.
Since any diet puts stress on the body, a radical change in diet can lead to a decline in overall health.In addition, there may be contraindications due to individual health conditions.
Conclusion
Food for varicose veins does not require high professionalism in cooking or significant financial costs.However, following a simple and tasty dietary menu not only helps to reduce the manifestations of varicose veins by restoring normal blood flow, but also has a beneficial effect on the entire body.