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One of the best ways to promote optimal vein health is to consume a well-balanced diet filled with vital vitamins and nutrients your body needs to be at its best.
Aside from a healthy diet and ample exercise, specific vitamins, such as E, B, C, K and D, have been shown to help with vein health.
Whether you’re living with varicose veins or hoping to prevent them from forming, taking the right vitamins can help reduce your symptoms and your risk of your enlarged veins worsening over time.
Let’s dive into understanding the benefits of these vitamins and how they can positively affect varicose veins.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most often appear on the skin’s surface of the legs and thighs, giving off a blueish-purple color.
They occur when healthy veins become overfilled with blood due to poor circulation.
Varicose veins are most common in women aged 50 and older but can affect anyone at any age.
They can appear due to a variety of factors, including
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- A family history of varicose veins or vein diseases
- Poor circulation
Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of varicose veins is a vein that is lumpy and twisted in appearance on the skin’s surface.
Other common symptoms include:
- Aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Muscle cramps
- Dry skin
- Color changes in your legs
The best way to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins and their associated symptoms is to take vitamins and minerals that support healthy blood flow.
Five Important Supplements That Can Help With Varicose Veins
1. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the overall health of your blood, circulation, vision, brain and skin. It contains complex antioxidant properties.
Although over-the-counter vitamins are the best option to ensure ample consumption of this essential vitamin, choosing food with a high concentration can be beneficial to your vein health and overall wellbeing.
Some of the best natural sources of vitamin E include
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Avocado
- Salmon
- Trout
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Red bell pepper
- Wheat germ
2. B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are a group of B vitamins that help with blood circulation, especially for those with a family history of blood clots or varicose veins.
The most efficient B vitamins for vein disorders are Vitamin B6 and B12. Both help remove any excess amount of homocysteine, an amino acid directly correlated with the way your blood clots. When found in excess in the body, it can cause your blood not to clot properly.
Vitamin B3 helps improve overall blood circulation throughout the entirety of the body.
Although you can boost your B vitamin intake by taking a daily supplement, vitamin B can be found naturally in your foods, including
- Lean steak
- Eggs
- Fish
- Almonds
- Brown rice
- Sunflower seeds
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Avocado
- Lentils
- Bananas
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential antioxidant that is most commonly enjoyed in citrus fruits like oranges and orange juice. It is involved in various bodily functions, including wound healing and iron absorption.
One especially important function to note is vitamin C’s link to the production of elastin and collagen, which are crucial to the elasticity of your veins.
Vitamin C is one of the best naturally-occurring elements for poor circulation. It helps identify and heal damaged veins throughout your body.
While we recommend adding a daily vitamin C tablet to your morning regime, there are a variety of ways to consume vitamin C naturally, including the consumption of
- Kale
- Citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Bell peppers
4. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clots from forming and keeps blood flowing smoothly throughout your veins. Supplement forms can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected area.
If you’d like to add vitamin K to your diet naturally, consider adding the following foods to your diet:
- Broccoli
- Mustard seeds
- Brussel sprouts
- Pumpkin
5. Vitamin D
Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D has wonderful benefits for your vein and circulatory health. It works by helping to keep your veins and arteries loose enough to manage steady, healthy blood flow.
Vitamin D also helps with blood vessel health and lowers blood pressure.
This vitamin can be consumed in supplement form or found in
- Salmon
- Swordfish
- Egg yolk
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Dairy fortified with vitamin D
- Fortified cereals
- Beef liver
Before adding vitamins or other supplements to your daily diet, it is essential to consult with your doctor or vein specialist to determine proper dosage and implementation based on your unique health and wellness profile.
Effective Varicose Vein Treatment
Virginia Vein Care offers the most effective varicose vein treatment options that are minimally invasive and do not require extensive surgeries or downtime.
If you’re hoping to reverse the effects of poor circulation or the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins, please visit a Virginia Vein Care location near you.