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Varicose Veins Self-management Program
Sources:    Research References/Bibliography
Knowledge to Help Yourself Knowledge gives a person many options for managing Varicose Veins and they can then personally take charge of the effect this disease is having on their life.
 
 
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Nutrient
Associations

Product Suggestion

Vitamins:
Vitamin E
Improves circulation and aids in preventing heavy feeling in the legs.
Vitamin A
To enhance immunity, protect the cells, and slow the aging process.
Vitamin B6
Needed to help in digestion of foods.
Vitamin B12
Needed for proper digestion.
Vitamin C
Aids circulation by reducing blood clotting tendencies.
Bioflavonoids
To promote healing and prevent bruising.
Vitamin D (Ergosterol)
Relieves leg cramps when taken with calcium and magnesium.

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Minerals:
Calcium
Relieves leg cramping when taken with Vitamin D and Magnesium.
Magnesium
Relieves leg cramping when taken with calcium and Vitamin D.
Zinc
Aids healing.

Amino Acids:
Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Improves oxygen utilization in the tissues.
Glutathione
Protects the heart, veins, and arteries from oxidant damage.

Nutrient Cofactors:
Coenzyme Q10
Improves tissue oxygenation, increases circulation, and enhances immunity.
Essential Fatty Acids
Reduces pain and helps to keep blood vessels soft and pliable.
Grape Seed Extract
Stimulate blood circulation, boost immunity, neutralize free radicals, and strengthen connective tissue, including that of the cardiovascular system.

  • EAT A LOW-FAT, LOW REFINED CARBOHYDRATE DIET: Eat a low-fat, low refined carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of fish and fresh fruits and vegetables.

  • Cut down on your salt intake to prevent swelling.GET PLENTY OF FIBER: Plenty of fiber in the diet prevents constipation (which contributes to varicose veins) and keeps the bowels clean. Some high-fiber foods include bran cereals, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

  • WATCH THE SALT: Cut down on your salt intake to prevent swelling.

  • AVOID CERTAIN FOODS: Avoid animal protein, processed and refined foods, sugar, ice cream, fried foods, cheeses, peanuts, junk foods, tobacco, alcohol, and salt.

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LIFESTYLE CHANGES

  • EXERCISE AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Walking, swimming, and biking all promote good circulation and provides a structured time to get up and move your legs.

  • WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING THAT DOESN'T RESTRICT BLOOD FLOW: Wear loose clothing that doesn't restrict blood flow (especially at the waist, groin, and leg area) and if necessary wear supportive elastic stocking to support the varicose veins and keep them from becoming more swollen.

  • Avoid long periods of sitting or standing.AVOID LONG PERIODS OF SITTING OR STANDING: Take rest periods several times during the day to elevate your legs above heart level and frequently shift your weight from one leg to the other during long periods of standing. Avoid crossing your legs, doing heavy lifting, and putting any unnecessary pressure on your legs.

  • STAND IN A TUB OF COLD WATER: To improve circulation and ease pain, fill a tub with cold water and stand in the water and simulate walking.

  • AVOID SCRATCHING: Avoid scratching the itchy skin above varicose veins. This can cause ulceration and bleeding.

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Medical Options and Precautions

TREAMENT:

  • ELASTIC COMPRESSION STOCKINGS: These stockings reduce vein swelling and relieve symptoms such as discomfort, pain and occasional ankle swelling. These stocking also put pressure on the surface veins, forcing blood to enter the deep veins and through them go upward and back to the heart instead of remaining and pooling in the lower body.

  • SCLEROTHERAPY: An agent is injected into the vein causing it to form a clot and close up, forcing other, healthier veins to take over the work of that vein. This treatment can only bring temporary relief as varicose veins may develop elsewhere and as eventually the clot will dissipate and the problem vein will reopen.

  • Surgical stripping involves the removal of the entire problem vein.SURGICAL STRIPPING: Surgical stripping requires the removal of the entire problem vein. A cut is made at the groin to expose the vein. The vein is cut and clamped off. A small hole is made at the top of the vein and a wire is put through the vein and out a small incision in the lower leg. The vein is tied to the metal head on the upper end of the wire and then the entire vein is pulled out through the lower incision.
     
    Stripping can be a costly procedure considering the expense of general anesthesia, a hospital setting, and the time required for recovery (the affected area must remain bandaged for two to three weeks after surgery). This procedure can also cause trauma to the soft tissues around the vein and may leave scars from the incisions. Also, surgical stripping does not solve the problem of varicose veins since these veins often form elsewhere despite the surgery.

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