Varicose Veins - The Non-surgical Approach

posted on 1 February 2008 | posted in In Depth Articles

Many researchers consider the low fibre diet of the typical Westerner to be the fundamental cause of varicose veins. Lack of dietary fibre causes constipation and straining at stool, which results in increased abdominal pressure, which can be relayed to the calf veins unless squatting position is adopted, rather than the sitting position. Further it is argued that a bowel that is distended with hardended faecal matter could put pressure on the iliac veins, impending the upward flow of blood from the leg veins. A change to a wholefood diet is therefore the first step for many.
Those who are sufficiently agile should squat on the toilet, or otherwise rest feet on a stool to bend the knees at an acute angle, so kinking the leg veins and preventing the temporary increases in abdominal pressure that occur during straining from being relayed to the calf veins

Supplements that may help combat constipation are: Fibre Supreme - Dietary Fibre in Capsules , Butternut Bark , Senna Formula

Being sedentary is a major risk factor for varicose veins. Excercise, especially walking and bicycle riding, contracts the calf muscles so assisting emptying of the leg veins. Calf pumping by repeatedly pressing against the floor with the foot, or making circles with the tips of the toes similarly empties the calf veins. Standing for long periods should be avoided, as should prolonged sitting, especially with the legs crossed. The lifting of heavy objects is inadvisable, at least on a regular basis. Frequent rest periods lying supine with the legs elevated above heart level, eg by resting the feet on a stool or against a wall, will take the pressure off the veins. Raising the foot of the bed slightly, or sleeping with the feet on a pillow, will help prevent the blood from stagnating in the leg veins during the night.

A weight reduction programme is essential for those who are overweight.

Compression stockings for severe cases may prove beneficial in helping varicose veins.

Nutrients that support vein health include: C vitamin 1g , E vitamin 400ius , B Complex Enzyme activated plus Magnesium , Zinc 15mg , Silica,

DMEA - Dimethylaminoethanol130mg 50 mg three times daily improves the utilization of oxygen by tissues, as does Co-Q10-30mg 30 mg three times daily, which also improves circulation.

Bioflavonoids especially the anthocyanidins stregthen the vein wall. A high ORAC diet ( Leaflet available from Rainham Health Food Centre 01634 861880) should therefore be consumed, and bioflavonoids should be supplemented: Antho Supreme Anthocyanosides , Solgar Rutin.

Gotu Kola helps strengthen the connective tissue sheath that surronds a vein and is particularly effective in reducing foot swelling, ankle oedema and fluid leakage from the veins ; Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom Combination helps to constrict and tone veins; stone root may heal and strengthens the internal linings of veins and horse chestnut inhibits enzymes that break down the support structures of veins, and tones the elastic fibres in the vein wall. (horse chestnut is to veins what garlic & ginkgo are to arteries) These herbs are combined in Horse Chestnut Formula , which also contains anthocyanidins from bilberry and grape seed. Alternatives to consider are: Pilewort Formula , Pilewort Formula -A , and fat are deposited near varicose veins causing the skin to become hard and lumpy (lipodermatosclerosis). This is because veins that are varicose under- produce plasminogen activator, and this substance promotes the breakdown of fibrin. The pineapple derived enzyme Bromelain (500mg) , acts in a similar manner to plasminogen activator to cause the breakdown of fibrin. For this purpose 500 - 1000 mg should be taken on an empty stomach, three times daily. Cayenne Formula , ginger, onion and garlic also cause fibrin breakdown and should be eaten liberally.

It is claimed the enzyme SerraEzyme (serrapeptase) is of immense help in treating varicose veins. Chiropractor Simon Norton from Epsom states that "I've prescribed SerraEzyme for those with varicose veins on their legs which looked like a bunch of grapes. After a few months they've returned with scarcely any sign of disfigurement"

Appropriate homeopathic remedies to try three times daily for two months include Arnica 30C, Hamamelis 6C, Carbo Veg 6C, Pulsatilla 6C. The tissue salt Calc Fluor 6X is advised for all weaknesses and loss of elasticity of connective tissue.

Topical treatments to apply twice daily include Witch Hazel Tincture, V-Nal, Source Natural Horse Chestnut Cream, Bioforce Aesculus Gel, Aloe Gel. Good responses have been reported with Comfrey Cream.

Preliminary new work suggests that elevated homocysteine levels may be a risk factor for varicose veins (as well as arterial disease), encouraging clot formation and impairing the ability of damaged vessels to heal themselves. A home test for homocysteine is now available, and the recommendation is that the blood plasma level is kept below 6 micromoles per litre by the use of Folic Acid Plus , B12 vitamin 100mcg. These can be bought in a single supplement Homocysteine Redux (60)(Capsule) .

Since poor circulation (seen its most severe form in congestive heart failure) can cause varicose veins, herbs that increase circulation such as Ginkgo Biloba , cinnamon, cayenne, ginger and prickly ash may be helpful. These are combined in Prickly Ash Formula .

Since liver disease and portal congestion can cause varicose veins, naturopaths deem liver cleansing and toning to be important in the management of varicose veins, eg using Oregon Grape a> , Dandelion Root Formula . It should be remembered that a toxic bowel puts a great burden on the liver and bowel cleansing may therefore be appropriate Healthy Starter Pack , Myrrh Formula , probiotics such as: Acidophilus Supreme , Bifido Supreme (60g)(Powder) . Any candidiasis, parasitosis or small intestine bacterial overgrowth, which can all directly ( or indirectly via producing a leaky gut) contribute to bowel toxicity, should be dealt with using : Golden Seal Formula-F for candida treatment(Capsule) , Wormwood Formula , Artemisia Formula ,

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Varicose Veins - The Non-surgical Approach