MAILBAG! Break the Cycle of Varicose Veins
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 6, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“What can I do about varicose veins?”
— George, 75 Huntsville, AL
Dear George,
I have some good news and some bad news about varicose veins.
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Once the damage is done to the veins, it’s hard to reverse. But the good news is there ARE things you can do to help prevent varicose veins from getting worse and ways to discourage new ones from developing.
Wearing compression stockings is the most common solution for varicose veins. They work but they aren’t always a welcome choice for some folks.
Compression stockings can be hot and uncomfortable. Typically, they aren’t very attractive either. And that could make them tough to wear in certain situations.
But things are getting better. Some manufacturers now offer compression socks and sleeves in a variety of colors and patterns.
Surgery is the next most popular treatment. But nerve injury following varicose vein surgery is relatively common. Plus, more than half of the people who have the surgery will have varicose veins develop again.
Most conventional medicine doctors will tell you that bulging occurs when the pressure in your veins is too high. But I believe the more likely cause in many situations is the breakdown of the integrity of the vein.
In those cases, I think the body doesn’t have enough nutrients and raw materials to build strong veins, to begin with. And when you combine a weaker vein with inflammation, it becomes increasingly more difficult for that vein to bounce back to its original shape.
But some natural approaches can help halt the damage and discourage new varicose veins from occurring.
- Exercise is by far the best approach for reducing the appearance of varicose veins. Exercise improves circulation. Plus, toning the muscles around the veins can help the bulging to recede a bit. It’s also a good idea to wear compression stockings or sleeves while
- Keep it moving. Typically, folks who are prone to varicose veins are told to avoid standing for long periods. It’s said to increase the pressure in the veins causing them to bulge. I’m not sure this is true in most But if your job forces you to stand, moving around more is always a good choice for many reasons.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can contribute to varicose veins. But not for the reason many people think. The increased risk isn’t typically caused by extra pressure on the veins. Instead, fat cells pump out chemicals that send inflammation levels soaring.
- Boost vein strength and stability. Strengthening your veins starts with getting enough vitamin C. C is an essential component of the connective tissues surrounding blood vessels. Vein-friendly herbs like bilberry, butcher’s broom, and grapeseed extract can support better vein health too. Plus, I often recommend rubbing a horse chestnut lotion over the affected veins.
You may not be able to cure your varicose veins. But you can do the next best thing… reduce their appearance and stop new ones from forming.
P.S. Need even MORE vein support? This strange (and delicious) black vegetable could be exactly what you’re looking for. It can boost circulation while reducing inflammation. Click here for all the details.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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