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.
View More Free Articles
Your Washed Fruits and Veggies Might STILL Be Toxic
We’ve all been there. Standing at the kitchen sink, dutifully washing our fruits and vegetables to remove the pesticides, feeling good about our healthy choices. But there’s a chance that all that scrubbing might be giving you a false sense of security… Unfortunately, the latest research on pesticides in our produce is downright alarming. And...
Peace, Joy, and... Pressure? How to Relieve Holiday Stress
The holiday season is upon us, bringing twinkling lights, good cheer, and… stress? If you’re feeling more frazzled than festive, you’re not alone. A recent American Psychological Association (APA) poll reveals a startling reality about our collective holiday experience. We often paint the holidays as a picture-perfect time of joy and togetherness. But for many,...
The Longevity Secret Hiding in Your Produce Drawer
Scientists recently uncovered a remarkable anti-aging compound that not only extends life… it could help protect your brain from age-related decline at the same time. And the best part? This secret to living longer (and better) might ALREADY be hiding in plain sight in your refrigerator… New animal research published in the journal Antioxidants has...
Playlist Hack SPEEDS UP Surgery Recovery
When you have surgery scheduled, you don’t just worry about the day of the operation. There’s the anxiety leading up to the surgery. And then, even worse, there’s the painful recovery afterward. But now scientists say there’s a drug-free way to bounce back FASTER with less pain and anxiety. And the trick is as simple...
Is Wine Good for Heart Health? The Truth REVEALED
For years, many of us have savored an evening glass of red wine, comforted by the notion that this amount of alcohol might benefit our heart health. Well, unfortunately, I have to be the bearer of bad news… Recent research is challenging this long-held belief. In fact, there’s growing evidence that even light to moderate...
The Surprising Reason to Embrace Holiday Break
When the holiday season arrives, you often hear warnings about managing the stress of family gatherings, social commitments, and overindulgent meals. However, some upbeat new research reveals that the holidays can also be a secret weapon for better health. The study found that regardless of whether you’re still working a 9 to 5, or are...
Mailbag: Your Green Light Guide to Healthy Eating
“As everyone is so quick to inform us what not to eat, would you kindly inform us of what we can eat? It seems like everything has been condemned at this point.” —Hungry Hi Hungry, I understand why you’re frustrated. With all the warnings, it can feel like EVERY food in the grocery store is...
“Jack Frost” Method Supercharges Your Workouts
As the mercury drops, we instinctively want to huddle inside under a warm blanket. But before you resign yourself to a season of hibernation and comfort foods, consider this… Braving the cold could be your secret weapon for better health. While safety should always come first, of course (never venture out on icy streets), there...
Common Vitamin Protects Your Pancreas
You’ve probably heard about vitamin B12 for its role in keeping your blood and nerves healthy. But could it also be the key to protecting your pancreas? New research from Sichuan University in China suggests that this unassuming B vitamin might have even more benefits than we thought—helping to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis,...
The Fiber That May Mimic Ozempic?
Recently, Ozempic has gained fame as a weight loss drug that works by controlling blood sugar and reducing cravings. But what if a natural solution could offer similar benefits—without the potential side effects or costs associated with GLP-1 medications? According to new research, a type of dietary fiber could help with weight loss and blood...