5 Supplements That Can Help with Varicose Veins
Discover natural support options for vascular health right in your refrigerator!
Whether you’re living with varicose veins or hoping to prevent them from happening, taking the right vitamins can help reduce your symptoms and your risk of your enlarged veins worsening over time.
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.
First, let’s understand exactly what varicose veins are and the risk factors for developing this uncomfortable, unsightly condition. Next, 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. A sign of vein disease, varicose veins, and spider veins 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 of varicose veins
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
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins and their associated symptoms is to take vitamins and minerals that support healthy blood flow.
Five essential supplements that can help with varicose veins
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 benefit your vein health and overall well-being.
Some of the best natural sources of vitamin E include:
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Avocado
- Salmon
- Trout
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Red bell pepper
- Wheat germ
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 how 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
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential antioxidant most commonly enjoyed in citrus fruits like oranges and orange juice. It plays a role in various bodily functions, including wound healing and iron absorption. One vital 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
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
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
Should I take vitamins to prevent varicose veins?
Before adding vitamins or other supplements to your daily diet, it is essential to consult with your doctor or vein specialist to determine the proper dosage and implementation based on your unique health and wellness profile.
What should I do if I have varicose veins?
It is important to seek advice from experts in venous care. At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our vein doctors are board-certified vein treatment experts. Vein care is all we do—and we do it better than anyone in the industry. We customized our treatment plans to address your unique needs and perform all vein procedures as an outpatient in a comfortable office setting.
To schedule an appointment with Lawrence Markovitz, MD, lead physician at CVR vein clinics in McLean, Virginia, and Purcellville, Virginia, or any of CVR’s other 70+ locations nationwide, simply BOOK ONLINE HERE.
Find your local CVR vein center HERE.