Health statistics indicate that most adults will develop some kind of vein problem, particularly by the age of 50. Many will develop spider veins in their legs, thin but visible networks of blue and red veins that lie just under the skin.
We know how to treat spider veins. But what about preventing them? You may have seen ads for supplements for spider veins and wondered if they’re effective and safe. The answer is that it depends on the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and diet.
Ask your doctor to review supplements and vitamins for spider veins before you take any
Vitamins and supplements can be tricky, particularly those intended to provide specific benefits like preventing spider veins or even varicose veins. Many people already take a daily multivitamin that includes key supplements. For this reason, I urge you to discuss with your physician any kind of supplement you’re considering before you invest and ingest.
I am not aware of any substance that will actually prevent spider veins from developing. But there are vitamins that promote vein health, which in turn can prevent veins from developing or becoming serious problems. I discussed this in an earlier post that highlighted the benefits of Vitamins C, D, E, K, and the Vitamin B group in boosting vein health, that you can read on our blog.
Vitamin E has been found to reduce the size and appearance of spider veins, while Vitamin D helps veins contract and relax, reducing their prominence.
Keep in mind that many of these vitamins are found in lots of the foods we eat and a supplement may not be necessary. In fact, taking too much of a supplement can be detrimental to your health or even toxic. So discuss your diet with your doctor or a nutritionist before adding vitamins or supplements, lest you overdo it.
Edibles and Compounds That Can Diminish Spider Veins
Here’s a short list of edibles that can help you identify what to eat to improve your vein health, and possibly decrease the likelihood to develop spider veins.
Bioflavonoids
These are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. They help strengthen vascular walls and prevent free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells) from getting inside blood vessels. Bioflavonoids are found in grapes, cherries, and green peppers. Quercetin is a highly concentrated kind of bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits, broccoli, and onions.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber aids in digestion and eases constipation and bloating, which can put pressure on veins in the legs and abdomen. Vegetables, fresh fruit, sprouted legumes, and ancient grains like buckwheat, bulgur, and quinoa are high in fiber. Some high-fiber foods like flax seeds and chia seeds also have anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Spices
If you’re into cooking, take note that some spices are thought to boost vein health. Ginger and garlic both dissolve fibrin, a protein that clots blood but increases with age and can interfere with normal blood flow. The heat generated by cayenne pepper and curry improves blood flow, and may even help with appetite control.
Magnesium
Foods like leafy greens, bananas, cruciferous vegetables, and sweet potatoes deliver a nice dose of magnesium that can alleviate blood pooling and blood pressure problems.
A healthy diet is almost always preferable to one with vitamins or supplements that may deliver too much or too little of a good thing. Before you start taking any, ask for a referral to a nutritionist who can guide you toward recipes and tips to naturally boost your vein health.
If you do have spider veins, consider having them removed using FDA-approved treatments including Asclera and Sotradecol. Contact one of our South Florida offices for a consultation.
