If you have varicose veins, you must strictly follow all doctor's prescriptions and know what you should not do with this disease.If you do not comply with a number of restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of varicose veins will only progress.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect that many try to hide under clothing, but also a serious pathology.Therefore, doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins in the legs and sometimes in other areas (lower abdomen, chest) require constant medical monitoring.
The patient must strictly follow all the phlebologist's instructions and know what not to do if there are varicose veins on the legs.If you do not comply with a number of restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the symptoms of the disease (deformation of the venous walls, blood stasis, expansion of the venous lumen) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account possible contraindications for varicose veins on the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug therapy decreases and the risk of complications increases.The central question that a patient should ask a doctor after the diagnosis is: what is forbidden for varicose veins of the lower extremities, what foods, manipulations or loads are forbidden and why?The specialist will explain in detail what restrictions you should pay attention to, recommend useful articles and resources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
During the nutritional discussion, the doctor will focus in particular on foods that are prohibited for varicose veins in the legs.Only the intake of some foods needs to be restricted; some foods and drinks should be avoided completely in order not to worsen the condition of the veins.
- Flour and sweet products.Small amounts are acceptable, but you should limit your intake of foods rich in light carbohydrates.Excess calories from excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets threaten to become overweight and obese, which increases the load on the legs and impairs blood circulation.
- Dishes with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and dishes with butter.And trans fats are foods that are on the list of foods not to eat if you have varicose veins.Excess fat threatens pathological weight gain and changes in the tone of the vascular wall.
- Spicy and very salty dishes.This is another group of foods you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins and cause swelling, especially in the lower extremities.The retention of excess fluid in the vessels increases the pressure on the vein walls, causing them to expand and deform even more.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myths that small doses of alcohol are good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolites briefly expand the blood vessels, but then narrow them sharply.Thinned vein walls can suffer from overload and inflammatory processes are possible.In addition, alcohol increases the risk of blood clots in the veins.
- Coffee.Doctors recommend avoiding this drink or limiting it to 1-2 small cups per day.But why shouldn't coffee be used against varicose veins?The biologically active substances in coffee inhibit intestinal peristalsis and cause constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs.
- Drinks with chicory.Patients have a logical question: why can't you drink chicory if you have varicose veins, since it does not contain caffeine?The plant substances in this drink help to thin the blood, actively dilate blood vessels and increase the permeability of the vascular wall.This worsens the course of the disease.
What exercises should you not do if you have varicose veins?
Although physical activity is necessary for varicose veins, it should be moderate and appropriate.It is important to discuss with your phlebologist what exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins in your legs.The danger comes from sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and the impact load (jumping, squats, running).
Which sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weight lifting;
- Volleyball and football for bulging veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are allowed, provided that an elastic bandage is applied before the game);
- Sprint and marathon running types.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to avoid squats;
- Jumping rope, step aerobics and trampoline jumping are not permitted.
All forbidden exercises for varicose veins described above increase the load on the venous walls, contribute to blood stagnation and can lead to the development of complications (thrombophlebitis, thrombosis).
Is a leg massage possible for varicose veins?
Any mechanical impact, especially rubbing and squeezing the veins, negatively affects the condition of the vascular wall, provokes its damage and creates conditions for the formation of blood clots.Therefore, the doctor will definitely say no to the question of whether vacuum, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage massage with cups or a brush against varicose veins is possible.
Bath and sauna against varicose veins
While contrasting foot and shower baths are recommended for varicose veins, which train the vein wall and improve blood circulation, this does not apply to visits to saunas and bathhouses.High temperatures slow blood flow in the veins and can cause damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is a body wrap against varicose veins possible?
Any thermal effect has a negative effect on the condition of the venous walls and blood circulation.However, there is no ban on some other procedures.When asked whether it is possible to do a cold pack for varicose veins, use light peelings or creams, gels, the doctor answers “yes”.If this effect affects only the superficial layers of the skin without pressure, compression of the limbs or twisting, such procedures are not prohibited.
Is hair removal possible for varicose veins?
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair on your legs using a razor (carefully, without cutting the skin) or depilatory cream.These are the safest methods to remove unwanted hair.You can also do laser and electrolysis for varicose veins, but you must consult your doctor first.
Mechanical hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is not acceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as hair removal with wax, sugaring and photoepilation also cause great controversy.
Why can't you do sugaring for varicose veins?The biggest problems with these methods are heat and mechanical damage to the upper layers of the skin.Therefore, the use of these methods should be discussed with a doctor based on the existing symptoms and the stage of the varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
With varicose veins, it is important to constantly monitor a phlebologist, follow all recommendations and take the necessary medications.Varicose veins require major changes to your usual lifestyle.Without it, the effect of the medication is not as noticeable and complications are likely.Recommended:
- Move as much as possible and, if possible, avoid sedentary activities and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit heavy physical activity, heavy lifting, straining, and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Adjust your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea.They have a negative effect on blood circulation in the pelvic veins and lower extremities.A balanced diet is no less important in order to obtain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals and limit the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Give up bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by your doctor.
- Get enough rest and sleep at least 8 hours.While sleeping and resting, your legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates blood drainage from the lower extremities.
- Perform gymnastics and contrasting foot baths to tone the vein walls.
- Take all medications prescribed by your doctor strictly according to the treatment plan, without changing medications at your own discretion.
- Avoid attempts to self-treat varicose veins using dubious folk recipes.Any therapeutic measures should be discussed with a doctor.