Varicose veins and hemorrhoids are common throughout all stages in life but typically tend to progress and worsen as we get older. Varicose veins often begin as spider veins and hemorrhoids and are strongly correlated with insufficient liver activity, most commonly due to lack of exercise, not enough dietary fiber and chronic use of alcohol and/or cigarette smoking. All these triggers create poor circulation which leads to congestion with the arterial and venous systems, causing varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle (mostly sitting at a desk, driving, on the couch, etc) your heart is not pumping at a higher rate causing your blood to be more stagnant. A diet high in sugars, saturated fats and starches and low in soluble fibers also creates elevated cholesterol causing narrowing of the blood vessels also leading to poor circulation and of course varicose veins/hemorrhoids. Smoking and alcohol consumption harden the arteries and stress the liver. There are other factors of course that can cause these conditions. For example, chronic constipation (usually due to insufficient dietary soluble fiber and water) can cause hemorrhoids overtime from straining when using the bathroom which puts pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, causing them to swell. Varicose veins are also often caused by metabolic imbalances but the trigger for metabolic issues is often a result of lack of exercise, a diet high in starches and fats causing insulin resistance and cholesterol issues.
As you can see, moving our bodies and eating a diet full of nutritious whole foods, fiber, water and antioxidants is the best way to protect our cardiovascular system and prevent/improve varicose veins hemorrhoids.
Below are some Tips and Remedies you can try incorporating to improve your circulation (and varicose veins) and relieve some of the pain. Depending on how severe your varicose veins are, you may need a lot more deeper work (detoxing, balancing of cholesterol, etc). This is not meant to be a protocol to “get rid” of the veins but rather improve some of the underlying factors and relieve some of the discomfort. ALWAYS check with your doctor or practitioner before supplementing to ensure it is right for you.
- UNDA Paeonia Plex: Synergistic homeopathic remedy formulated to relieve pain and inflammation caused by chronic venous insufficiency, especially in the extremities and hemorrhoidal veins. It is indicated for hemorrhoids, fissures and pruritis, varicose veins and is an excellent adjunct to Proctosan ointment. Take 10 drops 3x/day sublingually, 15 mins AWAY from food/scents/flavours. It may be taken up to 6 times per day according to the severity of symptoms. Always follow bottle directions.
- Proctosan Cream: Synergistic botanical formulation with an affinity for the vascular system. Aesculus hippocastanum relieved chronic venous insufficiency causing congestion, especially in the extremities and hemorrhoidal veins. Supported by Paeonia officinalis and Collinsonia canadensis, Proctosan cream is indicated for hemorrhoids and fissures. Follow box directions.
- Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify: High fiber formulation to help balance blood sugar and cholesterol and helps to rebuild the gut lining also. It can also improve constipation. You need to drink a lot of water when on this supplement as the fibers absorb a lot of fluid as they expand. Take 1 scoop directly upon waking with 2 cups water, 45 minutes before food and supplements. This remedy does contain licorice root so always check with your doctor before consuming.
- 20-30 minutes of exercise per day: Doing daily exercises such as brisk walking, interval training, Pilates, or any other type of workout you enjoy an be a very beneficial way to improve your circulation and varicose veins. If you are consistent with improving circulation over time, you may start to see a reduction in the veins and hemorrhoids.
- Drinking 10 glasses of water per day (give or take depending on your needs): The body needs sufficient hydration to keep everything moving and flowing. Drinking enough water daily to encourage proper blood flow, sweating, reducing constipation, etc is crucial for improving the pain associated with varicose veins.
- Cut out TABLE SALT: Table salt contains chlorine and has very little to no minerals making it the perfect ingredient to affect your kidneys causing water retention and swelling. Instead of table salt, switch to pure sea salt or himalayan salt and consume these types in moderation. Salt isn’t the issues, the type of salt you’re using is! you don’t want a salt that is pure sodium (NaCl).
- Eat a nutrient dense diet full of cruciferous vegetables, dark green leafy greens, soluble fibers, protein and healthy fats. Avoid ALL trans and hydrogenated fats/oils, sugars and starchy carbs (al elevated cholesterol and affect insulin and metabolic health) to prevent/improve varicose veins.
- 15 minutes of deep breathing daily: Deep breathing fills our body with oxygen helping to improve blood flow and oxygenation to our entire body. Deep breathing in 5 minute intervals throughout the day or a plan a time in your day to lay down and do a deep breathing session for 15 minutes.
- Genestra col-sterol: this plant sterol supplement can be taken to help naturally lower LDL cholesterol which can directly impact the arterial and venous systems and metabolic systems! Follow bottle directions and always check with your practitioner.
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing: Change your position frequently to encourage blood flow throughout the entire body.
- Manage weight: Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off the veins and improves our metabolic health!
I hope some of these tips help to prevent varicose veins if you don’t have them yet or to relieve the pain and intensity of them if you do have them. Be consistent and patient and do you best to incorporate all the lifestyle suggestions mentioned above!