If you have varicose veins, you should strictly follow all the doctor's prescriptions and know what not to do with this disease.If you do not follow 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 clothes, but also a serious pathology.That's why doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins in the legs, and sometimes in other areas (lower abdomen, chest) require constant medical supervision.
The patient must strictly follow all the phlebologist's prescriptions and know what not to do with varicose veins of the legs.If you do not follow a number of restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of the disease (deformation of the venous walls, stagnation of blood, expansion of the lumen of the vessels) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account the possible contraindications for varicose veins in the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug treatment will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The main question that the patient should ask the doctor after making the diagnosis is: what is prohibited for varicose veins of the lower extremities, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?The specialist will explain to you in detail what restrictions you must follow, recommend useful articles and sources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
When discussing nutrition, the doctor will pay particular attention to prohibited foods for varicose veins of the legs.The intake of some foods should only be limited, and it is better to completely refuse some foods and drinks in order not to worsen the condition of the veins.
- Flour and confectionery products.It can be taken in small amounts, but you should limit the intake of foods rich in light carbohydrates.Excess calories with excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets threaten overweight and obesity, which increases the load on the legs and disrupts blood circulation.
- Foods with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and foods with butter.And trans fats are on the list of foods you should not 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 foods.This is another food group that you should avoid if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower extremities.The retention of excess fluid in the veins increases the pressure on the walls of the vessels, widening and deforming them.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myths that alcohol in small doses is good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products dilate the blood vessels for a short time, but then they narrow the blood vessels too much.Thinned venous 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 giving up this drink or limiting it to 1-2 small glasses a day.Why coffee should not be used for varicose veins?Biologically active substances contained in coffee inhibit intestinal peristalsis, cause constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins of the legs.
- Drinks with chicory.Patients have a logical question: if you have varicose veins, why can't you drink chicory, because it does not contain caffeine?The plant compounds contained in this drink help to thin the blood, actively expand 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 proper exercise.If you have varicose veins in your legs, it is important to discuss with your phlebologist which exercises you should not do.The danger comes from sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and impact load (jumping, squatting, running).
What sports should you avoid if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weightlifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of bulging veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are acceptable, provided that an elastic bandage is used before the game);
- sprint, marathon running types.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to refuse to squat;
- Jumping rope, step aerobics and trampoline jumping are prohibited.
All the prohibited exercises described above for varicose veins increase the load on the vessel walls, contribute to blood stagnation and can lead to the development of complications (thrombophlebitis, thrombosis).
Is it possible to massage your legs if you have varicose veins?
Any mechanical effects, especially friction and compression of the vessels, negatively affect the state of the vessel wall, cause its damage and create conditions for the formation of thrombus.Therefore, to the question of whether it is possible to do vacuum, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage massage with a cup or a brush for varicose veins, the doctor will definitely give a negative answer.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although contrast foot baths and shower baths are recommended for varicose veins, which exercise the vein wall and improve blood flow, this does not apply to sauna and bath visits.High temperature slows the blood flow in the vessels and can cause damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to make a body wrap for varicose veins?
Any thermal effect has a negative effect on the condition of the venous walls and blood circulation.But there is no prohibition for some other procedures.When asked whether it is possible to make a cold compress for varicose veins, use a light scrub or creams, gels, the doctor will give a positive answer.Such procedures are not prohibited if this effect affects only the surface layers of the skin without pressure, compression of limbs or twisting.
Is it possible to do epilation for varicose veins?
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair from your legs with a razor (carefully, without cutting the skin) or depilatory cream.These are the safest ways to remove unwanted hair.You can also do laser and electrolysis for varicose veins, but you should consult your doctor first.
Mechanical removal of hair (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as hair removal with wax, sugar paste (sugaring) and photoepilation also cause a lot of controversy.
Why can't you apply sugar for varicose veins?The main 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 complaints and the stage of varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
For varicose veins, it is important to constantly monitor a phlebologist, follow all recommendations and take the necessary drugs.Varicose veins require major changes in your usual lifestyle.Without them, the effect of drugs will not be so noticeable and there is a possibility of complications.Recommended:
- Move as much as possible, avoid sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle if possible.
- Limit heavy physical activity, heavy loads, tension and intra-abdominal pressure.
- Adjust your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea.They have a negative effect on blood circulation in the vessels of the pelvis and lower extremities.A balanced diet is no less important to get all the necessary nutrients, vitamin and mineral components and to limit the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Give up bad habits that negatively affect the tone of blood vessels and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by your health care provider.
- Get proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours.Your legs should be elevated during sleep and rest.This facilitates the outflow of blood from the lower extremities.
- Perform gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tone the walls of the veins.
- Use all the drugs prescribed by your doctor strictly according to the treatment regimen without changing the drugs at your own discretion.
- Avoid attempts to self-treat varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.Any therapeutic measures should be discussed with the doctor.