If you have varicose veins, you must strictly follow all the doctor's prescriptions and know what not to do with this disease.If you do not observe 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 is why doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins of the legs, and sometimes in other areas (lower abdomen, chest) require constant medical monitoring.
The patient must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the phlebologist and know what not to do with varicose veins of the legs.If you do not observe a number of restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestations of the disease (deformation of the venous walls, blood stagnation, expansion of the vein lumen) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account the possible contraindications for varicose veins of the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug therapy will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The main question that the patient should ask the doctor after 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 tell you in detail what restrictions you need to observe, recommend useful articles and resources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
When discussing nutrition, the doctor will focus specifically on the foods prohibited for varicose veins in the legs.It is only necessary to limit the intake of some foods, and some dishes and drinks should be avoided altogether, 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 with excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets threaten overweight and obesity, which increases the load on the legs and worsens blood circulation.
- Meals with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and dishes with oil.And trans fats are foods that are on the list of what 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 highly salty dishes.This is another group of foods you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower limbs.The retention of excess fluid in the vessels increases the pressure on the walls of the veins, expanding and deforming them even more.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myths that small doses of alcohol are good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products briefly dilate, but then strongly constrict blood vessels.Thinned venous walls can suffer from excessive load 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 glasses a day.But why should coffee not be used for varicose veins?Biologically active substances in coffee suppress intestinal peristalsis, causing constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins of 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 compounds in this drink help 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 for varicose veins is necessary, it should be moderate and proper physical activity.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 those sports and exercises that increase leg muscle load (strength training, weight lifting) and impact load (jumping, squatting, running).
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any kind of weight lifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of varicose veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are permissible, provided that an elastic bandage is used before the game);
- sprint, marathon types of running.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to give up squats;
- Jump rope, step aerobics and trampoline are not allowed.
All the prohibited exercises described above for varicose veins increase the load on the vein 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 impact, especially friction and squeezing of the veins, negatively affects the condition of the vascular wall, provokes its damage and creates conditions for the formation of thrombi.Therefore, when asked whether it is possible to do a vacuum, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage massage with cups or a brush for varicose veins, the doctor will definitely answer in the negative.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although contrast foot baths and showers are recommended for varicose veins, which exercise the venous wall and improve blood flow, this does not apply to visiting a sauna and bath.High temperatures help to slow the flow of blood in the veins and can provoke damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to make a wrap for varicose veins?
Any thermal impact has a negative impact on the condition of the venous walls and blood circulation.But there is no ban on some other procedures.When asked whether it is possible to make a cold wrap for varicose veins, to use light scrubs or creams, gels, the doctor will answer in the affirmative.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 it possible to do hair removal for varicose veins?
If you are diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair on your legs using a razor (carefully without cutting the skin) or a 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 hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as waxing, sugaring and photoepilation also cause a lot of controversy.
Why can't you do sugaring for varicose veins?The most important problems with these methods are exposure to 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 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 in your usual lifestyle.Without them, the effect of the drugs will not be so noticeable and complications are likely.Recommended:
- Move as much as possible and, if possible, give up a sedentary job and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, straining, and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Adjust your diet to prevent constipation and diarrhea.They negatively affect blood circulation in the veins of the pelvis and lower limbs.A balanced diet is no less important for obtaining all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and mineral components and limiting the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Give up bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression clothing if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Get plenty of rest, sleep at least 8 hours.During sleep and rest, your legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates the outflow of blood from the lower extremities.
- Do gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tone the vein walls.
- Use all the drugs prescribed by your doctor in strict accordance with the treatment regimen, without changing the drugs at your discretion.
- Avoid trying to self-treat varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.All therapeutic measures should be discussed with a doctor.