The prevention of varicose veins is especially important when there is a family history of varicose veins, or there are risk factors that may lead to suspicion of its possible appearance.
Dr. Sandra Osorio, Head of the vascular team of Clínica Dávila and staff of the Clinic Quilin of the University of Chile, gives us some recommendations:
Avoid overweight:
In the specific case of varices the feeding must Include plenty of fiber and plenty of water. You must avoid food:
With sodium: Sodium causes fluid retention, which increases the volume of blood and facilitates the swelling of the legs and the appearance of edema. Its consumption should be limited, it is in: common salt, preserves, potato chips and the like, soups, sauces, olives, bread, biscuits, sausages, pâtés, cheeses, salted or smoked meats and fish, precooked foods.
Saturated fats: Increase the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, which makes it thicker, hinders venous return and promotes the appearance of thrombi. The consumption of butter, cream, sausages, bacon, red meats, industrial pastries, pre-cooked foods must be limited.
Spicy foods: They produce a dilation of the veins, so it is better to limit their consumption.
Leave of smoking:
It is important to understand that the chemicals present in the cigar can damage the walls of the blood vessels, dilating them and can cause clots in the veins.
Constipation: [19659002] A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals favors intestinal movement, and the fiber contained in these foods captures water and makes the stools softer and voluminous, thereby facilitating intestinal transit.
Exercise :
Perform physical exercise on a regular basis. The mobilization of the muscles of the legs helps to push the blood towards the heart, preventing it from accumulating and dilating the veins. It is also a good exercise to go up and down stairs instead of using the elevator. The practice of cycling and swimming are equally good exercises for the legs.
Footwear:
High-heeled shoes should be avoided, without taco or tight, as they hinder venous return and subtract effectiveness to the muscles of the legs. It is recommended to use wide and comfortable footwear, with a heel of between 3 and 5 cm. If you notice heaviness in the legs, and even swelling, the use of progressive compression elastic stockings can be a relief.
Adjusted clothing:
Avoid it since compressing certain areas makes it difficult to venous return.
Posture:
Do not stand for a long time without moving, or sit cross-legged for a long time. In case work is essential, you should take short walks every so often and change the position of the legs frequently and, whenever possible, put your legs up. It is advisable to sleep with your legs slightly raised. You should also avoid sitting with your legs dangling.
Temperature:
Avoid them, especially when they only affect the lower limbs, like braziers or heaters directed to the legs, but also exposure in the sun, the sauna, or the hot baths. It is also unadvisable exposure to intense cold because, although in the first instance, it causes the veins to contract and can relieve some symptoms, later it leads to a venous dilation that aggravates the process. However, it is highly recommended to take showers in the legs, alternating hot and cold water for a few minutes.