Your Diet Can Help Your Recovery From Varicose Vein Treatments
Modern treatments for varicose veins are generally fast (at least in office; sometimes the effects take a while to show up, but the procedure is over with quickly) and work very well. However, helping your body recover is always a good path to take. One way in which you can help your body get better and reduce the chances of your varicose veins recurring is to modify your diet. If you haven't made changes yet, now is a great time to slowly introduce new eating habits that will serve you well.
Reducing Carbohydrates While Increasing Fiber
You don't necessarily have to go low-carb if you have varicose veins. However, reducing the number of carbohydrate grams you get from fairly empty foods (in other words, those that don't have many nutrients in them) can help you lose weight by reducing your overall calorie intake. Losing weight removes pressure from your legs and reduces the chances that new varicose veins will form.
At the same time, you want to increase your fiber intake to keep your gut regular. If you have to, well, strain, that puts stress on your circulatory system and can irritate weakened veins.
Switch out foods like plain bread and eat sweet potatoes instead for a boost in both fiber and vitamin counts. Skip the giant pile of pasta with sauce and instead have a more reasonable serving with lean meats added in. Snack on berries instead of jelly beans -- you get the idea.
Going Low-Sodium
Salt isn't turning out to be the dietary devil everyone thought it was; while certain people do need to avoid salt, most can have a reasonable amount without worry. However, salt does contribute to water retention, which can cause your legs to swell and your circulation to weaken. Try reducing your salt intake to avoid retaining more water. Also drink more water because the more hydrated you are, the less water you'll retain. Water retention is your body's response to thinking it doesn't have enough water in its salt-to-water ratio. So if you hydrate more, your body won't think it has to hold onto as much water in reserve.
Don't overdo it with the water, especially at first. Gradually add a cup or so every few days to the normal amount you drink daily. Also don't force yourself to drink water if you already feel waterlogged.
Add Fruit
Along with increasing fiber, you'll want to increase your fruit intake, particularly of berries and other vitamin-C-containing foods. Vitamin C may help strengthen vein and artery walls, which would help prevent the formation of future varicose veins.
Do let your doctor know about what you're doing and if you decide to add supplements to your diet. Follow all post-treatment instructions carefully to ensure that you recover as quickly and as fully as possible. For more information, contact establishments like Varicure Vein Center.