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 clothing, but also a serious pathology.Therefore, doctors call this condition varicose veins.Changes in the veins in the legs, and sometimes in other areas (bottom of the 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 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 lumen of the veins) 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 therapy will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The main question that a patient should ask the doctor after making a 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 should adhere to, recommend useful articles and sources where you can get reliable information.
What foods should you not eat if you have varicose veins?
When discussing food, the doctor will focus specifically on prohibited foods for varicose veins of the legs.The intake of certain foods should only be limited and it is better to avoid certain dishes and drinks 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 damages blood circulation.
- Dishes with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and dishes with butter.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 very salty dishes.This is another group of foods that you should not eat 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 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 dilate for a short time, but then greatly narrow the 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 shouldn't coffee be used for varicose veins?Biologically active substances in coffee inhibit intestinal peristalsis, causing constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs.
- Drink 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 herbal compounds in this drink help to 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 appropriate exercise.It is important to discuss with your phlebologist which exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins in your legs.The risk comes from those sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and the impact load (searching, squatting, running).
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weightlifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of varicose 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 types of running.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to give up squats;
- Jumping 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 effect, especially friction and squeezing of veins, negatively affects the condition of the vascular wall, provokes its damage and creates conditions for thrombus formation.Therefore, to the question of whether it is possible to do a vacuum massage, anti-cellulite massage, lymphatic drainage with cups or a brush for varicose veins, the doctor will definitely answer in the negative.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although opposite foot baths and showers are recommended for varicose veins, which train the venous wall and improve blood circulation, this does not apply to visits to saunas and baths.High temperatures help to slow down the blood flow in the veins and can provoke damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to do a body wrap for varicose veins?
Any thermal effect negatively affects the condition of the venous walls and blood circulation.But for some other procedures there is no prohibition.When asked if it is possible to make a cold wrap for varicose veins, use light scrubs or creams, gels, the doctor will answer positively.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 have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted leg hair using 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 hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Many controversies are also caused by methods such as hair removal with wax, sugar paste (sugaring) and photoepilation.
Why can't you sugar for varicose veins?The main 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 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 medications.Varicose veins require major changes in your usual lifestyle.Without them, the effect of the medications will not be so obvious and there are likely to be complications.Recommended:
- Move as much as possible and, if possible, give up sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit heavy physical activity, weight 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 extremities.A balanced diet is no less important for getting all the necessary nutrients, vitamin and mineral components and limiting 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 healthcare provider.
- Get proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours.During sleep and rest, your legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates blood flow from the lower extremities.
- Perform gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tone the vein walls.
- Use all medications prescribed by your doctor in strict accordance with the treatment regimen, without changing medications at your discretion.
- Avoid attempts to self-medicate varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.Any therapeutic measure should be discussed with a doctor.