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 comply with 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 people 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 supervision.
The patient must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the phlebologist and know what not to do with varicose veins on the legs.If you do not comply with 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 veins) will only progress.
If the patient does not take into account the possible contraindications of varicose veins on the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug therapy decreases and the risk of complications increases.The key question that the patient must ask the doctor after the diagnosis is made: what is prohibited in the case of lower limb varicose veins, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?The specialist will tell you in detail what restrictions you must comply with, 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 focuses specifically on foods that are prohibited for leg varicose veins.The intake of some foods only needs to be limited, and some foods and drinks should be avoided completely so as not to worsen the condition of the veins.
- Flour and sweet products.Small amounts are acceptable, but the intake of foods rich in light carbohydrates should be limited.Excessive calories from excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets threaten overweight and obesity, which increases the load on the legs and impairs blood circulation.
- Foods containing animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and buttery foods.And trans fats are foods that are on the list of things you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.Excess fat threatens abnormal weight gain and changes in the tone of the vascular wall.
- Spicy and highly salty foods.This is another group of foods that you should not eat if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins and cause swelling, especially in the lower limbs.The retention of excess fluid in the blood vessels increases the pressure on the walls of the veins, expanding and deforming them even more.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myths that a small amount of alcohol is good for the blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products dilate for a short time, but then strongly constrict the blood vessels.Thinned vein walls can suffer from overload and inflammatory processes can occur.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 cups a day.But why can't coffee be used for varicose veins?The biologically active substances in coffee inhibit intestinal peristalsis, causing constipation, which is dangerous for hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs.
- Chicory drinks.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 the drink help to dilute the blood, actively dilate the blood vessels and increase the permeability of the vessel wall.This worsens the course of the disease.
What exercises should not be done in case of 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 what exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins in your legs.Sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and the impact load (jumping, squatting, running) pose a danger.
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weight lifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of protruding veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are acceptable, provided that an elastic bandage is applied before the game);
- sprint, marathon type running.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins in the legs:
- it is important to give up squatting;
- Skipping rope, step aerobics and trampolines are not allowed.
All the prohibited exercises for varicose veins described above increase the load on the vein walls, contribute to blood stagnation and may lead to the development of complications (thrombophlebitis, thrombosis).
Can you massage your legs if you have varicose veins?
Any mechanical effect, especially rubbing and compression of the veins, negatively affects the condition of the vessel wall, causes its damage and creates conditions for thrombus formation.Therefore, to the question of whether it is possible to perform vacuum, anti-cellulite, lymphatic massage with cups or a brush to treat varicose veins, the doctor answers emphatically no.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although a contrast foot and shower bath is recommended in the case of varicose veins, which trains the vein wall and improves blood flow, this does not apply to visits to the sauna and bath.High temperatures slow down the flow of blood in the veins and can cause damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to do a body wrap for varicose veins?
Any heat effect negatively affects the condition of the venous walls and blood circulation.But some other procedures are not prohibited.The doctor answers yes to the question of whether it is possible to make cold compresses, use light skin scrubs or creams and gels in case of varicose veins.If this effect affects only the superficial layers of the skin without pressure, compression or twisting of the limbs, such procedures are not prohibited.
Is hair removal possible 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 a depilatory cream.These are the safest ways to remove unwanted hair.You can do laser and electrolysis for varicose veins, but consult your doctor first.
Mechanical hair removal (tweezers or epilator) is unacceptable, especially in the later stages.Methods such as waxing, sugar paste (sugaring) and photoepilation also cause a lot of controversy.
Why can't sugar be used for varicose veins?The main problem with these methods is 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
In the case of varicose veins, it is important to constantly monitor a phlebologist, follow all recommendations and take the necessary medications.Varicose veins require significant 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 sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit heavy physical activity, heavy lifting, straining, and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Change 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 the intake of all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as for 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.
- Rest properly, sleep at least 8 hours.During sleep and rest, the legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates the outflow of blood from the lower limbs.
- Do gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tone the walls of blood vessels.
- He uses all the medicines prescribed by the doctor strictly according to the regimen, without changing the medicines at his own discretion.
- Avoid self-treatment of varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.All therapeutic measures should be discussed with your doctor.