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 just a cosmetic defect that many try to hide under clothes, but also a serious pathology.Therefore, 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 phlebologist's prescriptions 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 possible contraindications for varicose veins on the legs, the effectiveness of the prescribed drug therapy will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The key question that the patient should ask the doctor after making the diagnosis is: what is prohibited for varicose veins of the lower limbs, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?The specialist will tell you in detail what restrictions you must follow, 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 specifically focus on foods that are prohibited for varicose veins in the legs.The intake of some foods only needs to be limited, and it is better to avoid some dishes and drinks completely, so as not to worsen the condition of the veins.
- Flour and sweet products.Small amounts are acceptable, but you should limit your intake of foods high in light carbohydrates.Excess calories from excessive consumption of baked goods and sweets threatens overweight and obesity, which increases the load on the legs and impairs blood circulation.
- Dishes with animal fats and trans fats.It is worth limiting fried foods and dishes with butter.And trans fats are food products that are on the list of what you shouldn't 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 food group you shouldn't eat if you have varicose veins.They trap water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower extremities.The retention of excess fluid in the vessels increases pressure on the walls of the veins, expanding and deforming them further.
- Alcohol.You shouldn't believe the myths that small doses of alcohol are good for your blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products dilate briefly, but then strongly constrict blood vessels.Thinner venous walls can experience excessive load and inflammatory processes are possible.Additionally, alcohol increases the risk of blood clots in the veins.
- Coffee. Doctors recommend avoiding this drink or limiting it to 1-2 small cups per 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.
- 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 must be moderate and adequate.It is important to discuss with your phlebologist which exercises you should not do if you have varicose veins in your legs.The danger comes from sports and exercises that increase the load on the leg muscles (strength training, weight lifting) and impact load (jumping, squats, running).
What sports should you not do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weight lifting;
- volleyball and football in the presence of bulging veins (in the initial stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are acceptable, provided that an elastic bandage is used before the game);
- sprint, marathon race types.
What exercises are not allowed for leg varicose veins:
- it is important to give up squats;
- Jumping rope, step aerobics and trampoline are not permitted.
All prohibited exercises described above for varicose veins increase the load on the walls of the veins, 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 effects, especially friction and compression of the veins, negatively affect the state of the vascular wall, provoke its damage and create conditions for the formation of thrombus.Therefore, when asked whether it is possible to do vacuum massage, anti-cellulite massage, lymphatic drainage using cupping or a brush for varicose veins, the doctor will definitely answer negatively.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although foot baths and contrasting showers are recommended for varicose veins, which train the venous wall and improve blood flow, this does not apply to visits to the sauna and bathhouse.High temperatures help slow blood flow in the veins and can cause damage to the walls and the formation of blood clots and edema.
Is it possible to do body wraps for varicose veins?
Any thermal effects negatively affect the state of the venous walls and blood circulation.But for some other procedures there is no prohibition.When asked whether it is possible to do a cold wrap for varicose veins, 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, limb compression or twisting, such procedures are not prohibited.
Is it possible to do waxing 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 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 apply sugar for varicose veins?The main problems with these methods are heat exposure and mechanical damage to the upper layers of the skin.Therefore, the use of these methods should be discussed with the doctor, based on existing complaints and the stage of varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
For varicose veins, it is important to constantly see a phlebologist, follow all recommendations and take the necessary medications.Varicose veins require major changes to your usual lifestyle.Without them, the effect of the medications will not be as 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.
- 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 to obtain all the necessary nutrients, vitamin components and minerals and limit the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Give up bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by your doctor.
- Get adequate rest, sleep at least 8 hours.During sleep and rest, your legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates the flow of blood from the lower extremities.
- Do gymnastics and contrasting foot baths to tone the walls of the veins.
- Use all medications prescribed by your doctor strictly in accordance with the treatment regimen, without changing medications at your discretion.
- Avoid attempts to self-medicate varicose veins with dubious popular recipes.Any therapeutic measures should be discussed with a doctor.