Certain foods can be a great ally in preventing varicose veins, according to vascular surgeon Herrique Oliveira, a specialist at the Brazilian Society of Vascular Medicine and Vascular Surgery (SBACV). “Choosing the right foods helps strengthen veins, improve blood circulation, and reduce symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and swelling,” the doctor says.
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Varicose veins are “diseased, dilated, tortuous veins,” Oliveira explains, and can be caused by genetics, obesity, prolonged standing, aging, pregnancy or oral contraceptive use. Symptoms include leg pain, fatigue, swelling, spots, and, in severe cases, ulcers or clot formation.
The condition causes pain and fatigue in the legs and, in some cases, can progress to venous ulcers and deep vein thrombosis.
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Foods that strengthen veins
On the list alongside vascular health, ginger stands out for its anti-inflammatory action and to help dissolve fibrin, a protein associated with thickening of veins. Chia fiber and flax seeds keep the intestines working well and prevent constipation that can aggravate venous condition.
Horse chestnut strengthens the veins, improves the return of blood from the legs to the heart and reduces swelling, while garlic protects the cardiovascular system and helps prevent clots. Grapes, rich in anthocyanins, strengthen capillaries and reduce edema, and raspberries, a type of blackberry, protect the integrity of veins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
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According to Oliveira, “Including these foods in your daily routine is a simple and effective way to support blood circulation and reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.”