If you have varicose veins, you must strictly follow all doctor's prescriptions and know what not to do with this disease.If you do not comply with some restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestation of varicose veins will only develop.
Varicose veins are not only 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 in 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 of the legs.If you do not comply with some restrictions and do not eliminate the influence of negative external factors, the manifestation of the disease (deformation of the vein wall, blood stagnation, expansion of the vein lumen) will only develop.
If the patient does not take into account possible contraindications for varicose veins on the legs, the effectiveness of prescribed drug therapy will decrease and the risk of complications will increase.The main question that the patient should ask the doctor after making the diagnosis is: what is prohibited for varicose veins on the lower leg, what foods, manipulations or loads are prohibited and why?Experts will tell you in detail what restrictions you need to comply with, recommending 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 will focus specifically on prohibited foods for varicose veins of the legs.The intake of some foods just needs to be limited, and it is better to avoid some foods and drinks altogether, so as not to aggravate 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 affects blood circulation.
- Foods with animal fat and trans fat.Need to limit fried foods and dishes with butter.And trans fats are food products that are on the list of what you can't eat if you have varicose veins.Excess fat threatens pathological weight gain and changes in the tone of vascular walls.
- Spicy and very salty dishes.This is another food group that you should not eat if you have varicose veins.They retain water in the veins, causing swelling, especially in the lower legs.Excess fluid retention in the vessel increases the pressure on the vein wall, expanding and changing its shape even more.
- Alcohol.You should not believe the myth that small doses of alcohol are good for blood vessels.Ethyl alcohol and its metabolic products expand briefly, but then narrow the blood vessels.Thinned vein walls may be overloaded, and inflammatory processes are possible.In addition, alcohol increases the risk of blood clots in the veins.
- coffee.Doctors recommend avoiding these drinks or limiting them to 1-2 small cups per day.But why coffee should not be used for varicose veins?Biologically active substances in coffee prevent 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, because it does not contain caffeine?The plant compounds in this drink help thin the blood, actively dilate blood vessels, and increase the permeability of vascular walls.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 correct exercise.It is important to discuss with your phlebologist what exercises you cannot 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 loads (jumping, squatting, running).
What sports can't you do if you have varicose veins?
- any type of weight lifting;
- volleyball and football with the presence of prominent veins (in the early stages of varicose veins, non-professional activities are acceptable provided that elastic bandages are used before the game);
- type of sprint, marathon.
What exercises are not allowed for varicose veins of the legs:
- it is important to give up squats;
- Jumping rope, step aerobics and trampolines 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 impact, especially rubbing and squeezing the vein, has a negative effect on the condition of the vascular wall, triggers its damage, and creates the conditions for the formation of a thrombus.Therefore, to the question of whether it is possible to do vacuum massage, anti-cellulite, lymphatic drainage with a cup or brush for varicose veins, the doctor will definitely answer in the negative.
Bath and sauna for varicose veins
Although different foot baths and showers are recommended for varicose veins, which train the vein walls and increase blood flow, this does not apply to visiting saunas and bathhouses.High temperatures help slow blood flow in the veins and can trigger 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 has a negative effect on the condition of the vein walls and blood circulation.But for some other procedures there is no prohibition.When asked whether it is possible to do a cold compress for varicose veins, use a light scrub or cream, gel, the doctor will answer in the affirmative.If this effect only affects the superficial layer of the skin without pressure, limb compression or twisting, such a procedure is not prohibited.
Is it possible to do hair removal for varicose veins?
If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you can remove unwanted hair on your legs using a razor (carefully, without cutting the skin) or depilatory cream.This is the safest way to remove unwanted hair.You can also do laser and electrolysis for varicose veins, but you must first consult with your doctor.
Mechanical hair removal (tweezers or epilators) is unacceptable, especially in the final stage.Methods such as hair removal with wax, sugar paste (sugar) and photoepilation also cause a lot of controversy.
Why can't you make sugar for varicose veins?The main problem with this method is exposure to heat and mechanical damage to the upper layer of the skin.Therefore, the use of this method should be discussed with the doctor, based on the existing complaints and the stage of the varicose veins.
General recommendations for varicose veins
For varicose veins, it is important to constantly monitor the phlebologist, follow all recommendations and take the necessary medication.Varicose veins require major changes to your normal lifestyle.Without them, the effect of the drugs will not be so significant, and complications may occur.Recommended:
- Move as much as possible, and, if possible, leave sedentary work and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Limit heavy physical activity, heavy lifting, straining and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Adjust your diet to avoid constipation and diarrhea.They have a negative effect on blood circulation in the veins of the pelvis and lower legs.A balanced diet is no less important to get all the necessary nutrients, vitamin and mineral components, and limit the intake of empty calories that lead to excess weight.
- Leave bad habits that negatively affect vascular tone and blood circulation.
- Wear compression garments if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Get proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours.While sleeping and resting, your legs should be in an elevated position.This facilitates the outflow of blood from the lower part of the leg.
- Do gymnastics and contrast foot baths to tighten the vein walls.
- Use all the drugs prescribed by your doctor in strict accordance with the treatment regimen, without changing the drugs at your discretion.
- Avoid attempts to self-treat varicose veins with dubious folk recipes.Any therapeutic measures should be discussed with a doctor.