1. What are varicose veins and where do they come from?
Varicose veins, also called varicosities, are swollen, twisted veins that often occur in the legs and feet. They develop when blood pools in the superficial veins of the legs. This backflow causes the veins to swell and appear bluish or purple beneath the skin. They're not just a cosmetic problem; they can also cause discomfort and serious health complications. But why do we get them in the first place?
Genetics
The tendency to varicose veins can be inherited. If your parents or grandparents have varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them. Genetic factors influence the structure and function of veins and venous valves, which can lead to an increased susceptibility to this problem.
Gender
Women are more commonly affected by varicose veins than men. This is due to hormonal influences that can weaken the vein walls. Pregnancy, menopause, and the use of hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk. During pregnancy, the body's blood volume increases, which puts additional pressure on the veins. Furthermore, hormonal changes during this time can loosen the muscles, connective tissue, and vein walls.
Old
As we age, veins lose elasticity, and the valves within them can weaken. This process increases the risk of blood backflow in the veins and the development of varicose veins. Advancing age therefore leads to a natural weakening of the venous structures.
Profession and lifestyle
Jobs that require prolonged standing or sitting can contribute to the development of varicose veins. Staying in one position for a long time restricts blood flow and increases pressure in the leg veins. Jobs such as working in retail, restaurants, or an office environment can increase the risk.
Obesity
Being overweight puts additional pressure on the veins in the legs. The more weight the legs have to bear, the greater the pressure on the venous valves. This increased pressure can weaken the valves and lead to varicose veins.
Lack of exercise
Regular exercise promotes circulation and strengthens the muscles that support blood flow. A lack of exercise can cause blood to stagnate in the leg veins, increasing the risk of varicose veins.
2. Tips for preventing varicose veins
Movement, movement, movement
As mentioned above, regular exercise is crucial for promoting blood circulation and strengthening leg muscles. So get your blood flowing by:
-
Walking: Take a walk every day. Your blood and veins will thank you.
-
Cycling: Pedal and stimulate your blood circulation.
-
Swimming: Dive in and relieve your veins in the water.
-
Leg exercises: Circle your feet, raise your calves, and stretch your leg muscles. This can even be done on the couch!
weight management
A healthy body weight = less pressure on your veins. The following tips can help:
-
Balanced diet - a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains promotes vein health.
-
Water on – drink enough water, it supports blood flow.
-
Less salt - too much salt is not good, it can lead to water retention, which increases pressure on the veins.
Avoid long periods of sitting and standing
Sitting or standing for long periods can impair blood circulation and increase the risk of varicose veins. Therefore:
-
Change your posture frequently: Try to change your position regularly. Stand up, walk a few steps, or if your job requires you to stand a lot, sit down or squat for a short while to stimulate your circulation.
-
Put your legs up: If possible, put your legs up to help blood flow back to the heart.
-
Wear compression stockings: They may not look great, but they help. Compression stockings support the veins by applying additional pressure, thus improving blood flow.
Proper clothing and shoes
Choosing the right clothes and shoes can make a big difference:
-
Avoid tight clothing: Give your legs room. Tight pants or belts can restrict blood flow and should be avoided.
-
Comfortable shoes: Low-heeled shoes support the natural function of the leg muscles and promote blood circulation.
-
Compression stockings: As mentioned above, these stockings can improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
A healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle habits also keep your veins in shape:
-
Quit smoking: Smoking is toxic to your veins. It damages blood vessels and impairs circulation.
-
Alcohol in moderation: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dilated blood vessels and promote the development of varicose veins.
-
Reduce stress: Stress can affect the health of your blood vessels. Yoga, meditation, and other exercises can help you reduce stress and relieve pressure on your veins.
3. Treatment options for existing varicose veins
If varicose veins are already present, don't panic! There are many ways to treat them to relieve symptoms and support the veins.
compression therapy
Although they're obviously not particularly comfortable to wear, especially in summer, compression stockings are one of the most common and effective methods for treating varicose veins. They apply pressure to the legs, support the veins, and improve blood flow. There are different types of compression stockings, from light to heavy compression, which should be selected depending on the severity of the varicose veins.
Minimally invasive procedures
There are several minimally invasive procedures for treating varicose veins that are less invasive than traditional surgery:
-
Sclerotherapy: In this method, a solution or foam is injected into the affected vein to cauterize it. The blood is then redirected through healthy veins.
-
Laser therapy: This involves using a laser to close the affected vein. This method is particularly suitable for smaller varicose veins.
-
Radiofrequency ablation: A catheter is inserted into the affected vein and heated to close the vein.
Surgical procedures
In severe cases of varicose veins, surgery may be necessary. These include:
-
Vein stripping: In this procedure, the affected veins are surgically removed.
-
Phlebectomy: Smaller veins are removed using the so-called hook procedure through small incisions in the skin.
-
Endoscopic vein surgery: In this method, a small camera is inserted into the vein to locate and remove the affected vein.
Natural treatment methods
In addition to medical and surgical treatments, there are also natural and alternative approaches that can help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Extracts from horse chestnut, butcher's broom, grape seed, acerola, and tomato can support vein health and reduce swelling.
A hot tip: NN Veinrefresher® from Nikolaus Nature
If you want to do something really good for your veins, get the NN Veinrefresher® from Nikolaus Nature. These capsules are perfect for supporting your veins and making life easier for your legs.
The NN Veinrefresher® Contains an ingenious blend of Fruitflow® tomato extract, L-lysine, and vitamin C from acerola. These ingredients can help strengthen your vein walls and valves and improve blood circulation. Especially interesting in summer: The capsules are incredibly practical for long flights or generally when you spend a lot of time standing in your daily life.
The NN Veinrefresher® is an excellent choice for anyone seeking targeted support for their veins. A daily dose of one capsule is recommended.
According to a study by the University Hospital Freiburg 1, the tomato extract Fruitflow® can reduce platelet aggregation – it helps prevent platelets from sticking together – which can be particularly helpful in preventing thrombosis and thus also varicose veins. The study showed that the active ingredients in tomato extract improve blood flow and protect blood vessels.
NN OPC + Acerola from Nikolaus Nature
For an extra dose of vein health, you should also check out the NN OPC + Acerola capsules from Nikolaus Nature. This combination of powerful antioxidants and vitamin C is a real game-changer for your veins.
The NN OPC + Acerola capsules contain a synergistic blend of OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) from grape seed extract and vitamin C from acerola cherries. These two ingredients work hand in hand to strengthen your blood vessels and improve circulation. OPC can help keep blood vessels elastic and support collagen structure. Vitamin C from acerola cherries helps promote collagen formation and protects your veins from oxidative stress. And a strong collagen structure is crucial for keeping veins elastic and resilient. Especially if you spend a lot of time standing or sitting, OPC is a great addition to your daily routine.
A dose of two capsules daily is recommended.
In a clinical study conducted by Minerva Cardiology 2 , a daily dose of 100 mg of OPCs was tested for 10 days in patients suffering from non-complicated chronic venous insufficiency. The results were impressive: Over 80% of patients reported a significant improvement in their symptoms, including swelling, itching, and pain. This positive effect was observed after just the first 10 days of treatment, demonstrating the rapid and effective effects of OPCs. What makes OPCs unique is their ability to reduce swelling in the lower extremities while improving overall well-being.
NN Omega 3 from Nikolaus Nature
The omega-3 fatty acids in Nikolaus Nature's NN Omega 3 capsules are essential nutrients that provide a variety of health benefits, particularly for the cardiovascular system and blood circulation.
A Norwegian study on the effect of fish consumption on the risk of venous thromboembolism (more simply, venous thrombosis), published in The Journal of Nutrition 3 , provides compelling evidence that omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in reducing this risk. The study examined the influence of fish consumption and fish oil supplements on the risk of thrombosis in a population and found that high fish consumption was associated with a slightly reduced risk of thrombosis. Even more interestingly, the additional intake of fish oil supplements enhanced this positive effect. Participants who consumed fish more than three times per week and also took fish oil supplements had a 48% lower risk of venous thromboembolism compared to those who ate less fish and did not use fish oil supplements.
These results clearly demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids can positively influence blood circulation, which is particularly beneficial for people with varicose veins. Omega-3 fatty acids can help keep blood vessels flexible, which can reduce the risk of varicose veins and related complications such as phlebitis and chronic venous insufficiency.
4. When should you seek medical advice?
As soon as the first symptoms of a vein problem appear, it's a good idea to consult a primary care physician. They can assess whether further treatment by a vein specialist (phlebologist) is necessary. Early diagnosis and targeted therapy are crucial to slowing the progression of the disease and preventing potential complications. They can offer you personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific condition.
5. Avoid complications
Varicose veins aren't just annoying; if left untreated, they can also lead to serious health problems that we'd rather avoid. To avoid these complications, it's important to take varicose veins seriously and treat them early. Here are some of the potential complications.
Thrombophlebitis: inflammation of the veins
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the superficial veins, often caused by a blood clot. The affected vein becomes red, hot, and painful, and swelling may occur. This inflammation can be both aesthetic and painful, and in severe cases, it can develop into deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): When the veins weaken
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs can no longer effectively pump blood back to the heart. This leads to blood pooling in the legs, which can cause swelling, pain, and skin changes. In advanced stages, CVI can lead to serious complications such as venous ulcers.
Venous ulcers: Open wounds on the legs
Venous ulcers are painful, open wounds that develop on the lower legs and are difficult to heal. They occur due to persistent increased pressure in the veins, which damages the surrounding tissue. These wounds are not only painful and uncomfortable, but can also lead to infections, causing further health problems.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem. If left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications. Through prevention and timely treatment, you can minimize the risk of thrombophlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers. Stay active, wear compression stockings, pay attention to your diet and hydration, and consult your doctor regularly – this is how you can give your legs the best chance of health and well-being.
Sources:
1 Chrubasik-Hausmann S., Erne P. (2014): On the regulation of blood flow properties with the aqueous tomato extract Fruitflow® . University Hospital Freiburg. Journal of Phytotherapy. pp. 12-15.
2 Hansen-Krone J., Enga K., Südduth-Klinger J., Mathiesen E., Njølstad I., Wilsgaard T., Watkins S., Brækkan S, Hansen J. (2014): High Fish plus Fish Oil Intake Is Associated with Slightly Reduced Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: The Tromsø Study. The Journal of Nutrition. American Society for Nutrition. pp. 861-867.
3 Costantini A, De Bernardi T, Gotti A (1999): Clinical and capillaroscopic evaluation of chronic uncomplicated venous insufficiency with procyanidins extracted from vitis vinifera. Minerva Cardioangiol. PRIME PubMed. pp 39-46.
