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According to The National Women's Health Information Center,as many as 60% of all American adults have some form ofvaricose veins. Women, however, are more affected by 50%. Bythe mid 50's, 41% of women suffer from spider or varicoseveins.

Varicose veins appear when blood collects in a vein insteadof being pumped back to the heart. Any vein may becomevaricose, but the veins most commonly affected are those inthe legs and feet. That's because standing and walkingincrease the pressure in the veins in your lower body.

Varicose veins develop in people who stand or sit for longperiods of time. Lack of exercise, pregnancy, beingoverweight, prolonged constipation, and sitting with legscrossed can compound the problem.

If varicose veins are not treated properly complicationssuch as swelling, restlessness, leg sores, itching, legcramps, feeling of heaviness in the legs and fatigue canoccur.

Surgical treatment is available but it's always healthierand less expensive to prevent, rather than treat most healthproblems.

Prevention for varicose veins initially begins with thewearing of support hosiery. But a healthy diet andlifestyle can do wonders to avoid the occurrence of varicoseveins.

Eat a balanced diet low in fat and carbohydrates and includelots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Take vitamin C. Vitamin C helps strengthen blood vesselwalls.

Keep the diet high in fiber to prevent constipation.

Avoid sugar, fried foods, junk foods, tobacco, salt,alcohol, processed and refined foods.

Exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight. Walking,swimming and bicycling all promote good circulation.

Do not wear tight clothes which restrict blood flow.

At least once a day sit with the legs above the heart levelfor 20 minutes to relieve symptoms.

Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Avoid crossing the legs when sitting.

Avoid heavy lifting and putting any unecessary pressure onthe legs.

Herbs, such as red clover and horse chestnut, are especiallyhelpful in maintaining healthy strong veins.

For more information visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/health/varicose.htm

Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

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