What Are the Best Vitamins for Varicose Veins?

A picture of Rahul Sood

Rahul Sood

varicose veins under knee

If you have strange-looking green and blue veins popping up recently in your legs, it could be a sign of varicose veins. These abnormally dilated veins usually develop on the legs, although they can show up on the stomach and pelvis too. Studies show that about 1 in 3 persons will develop some sort of varicose veins in their lifetime. This is why you should make an effort to treat these veins as best as you could, perhaps with a little dose of vitamins.

So what are the best vitamins for varicose veins? There are certain nutrients that can help keep your veins healthy, so maintaining a diet that emphasizes these nutrients is a great start in keeping those varicose veins at bay. Consuming these nutrients can contribute to reducing and managing your vein problems and symptoms. They also provide you with greater control over your veins’ health.

Learn More: Ways You Can Treat Varicose Veins At Home

Vitamins and Nutrients for Healthy Veins

There are surgical procedures that can treat spider vein and varicose vein problems, whether light or severe cases. But would you rather explore other options first before signing up for invasive treatments? Of course, if your leg vein doctor advises varicose vein surgery, you should definitely follow his advice. You may be in danger of developing complications such as chronic venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.

But if your venous insufficiency is manageable, maybe wearing compression stockings for your leg cramps and blood circulation, adjusting your lifestyle, and taking a dietary supplement and essential oil are enough to keep the venous disease in check. There are numerous options: grape seed extract, horse chestnut seed extract, witch hazel, vitamins B6, vitamin k2, and vitamin D ​​— all popular for vein health. But here’s what the doctors totally recommend:

Vitamin E

This potent antioxidant can reduce the damaging effects of free radicals in our bodies. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that may help prevent and manage your varicose veins as it decreases inflammation in the vein linings. Vitamin E also thins the blood by keeping platelets from sticking together.

Studies show that this vitamin can contribute to preventing a blood clot from forming in the legs. This is because it inhibits the blood-clotting effects of Vitamin K without it getting in the way of usual clotting activity. Sources of Vitamin E include nuts and seeds, particularly almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pecans, and pistachios.

Vitamin C

Aside from being an antioxidant and having anti inflammatory properties, Vitamin C also supports the function of veins in several ways. It stimulates the production of endothelial cells and protects nitric oxide. Vitamin C also promotes the production of collagen, which is an important component of the blood vessel walls of veins.

Regular intake of vitamin C can protect and support healthy veins. Vitamin C can also prevent the dysfunction of the endothelium, which is a cause of varicose veins. It pairs well with vitamin E in keeping your veins healthy. Great sources of this vitamin are citrus fruits.

B-Complex

Vitamin B complex vitamins are very important for the health of your circulatory system. It ensures healthy red blood cells and cholesterol production. Several B vitamins are exceptional when it comes to vein health. Vitamin B3 or niacinamide decreases and prevents the inflammation of the endothelial cells. These cells form the inner linings of veins. It also improves energy production in endothelial cells and boosts the function of nitric oxide, which is a compound that relaxes blood vessels and encourages blood flow and healthy circulation.

Vitamin B9 (vitamins B6, vitamin B12, and folate) reduces levels of homocysteine, which is a highly damaging molecule associated with several conditions such as blood vessel inflammation, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, and impaired platelet function. Homocysteine also lessens the activity of nitric oxide.

Vitamin K

This vitamin is instrumental in healthy blood clotting, and you can see how it works when you have a cut or scrape. And while previous generations of anticoagulant therapies depended on inhibiting vitamin K, there are now safer non-vitamin K-inhibiting therapies that are out in the market. Vitamin K also supports vein health as it prevents endothelial dysfunction and increases nitric oxide levels. You can consume Vitamin K via dark leafy vegetables, animal foods, and fermented plant foods.

Copper

Copper helps your circulatory health by contributing to red blood cell production. It boosts vein health by assisting the production of connective tissues that comprise your veins. Copper also helps in regulating and maintaining safe levels of iron, which can damage your cells if they accumulate.

If you’re a chocolate lover, then you’re on the right track as chocolate is a great copper source. Choose dark chocolate to keep your calorie and sugar levels in check. You can also consume copper via deep green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, and seafood.

Keep Your Veins Healthy by Checking in at Vein Center Doctor

varicose veins on person and specialist

If you’re not sure what to do with your vein problem, let the team of experts at Vein Center Doctor help you out with your varicose vein treatment.

Vein Center Doctor is a full-service vein treatment facility offering multiple minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures featuring the latest in vein and blood vessel treatment technology. You get pain-free treatments for your vein disease with zero downtime, no surgeon involved. Call now and schedule an appointment with a clinic in New York or New Jersey.

Rahul Sood

DO, R.PH

About Rahul Sood

Dr. Rahul Sood is a triple board-certified physician who specializes in cosmetic vein treatment, namely spider veins and varicose veins, as well as any accompanying issues related to venous insufficiency such as leg pain. He has carried out over 10,000 leg procedures during 10-plus year career and is highly regarded throughout Westchester County and New Jersey.

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