If your leg veins are failing to operate properly, you may have symptoms of CVI, or chronic venous insufficiency. A potentially serious vascular problem, CVI can improve with lifestyle changes, such as exercise, smoking cessation and diet. You may be wondering, what should you eat to control or avoid symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency? Keep reading to learn more about the topic and what dietary strategies can benefit your vascular system.
Causes and Symptoms of CVI
Varicose veins affect about 23 percent of American adults. The more serious counterpart of varicose veins is chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI. Both chronic conditions feature poorly functioning valves which prevent free blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart.
About one out of every 20 adults in the US have CVI, and while similar to varicose veins, CVI is more impactful as it can lead to life-threatening blood clots in deeper leg veins.
Risk factors for CVI include:
- Smoking
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- A history of varicose veins
- A history of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
In fact, patients who have a history of deep vein thrombosis are more likely to have long-standing chronic venous insufficiency and even peripheral artery disease.
Symptoms of CVI include:
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Aching, fatigued legs
- Flaking, itchy, roughly textured skin in the legs, ankles and feet
- Leg ulcers
Using Diet to Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency
To prevent or to manage CVI, your vein specialist may recommend a heart-healthy diet, in addition to exercise, compression stockings and more. In fact, the old adage “You are what you eat” really applies to vascular health. While avoiding less healthy menu choices improves cardiovascular health, adding certain foods is even more beneficial in the long run.
Here are the preferred dietary guidelines for chronic venous insufficiency.
- Reduce sodium and increase potassium.
- Consume four to seven servings of fresh vegetables daily and twoto four servings of fresh fruit daily.
- Add plant protein to your diet.
- Replace white bread and crackers with whole grain choices.
- Up your intake of soluble fiber (oats, apples, legumes).
- Up your intake of insoluble fiber (wheat bran, whole wheat, nuts).
- Avoid processed carbs and white sugar.
- Limit red meat and processed meats, such as bacon.
Additionally, look for foods high in flavonoids and vitamins C, B3 and E. You may also ask a nutritionist or vein specialist for oral supplements of these key nutrients.
Flavonoids improve small vein and capillary function. Vitamin C improves vein structure on the cellular level. Vitamin E reduces the chances of developing blood clots because it is a natural blood thinner, and vitamin B3 can lower LDL, or bad cholesterol in your bloodstream.
Venous Insufficiency Treatment in Largo, FL
Board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Edward G. Mackay, has years of experience in managing the vein health of numerous patients in Largo, Palm Harbor and St. Petersburg, FL. To receive a thorough in-office examination and review of your leg vein symptoms, call our office team for an appointment at (727) 349-5652. Or,use our online appointment request form here.
Dr. Mackay is a pioneer in vascular research and treatments. He and his team look forward to getting you on the road to better vascular health!
