Chronic Venous Insufficiency, or varicose veins as we all know, can be irritating and unpleasant to look at. However, keep in mind that these are totally normal and common so there is no need to worry too much about it.

What you should worry about and be on the lookout for is its symptoms, and whether it is severe or not. Even though varicose veins are often harmless, there are some cases where others experience swelling, severe pain, cramps, leg ulcers, and many more.

Given that diet plays a huge role in your overall health, we have gathered a list of foods that would not only keep you healthy but would also help ease some of the varicose veins symptoms.

Fiber-rich Foods

According to the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), having a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods can help prevent varicose veins and spider veins. 

The reasoning behind this is that because constipation can greatly contribute to varicose veins, eating fiber-rich foods would ultimately reduce your chances of getting one and therefore making you less prone to varicose veins. 

As for the low-salt diet, OWH also states that eating less salt can reduce the swelling that often comes along with varicose veins as well.

Here are some of the highest fiber-rich foods that we found on the Michigan Medicine website:

• Baked beans = 1 cup = 14.0 Fiber (grams per serving)
• Lima beans = boiled 1 cup = 13.2 Fiber (grams per serving)
• All-Bran = Kellogg’s ½ cup = 10.0 Fiber (grams per serving)
• Spaghetti = whole wheat 1 cup = 6.3 Fiber (grams per serving)
• Artichoke = boiled 1 medium = 6.2 Fiber (grams per serving)
• Pumpkin = canned ½ cup = 5.0 Fiber (grams per serving)

Botanical Foods

One study we found states that botanical foods are useful for treating and preventing the worsening symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Although the results of this study are not that drastic, it does yield promising results, and if continued, might even completely eliminate varicose veins.

To that end, we have listed the specific foods used in this research. Some of these can be bought in your local grocery store or farmers’ market so it’s not that difficult to incorporate them into your diet.

Horse Chestnut Seed

Some studies have shown that horse chestnut seed is far more effective when the varicose veins are fresh or the Chronic Venous Insufficiency is still at the early stage. Another great thing about including horse chestnut seed in your diet is that one study also found that it is helpful in reducing and easing symptoms like pain, tiredness, tension, and swelling of the leg.

Grapes

You can easily buy grapes in your local food store and include them in your everyday diet. A French study found that grapes can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins, specifically the symptoms of the heaviness of the lower legs.

Although only a little research has been done on the use of grapes for Chronic Venous Insufficiency, some results are still noteworthy. Also, there is no harm in trying and including grapes in your diet. Grapes offer other health benefits as well so we recommend you give this one a try.

Gotu Kola

If you are in the United States, then this herb might be difficult to find. 

But if you live in Asia, then chances are you probably already come across this herb at some point. 

Gotu Kola is native to the wetlands of Asia and several studies found that it is effective in venous insufficiency. With its apparent ability to promote wound healing, it’s no wonder why people include this in their everyday diet.

Holistic Treatment

Keep in mind that these foods are just supplementary or additional treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. You should still do the other bare minimum like being active, using compression, and staying hydrated at all times in order to minimize these symptoms.

If you happen to live in one of the biggest cities in the United States, then you’re in luck! There are several vein clinic in Phoenix, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.  You can simply drop by to ask for their expertise in this area.

But otherwise, we still recommend you maintain a healthy lifestyle so that you minimize all the symptoms that come with having a varicose vein.