Varicose 911

Zinc

“Many patients with varicose veins suffer from itching, but its cause has not been sufficiently explained. In recent years, the role of zinc in maintaining the integrity of skin has been reported, and zinc supplementation has been suggested to be effective in relieving itching.”

Takai,Y., Hiramoto, K., Nishimura, Y., Uchida, R., Nishida, K., & Ooi, K. (2017). Association between itching and the serum zinc levels in patients with varicose veins. J Pharm Health Care Sci, 3:24. doi: 10.1186/s40780-017-0092-9

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609042/

Vitamin A

Studies have found vitamin A can keep the immune system from overacting and causing inflammation.1 Vitamin A is available in two forms: Beta-carotene is a provitamin that converts vitamin A in the body and vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals. Diets rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A can help to reduce inflammation.

Barhum, L. (2020, June 14). What Vitamins Can Help With Inflammation? Verywellhealth.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-best-vitamin-for-fighting-inflammation-4176859#:~:text=Verywell%20%2F%20JR%20Bee-,Vitamin%20A,the%20body%20against%20free%20radicals

“Vitamin A also has a role as an anti-inflammatory agent. Supplementation with vitamin A has been found to be beneficial in a number of inflammatory conditions…”

Reifen, R. (2002). Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 61:397-400. doi: 10.1079/PNS2002172

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0029665102000393#:~:text=Vitamin%20A%20also%20has%20a,of%20precancerous%20and%20cancer%20states

Bilberry

“In the case of bilberry, studies have found that the extracts positively affect blood flow in various tissues. They also make blood vessels less porous, which could reduce swelling and help with varicose veins.”

O'Mathúna, D. (2008, June 17). Bilberries can help those with varicose veins. The Irish Times.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/bilberries-can-help-those-with-varicose-veins-1.1268454#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20bilberry,and%20help%20with%20varicose%20veins

“Bilberry is a plant. The dried, ripe fruit and leaves are used to make medicine.” “Some people use bilberry for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), varicose veins, decreased blood flow in the veins, and chest pain.”

RxList (2019, September 17). Bilberry

https://www.rxlist.com/bilberry/supplements.htm#HowDoesItWork

Grape Seed

“Grape seed extract is a natural remedy often recommended for chronic venous insufficiency. Some proponents of grape seed extract suggest that the antioxidants found in grape seeds can help fight chronic venous insufficiency by strengthening the blood vessels and improving circulation.”

Wong, C. (2020, June 6). Grape Seed Extract for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Verywellhealth.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/grape-seed-extract-for-chronic-venous-insufficiency-89458

“In a number of studies, antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) found in grape seed extract have been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency such as pain and swelling.”

TheHealthy (2016, July 25). Grape Seed Extract Benefits: How It Heals.

https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/vitamins/grape-seed-extract-benefits/

Quercetin

“Bioflavonoids have the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species by donating one of their electrons, thus stabilizing the molecule and breaking the oxidative chain. This can result in visible signs of healthy, more vibrant skin. Three of the better-known bioflavonoids, quercetin, hesperidin, and rutin, have intriguing research indicating their abilities to prevent and reverse wrinkles, reduce the appearance of age spots, and fight spider veins.”

Goldfaden, G., & Goldfaden, R. (2012, Nov). How Bioflavonoids Nourishes Skin Cells. LifeExtension Magazine.

https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2012/11/bioflavonoids_create_youthful_skin_tone

”Quercetin is used for treating conditions of the heart and blood vessels including “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), high cholesterol, heart disease, and circulation problems.”

RxList (2019, September 17). Quercetin.

https://www.rxlist.com/quercetin/supplements.htm

L-Taurine

“L-Taurine [is] an organic chemical compound from the group of biogenic amino acids. Scientific research has shown that taurine reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Its effects include regulating blood pressure and reducing inflammation in blood vessels, which are a common prevaricate symptom. Taurine influences the regeneration and strengthening of vein endothelium.”

“Recent animal and human studies have shown that taurine supplementation lowers BP and improves vascular function, possibly through suppression of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activity, augmentation of kallikrein activity in the blood and peripheral tissues, suppression of the renal sympathetic nervous system, diuretic and natriuretic activities, and vasorelaxant activity.”

Sun, Q., Wang, B., Li, Y., Sun, F., Li, P., Xia, W., Zhou, X., Li, Q., Wang, X., Chen, J., Zeng, X., Zhao, Z., He, H., Liu, D., & Zhu, Z. (2016). Taurine Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Vascular Function in Prehypertension. Hypertension, 67:541–549.

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.06624

N-acetyl-l-cysteine

“NAC is valued primarily for its role in antioxidant production. Along with two other amino acids — glutamine and glycine — NAC is needed to make and replenish glutathione. Glutathione is one of the body’s most important antioxidants, which helps neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in your body. It’s essential for immune health and fighting cellular damage. Some researchers believe it may even contribute to longevity.”

Goodson, A. (2018, September 26). Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine). Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nac-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

“N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is used by the body to build antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage. You can get NAC as a supplement or a prescription drug.”.

WebMD (2020, March 3). N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC).

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/n-acetyl-cysteine-uses-and-risks

Lycopene

“Tomatoes are considered one of the best foods when it comes to fighting varicose veins. Tomatoes are naturally enriched with nutrients such as ‘Lycopene’ and the bioflavonoid ‘Anthocyanin’ which promote vascular health. Research has shown lycopene has healing and antioxidant activities and its consumption through the diet can protect the valves against oxidative damage. Lycopene also has a low pH value and it’s slightly acidic nature acts as an anticoagulant, thereby, preventing the clogging and swelling in the vessel walls. On the other hand, as is expected, Anthocyanin has shown a positive association with the overall strength and integrity of the vessel walls.”

Khalil, M. (n.d.). 9 Best Foods For Varicose Veins Treatment. HealthUnits.

“One of the carotenes tomatoes contain is lycopene, which has been proven to fight cancer and provide protection against acute and potentially longer-term aspects of photodamage. After being ingested, lycopene can be detected in the skin. This suggests that it may also be absorbed through the skin if used topically.” “There’s a popular remedy that says to place slices of red tomatoes on varicose veins and bandage them into place. They should be left on 3-4 hours at a time, 5 times a day until the veins are no longer visible.”

DailyHealthPost (2015, December 28). How To Use Tomatoes To Get Rid of Varicose Veins.

https://dailyhealthpost.com/how-to-use-tomatoes-to-get-rid-of-varicose-veins/