By Darrell Miller

Varicose veins are veins that are abnormally enlarged, bulging, bluish, and lumpy-looking. These veins are often associated with dull, nagging aches and pains. Varicose veins are the result of malfunctioning valves inside the veins. When blood pulses through the arteries to provide nutrients and oxygen to the body tissues, it returns to the heart by means of the veins. The blood moves through the arteries by the beating of the heart. Similar to the arteries, the veins are tube-shaped vessels in graduated sizes. However, unlike the arteries, the veins have tiny valves on the inner walls to prevent the blood from flowing backward, toward the arteries. If the valves on the inner walls do not work properly, circulation is impaired and blood accumulates in the veins, causing them to stretch. Swelling, restlessness, leg sores, itching, leg cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are characteristic of varicose veins.

Since poor circulation contributes to the formation of varicose veins, they are most commonly found in those individuals who sit or stand in one position for an extended amount of time. Additionally, those people who habitually sit with their legs crossed, and those who lack proper regular exercise are more susceptible to varicose veins. Excess weight, heavy lifting, and pregnancy also put increased pressure on the legs, causing the likelihood of developing varicose veins to increase. Constipation, heart failure, liver disease, and abdominal tumors can also play a key role in the formation of varicose veins.

A deficiency of vitamin C and bioflavonoids has been shown to weaken the collagen structure in the vein walls, causing the potential for varicose veins. Additionally, it has been shown that a tendency for varicose veins may run in families, so there is evidence that it is genetic. Some experts even believe that hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can contribute to the formation of varicose veins. Approximately fifty percent of all middle-aged Americans have at least some form of varicosities, with more women than men being affected.

The majorities of cases of varicose veins do not cause any serious problems and can be managed with simple home measures. However, in some cases where varicose veins are not treated properly, complications such as bleeding under the skin, deep vein blood clots, an eczema-like condition near the affected veins, or ulcerated spots near the ankles may occur. Other possible complications that can arise are phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, postthrombotic syndrome, hemorrhage from a ruptured vein, or a pulmonary embolism.

The following nutrients have been determined to be very important for dealing with varicose veins: coenzyme Q10, DMG, essential fatty acids, glutathione, Pycnogenol, vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, and vitamin E. Additionally, the following nutrients have been determined to be helpful in dealing with varicose veins: Brewers yeast, lecithin granules, a multivitamin and mineral complex, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin D3 along with calcium and magnesium, and zinc plus copper. Also, the following herbs are helpful in dealing with and treating varicose veins: aloe vera gel, bilberry, bromelain, butchers broom, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, hawthorn berries, cayenne, dandelion, horse chestnut, magnolia liliflora, scutellaria, trichosanth, wild angelica, and white oak bark.

Look to your local or internet vitamin store for vitamins, herbs, and herbal formulas to support healthy circulation and prevent varicose veins. Always choose name brands to ensure quality of what you buy for better health.

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