Varicose veins are extremely common and aren’t usually a sign of anything wrong. Consuming drinks that don’t help circulation could make them worse and there are some you can avoid
Varicose veins aren’t usually anything to worry about, but there are three drinks Brits can avid to try and reduce the chances of them appearing.
The NHS describes varicose veins as “common” and “not usually serious”. They are widened veins that looks “swollen and twisted” under the skin, some of the veins may feel lumpy and bulge out front he skin. Varicose veins appear most commonly on the legs, but it is possible to get them on other parts of the body. They can also be painful, causing aches and pains, or a “feeling of heaviness”, the health body said.
There are also possible itching, colour changes, scaly skin or swollen ankles or legs. People experiencing them may feel as though they get worse after standing for a long time and they are advised to rest with their legs up. But there are ways people might be able to reduce their chances of getting them by cutting back on three drinks in particular.
Alcohol
Overindulging in alcohol is one possible way a person may end up with varicose veins. The Vein and Vascular Institute said that “your family history, smoking, and lack of exercise have more to do with whether you get varicose veins or not”, but that “excessive drinking harms the veins, and that can worsen the pain, swelling, throbbing, and other symptoms of varicose veins”.
The US-based medical experts added: “Alcohol also creates conditions that may lead to spider veins, which are the tinier, less-protruding versions of varicose veins. Alcohol breaks down the collagen in the vein walls, which may result in thin webs of veins rising to the surface of the skin on the legs and face.” Moderate consumption of alcohol “isn’t going to do much” to damage your veins, the insitute also said.
Coffee
Healthline said there is “no evidence that coffee consumption has any impact on varicose veins”. The UK Vein Clinic said it is important for people to moderate their intake of caffeine if you “notice a correlation between consumption and vein discomfort”. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee can “dilate blood vessels and lead to fluid retention, worsening varicose veins in some individuals”.
Sugary drinks
Drinking too many sugary drinks could have a negative impact on your overall health. It can also leader the vein walls expanding. Physicians Vein Clinics explained: “Sugar absorbs water, causing the vein walls to expand. Once the blood sugar levels normalize, veins will contract back to their regular size. However, over time veins lose their elasticity and become more damaged. Damaged veins pump blood less efficiently, causing varicose veins.”
According to the Express, Professor Mark Whitely, the UK’s leading venous surgeon and founder of The Whiteley Clinic, explained: “It is a common misconception that varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue. “While in the short-term they are rarely dangerous […], varicose veins to worsen and go on to cause a range of longer-term problems when left untreated.
“In fact, [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ]guidelines say and prompt treatment, varicose veins can continue to worsen, and can lead to more concerning health problems. You cannot prevent varicose veins and if you do have any symptoms or signs, recommended guidelines have shown that you should be referred to a venous specialist unit for [an] ultrasound to establish the best course of treatment,” noted Professor Whitely.
He continued: “It may sound simple, but elevating your legs is highly effective for improving venous circulation. “Raising your legs when sitting will help to lower the pressure in your legs by allowing blood that has pooled the drain away, helping to minimise skin damage and blood clots. Try placing pillows or footstools underneath.”
