Lifestyle Choices

Varicose veins are the most serious enemies of leg beauty. But they are not the accident of nature that many women believe. The problem is virtually unknown amongst native populations living on a diet of natural unrefined foods. But studies show that as soon as our highly refined Western diet of convenience foods arrives in a country, varicose veins start to appear. The hidden constipation that results from living on the average Western diet lacking in natural fiber from whole grains and raw vegetables is one of the prime causes of varicose veins, for uneliminated wastes in the intestines put constant pressure on the blood vessels supplying blood to and from the legs. Long-term overweight is another factor in the development of varicose veins.

So is inactivity. The small valves in the legs that open and close alternately to keep the blood flowing in the right direction between pulse beats depends on firm and well-toned muscles for support. If the tissues become weakened through lack of exercise, neglect, or poor nutrition, then a valve may not close completely so you get a back flow of blood onto the main valve below. This adds weight to the lower valve at the same time as it increases the volume and pressure within the vein. Gradually, the wall stretches and you develop a varicose vein.

To avoid the problem, follow a good diet of natural unrefined foods, don’t let yourself become overweight, and get plenty of exercise—swimming is the best of all because it develops the long muscles in the legs giving them firmness without a bunched, overdeveloped, athletic look. Running, walking, dancing, and yoga are also good. They will strengthen muscles, improve circulation to the lower limbs, and also keep the blood from settling there. Exercise for legs is particularly important during pregnancy because, like constipation, the weight of the baby puts pressure on blood vessels supplying the legs. Many women first develop visible veins on their legs while they are pregnant. But with proper diet and care they can always be avoided. Everyone should avoid standing for long periods, and propping yourself up with your legs against a wall, whenever you can, will help to relieve pressure.

Nutritionally, supplementary vitamins C and E can prove useful, not only in their prevention of varicose veins but also in their treatment—C because of its anti-inflammatory quality and ability to keep collagen healthy and E because of its ability to dissolve blood clots and improve circulation. If your legs ache you can wear support stockings. But don’t wear them all the time for they can only relieve symptoms–they do nothing to strengthen muscles that need strengthening and so won’t rid you of the cause.

When legs ache, there are also two water treatments that can be useful for aching legs and poor circulation.

Water Treading

Run six inches of cold water in the bath. Walk back and forth in it for forty-five seconds to five minutes, as long as you are comfortable. (You can get the same effect walking on dewy grass in the morning or in a lake or stream.) Then get out and dry your legs well and put on warm woolen socks. If you can, lie down on a slant board or a bed with your feet propped up with a pillow so they are above your head for five minutes. As you get used to the treatment you can increase the amount of cold water in the bath so it covers your calves. Make sure that during the treatment the bathroom is warm and keep the top half of you dressed while you are doing it.

Cold Sitz Bath

Use this a couple of times a week. Run a bath with cold water—just enough to come up to your waist. Making sure the bathroom is well heated, and wearing something on the top half of you to keep you warm, sit down in the water for thirty seconds. Have a large towel ready. Get out but don’t dry yourself. Instead, wrap the towel around you and immediately get into bed. Cover yourself warmly and rest for half an hour or simply go to sleep for the night.

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