If you are an adult with varicose veins, then you are not alone. The condition affects between 15% and 25% of adults, and almost 50% of individuals who are older than 50. Old age, an increase in weight, and a family history of varicose veins increase the risk of this condition forming. Additionally, you are likely to see the veins if you sit or stand for long periods throughout the day. You can work with a physician to treat the veins, and lasers may be used to close off the blood vessels. A fluid may be used to do the same thing, the veins may be surgically removed, or an endoscopic procedure may be completed. Thankfully, most approved treatments are highly successful in reducing the appearance of varicose veins. However, new veins can appear after the treatment is performed. You should do your best to prevent them from reappearing by following some of the tips outlined below.

Consume More Vitamin C

Varicose veins appear across the legs because the valves located inside them start to weaken. These valves allow the deoxygenated blood to move up the trunk of the body and to the heart without flowing backwards. However, when these valves weaken and the walls of the veins do as well, blood starts to slip backwards and pool. Pooling causes the vein walls to stretch even further, and the pooled blood makes the veins bulge and appear through the skin. You can stop this from occurring by making sure to keep the valves and the vein walls as strong as possible. The strength of these tissues rely on the formation of elastin and collagen to rebuild damaged or worn areas of the blood vessels. These materials are also quite elastic, and this helps to keep pooling to a minimum. However, in order for the body to produce the elastic tissues, it needs an abundant amount of vitamin C.

Increasing the Vitamin in the Diet

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and this means you need to consume it every day, because the body excretes the vitamin that is not immediately needed. Eat foods like strawberries, oranges, bell peppers, broccoli and tomatoes. On average, you need upwards of about 95 milligrams of vitamin C a day, but you will need more if you are sick, since the immune system also requires the nutrient to remain in great condition. Just try not to over do it with nutrient rich foods, supplements, and other sources, because high doses of the vitamin can cause diarrhea. You should be safe consuming about 2,000 milligrams, though and even more before you start to see any negative side effects. 

Increase Physical Activity

Obesity can lead to varicose veins because the condition can cause plaque to build in the blood vessels, and this leads to the weakness of the tissues and eventual blood pooling. Also, fat is far more flexible than muscle tissue, and veins surrounded by fatty deposits are not well supported. Obesity, and even a slight increase in weight, can cause fatigue and breathing difficulties that can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle and the reduction of muscle mass along the legs. To keep varicose veins from returning, you need to increase physical activity. Not only will this help you to build supportive and strong muscles, but the added activity will increase the flow of blood through the body and increase blood vessel strength.

You do not want to stress your knee, hip, and ankle joints though. This can lead to inflammation and further blood vessel issues. Consider low impact exercises like swimming, bike riding, and aerobics. Three to five 30 minutes sessions a week are a good choice, but try to pace yourself at first with 15 or 20 minute sessions until you get used to the increase in activity.

For more information about varicose vein treatment and actions to take afterward, talk to your doctor or contact a local clinic.