Have Hemorrhoids? Watch for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins: the dreaded purple “spider veins” that develop on many men and women’s legs as they age. Surprisingly enough, if you suffer from frequent hemorrhoid flare-ups, you probably have a higher chance of developing varicose veins. Why? Because varicose veins and hemorrhoids are symptoms of the same problem. Both are caused by weak blood vessels and fluid build-up.

In fact, taking steps to heal hemorrhoids will also reduce your chances of seeing varicose veins as you age. Using the steps in this article, you can say goodbye to varicose veins and hemorrhoids at the same time by implementing the simple steps outlined below.

The Cause of Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins

Hemorrhoids are simply veins around the opening of the anus that aid with elimination. Blood travels through these veins to help move waste out of the body. Ordinarily, the veins function normally and do not cause any pain or discomfort. Pain and discomfort occur when the veins swell due to circulation problems and fluid retention in the area. This is the same reason varicose veins form.

Usually, veins have leaflet valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Muscles in the body pump the veins to return blood to the heart against the flow of gravity. Varicose veins occur when the leaflet valves do not meet or if the valves stop working altogether. This causes the blood to swell in the area.

Although most varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, they can result in pain- especially when it is the hemorrhoidal veins that are enlarged.

Support Your Veins and Prevent Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids and varicose veins is by supporting your veins so that they operate properly throughout your entire life. Luckily, proper vein support starts with two simple tasks- healthy eating and healthy activity. Employ the following tips to ensure your veins are as healthy as they can be.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to support your vein health. Exercise is essential for your veins to work properly. Veins require movement to move blood to and from the heart. This is especially true for veins located in the legs and pelvis region. Without exercise, blood can pool in these locations, leading to swelling and discomfort. Additionally, exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, which is also important for relieving pressure on your veins. Cardio exercise may be the most helpful for supporting healthy veins.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation in your body can enlarge the veins and thin the blood vessel walls. This makes it easier for fluid to escape into the area surrounding the blood vessels, causing varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The following three herbs are highly effective at reducing total inflammation:

Goldenrod: This herb is highly effective at reducing inflammation and speeding the healing of damaged blood vessels and swollen hemorrhoids.

Turmeric: Turmeric powder is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb that is as tasty as it is effective.

Ginger: Just like turmeric, ginger can help control inflammation and support overall vein health.

Supplement for Vein Health

The right herbs and supplements can provide the nutrients necessary to find hemorrhoids and varicose veins. You can take most of these herbs in supplement form, or find them through natural sources in the diet.

Horse Chestnut: This herb is important for benefiting circulation in the legs and lower areas of the body. In Europe, horse chestnut is one of the number one treatments for vein issues and hemorrhoids. According to studies conducted by the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth in England in 2006 found that supplementing with horse chestnut extract was able to reduce swelling, fluid retention, and pain in participants with varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other vein deficiencies.

Gotu Kola: This strange-sounding herb helps build strong blood vessel walls to prevent fluid from leaking into the surrounding tissues. This herb may be particularly effective for healing hemorrhoids. According to the University of Maryland, supplementing with Gotu Kola can improve vein elasticity and overall health of blood vessels.

Butcher’s Broom: This herb is one of the best herbs for strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. Another benefit of butcher’s broom is the boost it gives circulation. This can prevent pressure-related hemorrhoids and varicose veins. In vitro studies have shown that butcher’s broom can reduce vascular permeability and promote healthy circulation.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is surprisingly effective at reducing hemorrhoid pain and promoting blood circulation. Vitamin C supports blood viscosity and healthy blood pressure in addition to circulation. A study published in the journal “Circulation” it was found that vitamin C can prevent Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) from occurring. PVD is the condition where the arteries narrow and creates high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.

Bilberry: Bilberry is a beneficial herb for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It promotes healthy circulation and helps strengthen blood vessel walls and the valves that circulate the blood. In a study published in the book “The Herb Companion,” it was found that supplementing with bilberry reduced symptoms of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and improved overall circulation.

Bioflavonoids: A bioflavonoid is a plant pigment that colors fruits and vegetables. Bioflavonoids are found in all colored plants. Bioflavonoids extracted from cranberries, grapes, and blueberries are particularly effective at reducing pain and swelling in varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Bioflavonoids also prevent leaky blood vessels.

Eat Your Fiber

A healthy dose of fiber in the diet not only helps relieve constipation that can make hemorrhoids worse, but it also supports healthy blood vessels. Fiber reduces high cholesterol, which can lead to problems in the blood. Fiber removes unhealthy fats and plaque from the blood and it also prevents these materials from weakening blood vessels. Eating enough fiber can also promote a healthy weight, which can reduce your chances of seeing varicose veins and uncomfortable hemorrhoids.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a risk factor for both varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Varicose veins are worse when extra pressure is placed on the legs (extra pressure on the pelvic region can lead to an increased risk for hemorrhoids). One of the reasons why more women suffer from varicose veins and hemorrhoids during pregnancy is due to the rapid weight gain and extreme pressure placed on the lower half of the body during pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy weight will eliminate this risk factor.

Vein Support Will Stop Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins

Your veins are a vital part of your body. Weak veins can lead to a host of problems- the least of which are hemorrhoids and varicose veins. By supporting your veins, you reduce your chances of seeing painful, unsightly varicose veins and your chances of having painful hemorrhoid flare-ups that are uncomfortable and can interfere with daily life. Use the above steps to protect the health of your veins and prevent both hemorrhoids and varicose veins throughout life.