Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids

Varicose Veins – Causes, Symptoms & Natural Treatment

Varicose veins are caused by chronic venous insufficiency, which is characterised by impaired venous flow in the lower limbs. It causes pooling of blood in the veins, leading to swollen, twisted and sometimes painful veins. They usually occur in the lower limbs and are common in older age, especially in women.

Hemorrhoids are dilation of the veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus resulting from increased pressure in the veins of the anus. They may be internal or external. They are very common, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Causes / Risk factors of Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids

• Family history
• Increasing age
• Congenital valve defects
• Pregnancy and childbirth (especially hemorrhoids)
• Constipation and straining during bowel movements (especially hemorrhoids)
• Sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Congestive heart failure
• Certain diseases e.g. liver cirrhosis

Signs & Symptoms of Varicose Veins

• Swollen, twisted and sometimes painful veins, usually in the lower limbs

Signs & Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

• Anal itching
• Anal ache or pain, especially when sitting
• Bright red blood with bowel movements
• Painful bowel movements
• Hard, tender lumps near anus

Treatment Strategy for Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids

• Address underlying contributing factors (e.g. obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, constipation, lack of exercise, etc)
• Improve connective tissue integrity
• Improve circulation
• Promote tissue repair
• Relieve symptoms

Diet plan guidelines for Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids

• High fibre diet to support bowel eliminations: high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes
• Include vitamin C and bioflavonoid-rich foods to support connective tissue integrity: berries, cherries, buckwheat, green tea, fruits and vegetables
• Include foods to support circulation: garlic, ginger
• Drink plenty of water daily

Supplements that support Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids

• Vitamin C + bioflavonoids (rutin, hesperidin, quercetin) – to support collagen repair
• Vitamin E – promote circulation and support tissue repair
• Grapeseed or pine bark extract – phlebotonic agents
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Herbal Medicine that supports Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids  

• Vein tonics – horse chestnut, butcher‘s broom
• Collagen stabilizing – hawthorn
• Vein protective – bilberry
• Circulatory stimulants – ginkgo, prickly ash
• Tissue repair – gotu kola, grape seed, pine bark
• Promote Bile – barberry, fringe tree, celandine, gentian
• Laxative – cascara, rhubarb, licorice
• Topical applications – calendula, witch hazel, comfrey

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS & HEMMORHOIDS

Varicose veins and hemorrhoids are secondary conditions created by imbalances in the body that lead to impaired venous return and poor integrity of the blood vessel walls.  A whole body approach is required to address underlying insufficiencies that contribute to these disorders. 

Poor gut health, bacterial overgrowth, poor digestion, impaired detoxification, nutrient imbalances and dietary and lifestyle factors all play a part in the development of varicose veins, hemorrhoids and associated disorders.  Early intervention improves the rate that these conditions can be reversed.

At our Perth clinic of Advanced Functional Medicine we have experience with hemorrhoids and varicose veins. 

If you of a family member are suffering from one of these conditions we would love to hear from you.  Have you investigated your gut health and found that once rebalanced that your hemorrhoids or varicose veins disappeared of improved dramatically?  What treatments have worked best for you so far?  Please leave a message below.

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