GUEST POST BY SWATI NARSHANA
You may ask why Varicose Veins need to be cured. For those of you who don’t know, if someone suffers from its severe form, it can be extremely painful. Varicose Veins are twisted enlarged veins that are commonly seen in your legs. This is generally caused due to long-standing jobs or excessive walking, as it increases the pressure on the veins in your lower body.
But, before I elaborate on the causes, symptoms and cure, let me tell you about my patient who went from painful sleepless nights to peaceful slumbers.
Nirmala Jain, aged 67, suffered from severe Varicose Veins and ruptures due to the breakdown of her blood vessels and arteries. Because of her age, she had developed bulging arteries for many years. This had aggravated during the lockdown due to long-standing hours in the kitchen, irregular eating habits and no time for self.
A few months ago, she had visited a Varicose Veins Specialist as the pain had gotten worse. She was unable to walk, stand or sleep without being in immense agony. She had lower back pain, bursting veins and swelling in her legs. It was almost impossible for her to even use the toilet in peace.
The Varicose Veins Specialist suggested that she go for physiotherapy sessions. Nirmala’s physiotherapist, Dr. Smruti Jiandani (details below), had to visit her at home as Nirmala was unable to even walk down to the clinic. Once she was diagnosed, Dr. Smruti told her that the first step to feeling better was to lose weight.
Dr. Smruti referred Nirmala to me but I was a little hesitant as I did not do home visits. A few days later, after listening to her pain and immobility factors, I decided to take up her case as a challenge. Along with her husband, Nirmala cooperated for a whole hour of analysis. According to the Fat Machine Analysis, she weighed 92.8kgs, which was 18 kgs over her ideal weight range. The reading as on 20th June 2021 showed weak muscles and a higher fat percentage.
With the support of her husband and my weight loss program, Nirmala’s walking ability improved by 20% in just one month. The program included a change in her diet plan, meal timings and general routine. I have also given her tips on how to cook food, calculate the quantity of food intake and the importance of eating fresh foods. Slowly, from the North Indian Marwadi ghee filled foods, she began trying creative ways to make low-fat tasty foods.
After following the therapeutic diet, her pain has reduced and her veins have stopped bursting. She can now walk at least a kilometer, every day.
Nirmala’s testimony:
“Thank you Swati ji for giving me this weight loss diet plan. As I started following your advice and instructions, my painful Varicose Veins have become much better. Thankfully, as previously instructed by the doctor, I do not need to undergo surgery now. Even though I have only lost a few kgs, I feel much lighter. I am glad that I’m not starving myself but eating my stomach full, and healthy. I’m waiting for the day when all my Varicose Veins will disappear.”
It is a long journey but this is just the start. I believe that if you have determination, nothing is impossible.
Though many people have mild Varicose Veins, around 7% of Indians, mostly women, suffer from its severe form. This is predominantly seen in those above the age of 40.
The causes are as follows:
Standing for long periods
Obesity
Genetics
No regular exercise
The usual symptom is continuous pain with swelling on the body parts, usually legs. Scientifically, it is called EDEMA. Due to edema, one experiences heaviness and dull aches throughout the day. This occurs during cold weather or humid climates. Sometimes, the pain could spread to the calves and ankles, too.
9 signs you are suffering from Varicose Veins
Like many ailments, here also food plays a very important role in reducing the pain and edema. It’s a strict NO for the foods listed below:
1. Foods which are refined, like maida, rice, certain oils, etc.
2. Baking powder, baking soda, and other bakery items.
3. Sugar and increased amounts of salt like salty snacks such as salty peanuts, salty cashews, etc.
4. Canned or frozen foods.
5. Alcohol.
If one does not exercise regularly, they develop several ailments like Varicose Veins, which in turn causes obesity. Vice versa, due to obesity, you could begin suffering from Varicose Veins.
A diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can help prevent dangerous free radicals which can damage the blood vessels. For example, Vitamin K rich foods (spinach, broccoli, beetroot, etc.) work as an anticoagulant and Vitamin C rich foods (amla – Indian gooseberry, oranges, lemons, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, etc.) have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swellings. Red onions, fresh ginger and fresh garlic are natural healers that also have anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps to eat dark fruits and vegetables rich in various vitamins and antioxidants. A low-calorie diet that is low in fats and rich in essential oils help reduce the excessive fats in the body. Instead of using normal salt, one can switch over to Sendha Namak or pink salt. Foods rich in bioflavonoids (berries, red cabbage, onions, kale, parsley, etc.) aid in blood circulation and help reduce arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
A simple walk is a very good activity to follow on a daily basis in order to strengthen your calf muscles. For severe Varicose Veins, assistance from an experienced physiotherapist is recommended.
I hope this write up has helped you assess whether your Varicose Veins are severe or getting there. With these simple tips, I believe that you can surely try and reduce your suffering before you need to consult a doctor to completely heal painful Varicose Veins.
All the best!
Swati Narshana
Clinical Nutritionist & Sports Dietician
[email protected]
This blog post is part of the blog challenge
‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
and sponsored by Bakez by Daizy.
About the Author
Swati Narshana is a BHsc Graduate in Clinical Dietetics and a Post Graduate in Sports Science and Nutrition (PGSSN) at S.N.D.T. University, Pune. She is also certified in ACE – American Counsel of Exercise. She has been counselling clients with various ailments for 20 years.
Swati began her nutritionist career in 1997 at Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Pvt. Ltd., Pune.
After her marriage, her clinical career extended towards health care centers in Bangalore. Since then she has associated with renowned hospitals, like People Tree Maarga (Psychiatric unit), Omega Hospital, Navachetana Hospital, Prima Diagnostic, Anupama Multi-Speciality Hospital, Manjushree Maternity Hospital, Synapse Health Care. She is also associated with the well-known Yoga Guru – Dr. Mickey Mehta.
She personalizes each diet according to the person’s body type, medical condition and health requirements. Her happy clients include those with prior multiple disorders, deficiencies, heart diseases and conditions related to diabetes and obesity. She has also helped women with PCOD & PCOS who have conceived naturally after following the therapeutic diet.
She is also a corporate guest lecturer and counsellor. You can join her FB group where she posts nutrition updates – HEALTHY WITH SWATI. You can also check out the testimonials from her clients.
DETAILS OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Dr. Smruti Jiandani (M.P.T)
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports Medicine
Co-Founder of Sonic Rehab Healthcare Services
[email protected]
www.sonicrehab.co.in
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49 Comments
Though the subject is not applicable to me, I like the way it has been explained in such a simple and lucid manner. An important and informative post!
Thanks, Noor.
Very informative post. I never knew varicose veins and liquor had a correlation. That explains a lot.
Hahaha!
I was not aware of this problem but feel good that by improving eating habits and mild exercise can cure this problem. Thank you for sharing informative post.
You’re welcome, Bhawna!
Very informative post. I know many women who suffer from varicose veins. Exercising regularly or even simple walking can help to avoid this condition.
Thanks, Abha, do share this post with those women.
This is something that I dreaded during pregnancy and I’m glad that therapeutic diet did help.
Oh wow! That’s good, Sindhu!
Varicose veins can be very painful, one of my family members really had some bad days due to this. Today it’s in control due to her changed lifestyle and diet routine, therapeutic diets surely work.
That’s great to know, Manisha!
Very detailed post and explained so well by Dr.Swati. Varicose veins is a bane for many. This post will be an eye opener. Thanks Cindy for facilitating the post.
You’re welcome, Vasumathi!
Loved the detailed post about Varicose veins. I shared this post with my aunt, who suffers from the same
Oh that’s good, Suhasini. Hope she gets some help soon.
That’s very helpful Cindy. Didn’t know that varicose veins can heal with a healthy diet. Great share!
Thanks, Seema. I didn’t know it either until now.
A very informative post. What we eat affects our body in a good way or bad. We all know that but never realize it until our health suffers. Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome, Madhu. Do share it with those who you think may need it.
A therapeutic diet can help heal many ills, so I am not surprised that it can even help heal Varicose Veins. It’s always a good idea to try natural cures before opting for surgery.
True, Mayuri.
This is extremely informative, Cindy. As someone who cannot turn to medicines for treatment, including fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants have helped me tremendously. I will definitely be sharing this with friends who are struggling with varicose veins.
Thanks, Ritu. Let’s spread the word and make people aware.
I did not know about Varicose veins and after reading this article I am a little thoughtful. It is really important to treat this kind of problems and rightly said nothing better than walk. Very informative post Cindy.
Thanks, Pamela. As a blogger, I’m glad I can spread awareness about such things.
I have forwarded this post to a lot of my friends and aunts who are facing problems with varicose veins. Some have even had an operation. I am looking forward to reading and understanding the finer nuances of a therapeutic diet. Thanks a million for this extremely useful post.
You’re welcome, Mayura. And thanks for sharing this informative post with those in need. Hoping they get help as soon as possible.
Thanks for the helpful post on Varicose veins. My mom-in-law suffers from painful varicose veins, I’ll show her this article. Good to know that the problem can be reduced with eating habits.
Yes, Aditi. A lot of ailments seem to be curable to an extent with proper eating habits. Do let us know if it has helped your MIL.
Very informative. I didn’t know about this. Glad to have a glimpse of knowledge about it. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Mehul.
Even I suffer from varicose veins and sometimes it gets extremely painful. I have started exercising and that helps. I will try to include more of vit K and vit C food as suggested in your article.
Oh, I hope it works well for you, Shail. Do let us know in a month or two how you feel.
That’s a very informative article. Everything is explained in such a simple style. Varicose veins is really a painful disease as I have seen in someone in my family. I’ll share this post with her so that she can be benefited from this article.
Oh, so share it, Shreemayee. Do let us know if it has helped them feel better.
Lovely informative post. I am not at all aware of this kind of pain. Thank you for the detail post.
I didn’t know much about this painful disease. Thanks for writing such detailed and informative post…it would help many.
You’re welcome, Smita. Do share it with those you think may need it.
A very informative post on varicose vein . Loosing weight , doing exercises and eating the right food is so necessary .
Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Ghazala!
I always thought Varicose veins were not treatable even with medication. But here, Swati suggests treatment with a diet. The description is so simple and can be understood by everyone.I am going to share this post with a friend who suffers from Varicose veins
That’s wonderful Harjeet. Happy to be of assistance to those who need it.
The article connecting varicose vein with common lifestyle related issues and how it can be handled in a better and effective way was explained very well and why not – the author Ms Swati Narshana is an expert with experience handling lifestyle related issues successfully. I have known her for a long time now and seen her work with her clients and I have personally asked for her advice and suggestions whenever in doubt because I truly believe that “health is in our hands even if our genes are not “ and she has always helped me out . She has beautifully explained all the aspects clearly and in a very simple layman language. Thanks for the article and the content Swati
My mother suffers from both varicose veins and swelling of feet. Got to tell her about this article. I didn’t know that severe cases require surgery.
I may have begun to develop it myself. It’s a wake-up call for me to be regular with exercise, eat a healthier diet, and sleep well.
True, Satabdi. A writer needs a lot of sitting, which could make us gain weight. Do take care of your health.
A very informative Post in detail on vearicose veins, the highlight is those simple tips which would be definitely helpful to many.
Thanks, Pooja.
I know Ms. Swati from last four years as a Highly result oriented diet expert. I had one of knowns with colitis and allopathy had almost surrendered, Swati took the patient as a challenge and in just 21 days strict diet monitoring, the patient was able to move on normal food. Now the said person is healthy and leading a normal and regular food habbits. Kudos Ms. Swati