Are you one of the 40 percent of women who have problematic varicose veins? Dr. Northrup just learned that one of the latest treatments is Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), and typically the entire process takes less than 90 minutes!

“This procedure is not for the small nidgy ones, but the large wormy-looking varicose veins that ache, are disfiguring, and really cause people a lot of trouble,” she explains. “Best of all is the success rate—approximately 98 percent of procedures are successful, with symptoms completely alleviated by one treatment.”

One the major benefits of EVLT, Dr. Northrup adds, is that you can resume your normal activities right away.

Dr. Northrup explains that varicose veins are caused by poor circulation. The veins in your legs and throughout the body contain valves. As blood is pumped through your body, the valves open and close, helping the blood to circulate through the system. If the valves stop working properly, blood can pool in the veins and even reverse directions (venous reflux). Over time, the veins become swollen and bulbous, often taking on the appearance of blue worms.

Although these damaged valves can’t be repaired, you can shrink or seal the veins. This diverts the blood to veins that aren’t diseased so that it can be transported properly.

For a holistic and healthy approach to preventing and treating varicose veins, Dr. Northrup offers the following five tips:

 

1. Eat a diet of whole foods that’s high in fiber, low in sugar, and rich in nutrients.
   This helps decrease pressure on the abdomen (which can also be caused by constipation), and in turn keeps you from adding too much pressure on the veins in your legs.
   
   
2. Exercise and keep active in order to assist your circulation.
   
   
3. Protect your veins with plenty of antioxidants in the form of foods or supplements.
   The herb bilberry is a potent compound shown to prevent and treat varicose veins. Blueberries and currants are also very rich in the kind of antioxidants that keep the blood vessels healthy. Getting 100–400 IU of Vitamin E can also be helpful.
   
   
4. Support your legs with compression stockings if you have a history of varicose veins or are on your feet for long periods of time.
   “When I was doing surgery and obstetrics, I wore these every time I was on call and on my feet for hours. It made a big difference in how I felt at the end of a shift. Varicose veins run in my family but no one has ever needed treatment for them", explains Dr. Northrup. Likewise, avoid wearing clothing that constricts your blood flow.
   
   
5. If you’re on hormone replacement therapy, make sure it’s the lowest amount needed to resolve your symptoms.
   Estrogen has been known to aggravate varicose veins.