How Sugar Can Affect Your Varicose And Spider Veins
If you have a sweet tooth - you are not alone! Sugar, while satisfying to the taste buds, is not the best for you to consume. If you suffer from varicose or spider veins, keep in mind that it may be a good idea to limit your sugar intake.
If you’re wondering how sugar affects your vein health this blog is for you. Here’s what you should know about sugar and varicose veins as well as sugar and spider veins.
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Is Sugar Bad for Your Veins?
Although sugar is enjoyable to consume, eating too much of it is unhealthy for your veins and overall health. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to the development of vein disease. Vein disease is the underlying cause of varicose and spider veins.
When veins are placed under ongoing strain, tiny one-way vein valves can begin to malfunction. When this occurs, veins are unable to efficiently send blood back to your heart. This can lead to blood pooling in the legs, ankles, and feet which can result in varicose veins or even venous ulcers.
Sugar leads to vein disease by contributing to a range of risk factors. Too much sugar can:
Impact blood pressure: Sugar has been linked to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This serious health condition can impact your cardiovascular health, weaken your veins, and lead to venous insufficiency.
Lead to diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause diabetes, a leading risk factor for vein disease. Over time, high blood sugar and varicose veins can result in painful symptoms like leg swelling and cramping.
Contribute to obesity: Foods high in sugar tend to be high in calories. Consuming too many calories leads to weight gain; the more weight you carry, the greater amount of blood needs to circulate through the body. This condition can place strain on your circulatory system.
Cause inflammation: When veins are impacted by too much sugar, they become inflamed and begin to malfunction. Additionally, the presence of sugar in veins leads to water retention, which can cause veins to further dilate.
Venous insufficiency can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms, which may worsen when too much sugar is consumed. Common symptoms include:
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Tired, aching legs
Burning in the calf or thigh
Leg pain that feels better when you walk or raise your legs
Itchy, dry skin
Numbness or tingling sensation
Difficulty standing for long periods
Vein disease can also place you at risk for dangerous blood clots and venous ulcers which are open, non-healing wounds.
The good news is that avoiding sugar and eating a healthy, well-rounded diet may improve varicose vein symptoms, help prevent their formation, and reduce your risks of developing serious venous complications.
How your diet can impact your vein health
Does Sugar Make Your Veins Pop Out?
As discussed above, eating excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to several risk factors for vein disease, including:
Obesity
Diabetes
High blood pressure
In turn, vein disease can lead to the development of varicose veins and other types of visible veins, along with worsened leg symptoms.
Although web-patterned spider veins show up beneath the surface of the skin, varicose veins can appear to pop out above the surface of your skin. Not only are these veins unsightly, but they can also cause significant pain and discomfort. Avoiding or eliminating excess amounts of sugar in your diet may help reduce the appearance of visible veins, but only treatment can help alleviate your symptoms.
What Else Should I Know About Sugar and Varicose Veins?
Reducing your sugar intake can benefit your veins and overall health. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following limits on sugar consumption:
For women, no more than 100 calories per day, or about six teaspoons
For men, no more than 150 calories per day, or about nine teaspoons
We suggest working with your doctor to manage underlying health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
It may also be helpful to be aware of additional risk factors for vein disease, including:
Genetics: If you have a family history of vein disease, you may be more likely to develop them. If both parents have varicose veins, your risk further increases.
Age: Varicose veins are more likely to occur in individuals over age 50, however, they can develop at any age.
Sex: Women are four times more likely to develop varicose veins. Pregnancy is a related risk factor.
Pregnancy: Although pregnant women are considered at increased risk for varicose veins, the good news is that painful symptoms may resolve on their own after childbirth.
Smoking: This unhealthy habit can damage your veins, affect your heart and lungs, and negatively impact your overall health.
Prolonged standing or sitting: Individuals who spend a lot of time sitting or standing are at risk for varicose veins. We recommend moving around as frequently as possible, along with stretching and massaging your legs when stuck in one place to avoid problems.
If you are concerned about your vein health, consult a vein specialist for personalized recommendations.
Schedule a Consultation With Us
If you suffer from varicose and spider veins, we recommend consulting with one of our vein specialists to receive the treatment you need.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.