11h. CV Health - Varicose Veins & Haemorrhoids

Question 1

What are varicose veins?

Answer 1

Dilated superficial veins in the lower limbs where the pressure is higher due to gravity

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of VV?

Answer 2

Visible vein dilation
Aching
Throbbing
Worse from prolonged standing

Question 3

Complications of VV

Answer 3

Increased venous pressure = fluid leakage into surrounding tissues
Slow healing varicose ulcers

Question 4

What are haemorrhoids?

Answer 4

Dilated veins in the anal canal
Can be internal or external

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of haemorrhoids

Answer 5

Bright red blood with bowels movements
Protruding haemorrhoids
Anal itching

Question 6

Causes and risk factors for VV/haemorrhoids

Answer 6

Increased abdominal pressure
Inherited valve defects
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of dietary connective tissue support
Portal hypertension
Increased blood viscosity/stagnation
Abdominal bloating
Structural

Question 7

How can abdominal pressure be created?

Answer 7

Constipation
Obesity
Pregnancy
Childbirth
Ascites

Question 8

Why is smoking a risk factor for VV/H?

Answer 8

Hypoxia
Endothelial damage
Vessel wall inflammation

Question 9

A lack of which nutrients can impact connective tissue?

Answer 9

C - collagen synthesis
Bioflavonoids - support connective tissue integrity

Question 10

How can increased blood viscosity and stagnation be created?

Answer 10

Dehydration
Liver congestion
Sedentary lifestyle

Question 11

Signs/symptoms of increased blood viscosity/stagnation

Answer 11

Haemorrhoids
Post food fatigue
Purple tongue
Think white/yellow tongue coating

Question 12

What structural effects can be a risk factor for VV/H?

Answer 12

Poor diaphragm motion
Weak pelvic floor

Question 13

Natural approach to supporting VV/H

Answer 13

Naturopathic Diet
Reduce inflammation
Increase blood flow
Speed up repair of damaged veins
Vit C rich foods - for collagen repair
Bioflavonoids (proanthocyanidins/anthocyanins) - improve vascular integrity
Enhance fibrinolytic activity
Optimise liver function
Lymphatic drainage/massage
Raise feet above heart - 20 mins/day
Reduce weight
Regular exercise - walking, jogging, rotate ankles
Support stockings

Question 14

Food sources of bioflavonoids

Answer 14

Buckwheat
Grapes
Apples
Cranberry
Blueberry
Blackcurrants
Green tea

Question 15

Foods to enhance fibrinolytic activity

Answer 15

Garlic
Onions
Ginger
Cayenne

Question 16

Herbs to support VV/H

Answer 16

Horse chestnut
Gotu kola
Butcher’s broom
Pycogenol

Question 17

Why is horse chestnut good for VV/H?

Answer 17

Astringent
Increases venous tone by increasing prostaglandins
Inhibits enzymes that destroy venous structures

Question 18

Dosage of horse chestnut in supporting VV/H

Answer 18

400mg/day
15 drops of tincture 3/day

Question 19

Why is gotu kola good for VV/H?

Answer 19

Stimulates glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis
Supports vein structure and improves blood flow

Question 20

Dosage of gotu kola in supporting VV/H

Answer 20

500mg 2/day

Question 21

Why is Butcher’s broom good for VV/H?

Answer 21

Vasoconstrictive - narrows diameter of veins
Astringent

Question 22

Dosage of Butcher’s broom in supporting VV/H

Answer 22

300-500mg/day

Question 23

Why is pycogenol good for VV/H?

Answer 23

Collagen stabilising properties
Decreases passive dilation and stretching

Question 24

Dosage of pycogenol in supporting VV/H

Answer 24

150-300mg/day

Question 25

How to support blood stagnation (TCM)

Answer 25

Reduce stress
Exercise frequently
Chives/leeks - to disperse stagnant blood
Dark leafys/beetroot - blood nourishing