Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Varicose Veins

What is DVT and Varicose Veins?
DVT is where blood clots form in the veins, and can cause severe discomfort and pain. This condition has been associated with deaths on long-haul flights where people can sit for long periods of time without moving, and thus preventing normal blood circulation.

Varicose veins are veins that have lost their cellular integrity, and the walls have been stretched or damaged due to the pooling of blood in one area.

How are these conditions caused?
Our blood circulates around our body, and gravity assists its flow down our legs to our feet. However, for the blood to move back up to our heart, our legs must be doing some kind of exercise to pump the blood upwards through our leg veins. The veins contain valves to prevent the blood falling back down again, and when these valves fail, either due to lack of exercise or constricting the veins (by sitting cross-legged for example), the blood pools in the veins. This causes them to stretch and show up as the characteristic raised greeny-blue knotty veins.

Thrombosis (blood clots) can occur, which can clog the vein, preventing blood to circulate through, and this can become dangerous. A number of factors are thought to be the causes of weak veins - a low intake of dietary fibre, constipation, pregnancy, obesity and smoking. Giving up smoking is the best way to begin improving vein health!

What can I do to prevent or repair weak veins?
Lose weight if you are overweight, eat a diet higher in dietary fibre to prevent constipation, and stop smoking. Include regular exercise into your lifestyle to keep blood circulating. On long flights, drink plenty of water and walk around frequently.

Horsechestnut is excellent to strengthen and tone the veins from within, and reduces swelling, tension, pain and aching associated with varicose veins. This is available as a herbal tablet, herbal liquid extract and in an external gel.

Vitamin C aids circulation by reducing blood clotting tendencies. Taking Vitamin C in the weeks before a long flight could prevent the risks of DVT. Take at least 2,000mg daily.

Vitamin E improves circulation, particularly in the legs, and aids with the heavy feeling in the legs. Take 300-600IU's daily. Try Good Health E-400iu

Ginkgo aids with peripheral circulation - ie to the hands, feet and brain. It also has a positive effect on the vascular system (the body's network of blood vessels that delivers blood and oxygen to to the organs). It also helps prevent blood clots, so taking ginkgo in the weeks prior to flying may also be beneficial. Try Good Health Ginkgo-Max.

Ginger is also useful to keep the blood thin and prevents blood clotting. It also protects against stomach ulcers, particularly if you are taking Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories, such as aspirin.