Varicose veins are a common problem in the U.S. population – so does nitric oxide help varicose veins? Can it prevent them?
There are many factors that lead to the formation of varicose veins such as age, genetics, obesity, and medical conditions. While some risk factors are in our control like diet, others like genetics are not so easy to avoid.
When it comes to treating varicose veins, there are many medical options as well as some at-home treatments that may help bring relief. One of these treatments relies on adding nitric oxide supplements to your daily routine.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that the body naturally produces to help with blood vessel health. Furthermore, it helps blood vessels relax and widen, resulting in an increase of blood flow and a decrease in blood pressure.
Can nitric oxide supplements help prevent varicose veins? The short answer is no. However, nitric oxide (along with other at-home treatments) may help prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
In addition to helping with the treatment of existing varicose veins, nitric oxide may help keep your veins healthier a while longer.
Nitric Oxide and Healthy Veins
While varicose veins may not be preventable, you may be able to delay their onset by maintaining a healthy circulatory system. One of the risk factors in varicose vein development is high blood pressure.
The best way to combat and prevent high blood pressure is by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and preventing obesity. Moreover, nitric oxide supplements may help lower blood pressure levels.
Nitrate is a precursor to nitric oxide and is found in healthy foods like beets, spinach, arugula, and other dark leafy greens. Various studies focus on the effect of these nitrates in lowering blood pressure levels.
According to a review of 43 studies, patients saw their systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings decrease after taking nitrate supplements. Since nitrate converts into nitric oxide once inside the body, these supplements help increase nitric oxide production and improve circulation.
Varicose Vein Pain
Spotting varicose veins is easy: they have a blue/purple hue, are enlarged, and can bulge out. However, there may be some damaged veins hidden inside the legs that can cause pain, discomfort, and clotting.
While preventing varicose veins may not be possible, you can help minimize the symptoms and further damage your veins. For example, you can wear compression stockings or socks that may prevent swelling and heaviness in the legs.
Varicose veins form when there is a damaged vein that doesn’t circulate blood properly and lets it pool around the affected area. If you use compression stockings in the morning and throughout the day, you may help prevent blood from pooling around your ankles.
In addition to wearing compression stockings, you should avoid wearing clothing that constricts blood flow. Moreover, you can add nitric oxide supplements to your routine to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Most of these supplements don’t contain nitric oxide on their own but instead have ingredients that increase nitric oxide production. For example, L-arginine Plus contains l-arginine, l-citrulline, and other key vitamins known to increase nitric oxide in the body.
When taking these supplements, it’s important to follow the recommended dose and consult a physician if you’re taking any medications. While they are generally safe to take, you may experience some nitric oxide side effects if you take too much or it interacts with your medication.
The Outlook
As much as we would like to prevent varicose veins altogether, there are certain factors that are beyond our reach. While we can’t control our age or genetics, we can live a healthy lifestyle that promotes positive vein health.
Moreover, adding nitric oxide supplements like L-arginine Plus to your routine can enhance your circulatory health and help maintain strong veins.