Vascular health and dietary impacts on varicose veins

Vascular specialist Herik Oliveira has identified specific dietary habits that can exacerbate varicose veins and impact venous health. According to data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, approximately 38% to 40% of the adult population in Brazil—exceeding 60 million people—suffers from some form of venous disease.

Oliveira notes that diet influences blood viscosity, inflammation levels, and the contraction and relaxation mechanisms of blood vessels. He advises avoiding processed meats, canned goods, industrialized products, and fast foods due to high sodium content, which promotes fluid retention, swelling, and increased pressure on the veins. Additionally, alcohol consumption is highlighted as a risk factor because it causes vasodilation and dehydration, often leading to a sensation of heaviness and fatigue in the legs.

In a related discussion regarding visible veins, vascular surgeon Janduy Gil de Sousa explains that prominent veins, such as those seen in highly muscular individuals with low body fat, are not necessarily indicative of disease. Factors such as genetics, skin thickness, and increased blood flow during physical activity can make superficial vessels more evident.