Phlebitis means inflammation of the vein. This
problem normally occurs in the extremities and very often the legs. If the inflammation is related to the formation of a "thrombus"
blood clot then it is called thrombophlebitis. It maybe either superficial or deep. A
superficial clot may happen due to trauma, infection, standing for long periods of time, and lack of exercise.
Deep Thrombophlebitis which is also known as Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) affects the intermuscular veins
further beneath the skins surface. DVT is a more serious condition because the veins affected
are larger and located deeper within the leg. Symptoms of DVT are: bluish discoloration of the skin,
pain, warmth, soreness, and swelling. The pain is normally worse when standing or walking and gets
better with rest especially with the leg elevated. Deep Thrombophlebitis can be life threatening if a
blood clot breaks off and gets into the heart, lungs, or brain where it could cut off circulation.
Thrombophlebitis occurs more often in women then men and increases in those over 40 years old.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Flax
Seed
oil |
10 |
helps minimize blood clot formation
as well as keeping both the veins and arteries soft and pliable. Essential fatty acids are found
in omega fatty acids from
fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin E , vitamin C, magnesium,
calcium, and zinc which all are helpful in
both the treatment and prevention of thrombophlebitis. The
nutrients found in a daily supplement are needed by the body
for general good health and well being. |
| Garlic |
9 |
garlic helps to improve circulation
and thin the blood. It has been
shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals
which may be a factor with people suffering from thrombophlebitis . Garlic also helps boost the
body's immune system to keep
healthy. |
| Bioflavonoids |
7 |
bioflavonoids reduce clotting tendencies and aid in
circulation, they are also powerful anti-viral agents that aid
in increasing energy levels. Found in fruit and vegetable
based supplements. Many people today do not eat enough good
quality fruits and vegetables and thus are deficient in both bioflavonoids and carotenoids. |
| Grape Seed extract |
7 |
powerful anti-oxidant helps to restore flexibility to arterial
walls. It also reduces the risk of both blood vessel disease,
cardiovascular problems,
heart disease, and
thrombophlebitis. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
