Quote:
Originally Posted by thegrrrl
Has anyone noticed odd bruising? I seem to be covered in weird little bruises, or in some case, bigger bruises and I have no idea of where I got them. My friend is on IP and she too was asking me the same thing. Anyone else experience this?
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This is common. It has many possible causes. In part, how long you have been on the diet is a factor as is how much weight you have lost. If you have lost a large amount of weight, this skin and vascular structure are still adapting and shrinking. The fat we lost had a vascular support structure that is more exposed now and more fragile so, if it takes any little trauma we bruise.
Additional possibilities are:
- if you don't eat enough of the "greens" and lettuce vitamin K might be reduced for a rare group of people.
-it could indicate your body is not creating enough collagen. that might be corrected by incorporating the jello and blueberry pom drink into your week more often or by adding a quality collagen supplement (Neocell hydrolyzed collagen 1 and 3 plus C is good).
-deficiencies in vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin E, and zinc can lead to bruising more easily.
A vitamin C deficiency may be caused by several factors:
• eating too few fruits and vegetables (remember the problem sailors used to have centuries ago with scurvy outbreaks on long voyages? It was caused by a lack of vitamin C)
• taking drugs which destroys this vitamin
• long-time stress from illness, frustration or depression OR THIS DIET
• smoking (one cigarette can deplete the body of 25 mg of vitamin C)
• frequent emotional outbursts such as anger
• exposure to pollutants, allergens or heavy metals
A
deficiency in hesperidin, one of the bioflavonoids (sometimes called vitamin P), naturally occurring nutrients
usually found in association with vitamin C, has been linked with abnormal capillary weakness. These bioflavonoids, including hesperidin, Citrin, Rutin, Flavones, Flavonals, Calechin and Quercetin, were found to be essential in correcting the tendency toward bruising. Bioflavonoids, such as rutin and hesperidin, facilitate the functions of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps protect against bruising by strengthening capillary walls.
In general this diet is limited in vitamin C so, I would start there. Add in a quality vitamin C with BIOFLAVANOIDS ( I like to use on formulated with ester C as it typically has a somewhat better potency.)
Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C to repair tissues. Uniquely, too OR too much vitamin E can create bruising. Bruising from excess vitamin E occurs because this vitamin works to thin platelets.
Vitamin K is made in the intestines, but can be depleted by antibiotics, which kill the friendly bacteria that synthesize it. Supplementing your diet with leafy, green vegetables is a good way to add this vitamin to your system. You can also use vitamin K cream which will help fade and clear bruises and can help decrease post- surgical bruising when used approximately two weeks prior to surgery and after surgery. It helps the capillaries heal themselves by sealing the blood leakage. Vitamin K also supports the body's ability to reabsorb the blood in surrounding tissues, thereby helping fade the bruise and restoring the skin to normal color.
Taking probiotics helps the body with some of its natural production of vitamin K and supports the friendly bacteria in our digestive system
Zinc is helpful in maintaining healthy connective tissue, and a deficiency can lead to bruising. it can be boosted by taking 50-100 mg per day. Keep in mind zinc has its own positive and negatives. You won't want to take a dose of that level for more than a week or 10 days without medical supervision, as it may interfere with absorption of other important nutrients.
Lack of iron is also a possibility especially if you have a history of low iron. NONE of our supplements are iron enriched. I learned that is done because of some balancing chemistry of the diet. You can supplement it if you need to just remember to not take your iron when you take any supplements with calcium.
Excessive use of garlic, fish oil, aspirin or, ibuprofen will often lead to more thinned blood and easier bruising.
Having low B vitamins or folic acid can also contribute. This is not the most common reason on this diet as we do supplement and if you are getting plenty of greens/romaine it comes naturally. If you are prone to low B vitamin in your body, you might consider it.
To some extent not being well enough hydrated contributes to a lowered resistance to bruising.
There are other health matters that contribute too. For instance, people with thyroid issues may be more prone to bruising as will someone who has a lower platelet count from other related health issues.
As you can see there are many reasons we could bruise on this diet. They are all unique to you. You can try to look at your personal history, diet, and what other things you include in your lifestyle (medications, smoking, etc) to find your particular answer.
As a means to heal bruising, you could try a homeopathic remedy called arnica montana. Arnica can be used in gel form applied directly to the injured area before bruising or to the bruise. In both cases it helps heal so the bruising improves quickly. Arnica can also be taken orally. A small group of people find arnica gel can be a bit irritating to the skin so use a little to start and see your response.
I know that doesn't give you a solid answer but it might give you somethings to consider or explore.