Healthcare, Health Insurance, Vitamins, Nutrition

March 27, 2010

Tricks And Tips About How To Reduce Bruising

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 12:54 am
by Jan Doan

Have you ever noticed some people just bruise easily? Maybe it’s you, or your spouse. Bruises can be unsightly and even prevent you from doing what you really want to do sometimes, out of embarrassment. It’s a real problem for some people. Read on for some tips on ways to reduce bruising and even prevent it from happening.

Looking Online you’ll find lots of places with information about treating bruises. But what about some ways to prevent them from happening in the first place, or at least help in reducing their frequency and severity? What can be done to proactively stop the problem rather than treating just the symptoms?

The term, “Limeys, ” given to British sailors was as a result of their use of lime juice in beer and ale in the days of the sailing ships. They did this to help prevent scurvy, which is a disease of the Vitamin C deficient. Those limes had plenty of Vitamin C, and the Limeys knew it. Any citrus fruit will do, really, to help stave off scurvy, and bruising too. Excessive bruising is one of the main symptoms of scurvy.

Citrus bioflavonoids, which are obtained from a plant source, are believed to help reduce bruises. This was confirmed in laboratory testing in a double-blind study with a placebo. It visibly helped patients with fragile capillaries. A substance called bromelain contains an enzyme that is able to digest the proteins in the blood that allow bruises to form. Also, the bilberry plant has been shown to be an effective supplement to help in this area of easy bruising.

Vitamin K is also a major piece in the puzzle. It is known to be an essential element in blood clotting efficiency, and it strengthens blood vessel walls. This helps deter bruising. Taking vitamin supplements is a good way to make sure you’re getting the right amount of the most important nutrients to deal with your bruising problem.

Certain medications such as antidepressants and anticoagulants can foster chronic bruising. Even aspirin and ibuprofen can cause problems here. If you’re taking any of these things regularly and suffer from frequent bruising you should consult your doctor and get his advice. Don’t stop taking your medications please… Only the doctor can tell you to do that.

Antioxidants such as pycnogenol and grape seed extract are believed to be effective in reducing the incidence and the severity of bruising. If you’ve already gotten a bruise you can do this. Rub some arnica cream or gel on the affected area as soon as possible. It’s known to speed up healing and lessen the amount of discoloration.

There’s something on the market that’s succeeded in combining most of the ingredients mentioned above, known to help this problem directly, and put them in capsules named Bruises Be Banned. By taking the capsules three times a day, you know you’re getting the proper amounts of Vitamin C and K, as well as bromelain, bilberry and bioflavonoids. This is becoming a very popular option folks are choosing to help reduce bruising. Have a look. There’s real help that you can get for this condition.

About the Author:
Jan Doan is recognized as the only writer to have authored a complete reference book on bruising which gives anyone a convenient way to learn how and why they bruise, and how they can learn to avoid the embarrassment of frequent bruising. You can get Section I of the new Definitive Desktop Reference Book on Bruising free bruising causes and learn how to get past the heartaches of easy bruising and how to prevent bruising

February 21, 2010

How Are Bruises Really Created?

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:53 am
by Jan Doan

Jane, a fifty year old woman, often wonders how she keeps getting bruises. She does not recall ever bumping into anything, nor does she remember any pain. But, as she touches her arms she notices a bruise. Jane thinks to herself “Since I’ve gotten older why do I bruise easily?” She couldn’t ever remember bruising that much when she was a younger woman. It seems as though the older she gets, the more effortless a bruise forms. What could be the cause of her easy bruising?

Sara isn’t the only person who has noticed a connection between her age and her bruises. The answer is simple, people bruise easier as they get older. A bruise forms when a capillary breaks due to small or large impact. The older a person gets, the less impact is required for a bruise.

The older a person gets, the less impact is required. After the capillary is damaged, small blood vessels release blood and reddish-brown marks appear on the surface of their skin. This reddish-brown mark is called a bruise. A bruise can happen to anyone, and eventually it will diminish naturally.

As age increases, a person’s capillaries become more fragile and their body tissues become weaker. Everyone is born with a thick, protective layer on their skin. But, as age increases, the fatty, protective layer on a person’s skin also becomes thinner. Without this thick layer, the body is more prone to damage and injuries. Hence, the body is more prone to bruises.

Bruises are not usually a serious issue and they typically don’t last very long. However, there are certain medications that may thin your blood or increase bruising. Those medications are: Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin and Corticosteroids. Although it is not recommended that any individual stop taking these medications without a doctor’s consent, these medications have been proven to increase bruising.

Medications aren’t the only thing connected to bruising. Some supplements such as; Fish Oil and Ginger also increase bruising. Although these supplements are generally good for one’s body, they also have a thinning effect on the blood stream. So, even these types of supplements shouldn’t be take in large doses.

In addition to age, sunlight is a major factor for bruising. People who have spent much time outside or in a tanning salon should be aware of the damage that can be caused by too much sun. Not only does a surfeit of sun cause winkles, but it causes an increasing in bruising also. The biggest secret to reduce bruising would be to reduce the hours spent in sun light.

It seems like bruises are much too easy to acquire. Many people wonder how they can stop bruising as they age. The truth is, there isn’t any real cure for a bruise. There are ways to treat bruises that will eliminate the appearance of a bruise, but most bruises go away naturally. Although bruises occur in both genders, bruises are more common in women than in men. So, the next time you look down and spot a bruise, don’t panic! As people get older, they bruise easier. This is a natural part of life!

About the Author:
Old age can lead to easy bruising in some people. Discover the things that can help you prevent bruising. Go online and learn all you need to know now.

July 29, 2009

How toxic are skin care products?

Filed under: Blog,Healthcare — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 10:51 pm

Did you know that there are approximately six pounds of skin on your body which provides a porous membrane into your system? Dirt, dust, pollutants, and other environmental pollutants enter the body through the skin, making it an even more significant gateway to your system than food. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics are known to be toxic. And a recent Canadian study of pediatric drugs found cosmetic and personal care products as the most common cause of unintentional poisonings of kids under six.

The chemicals and toxins found in most commercial skin care products also have a detrimental effect on the environment, although their effect is just beginning to be understood. A team of US Geological Survey scientists showed that a variety of chemicals from personal care products were among 95 wastewater contaminants found in US waterways.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cosmetics into 13 categories, but it does not regulate them. Seven toxins are banned, but many more known toxins and carcinogens are allowed in cosmetic formulations. Less than 1% of the FDA’s budget is allocated for the evaluation of skin care products. And because the FDA does not regulate skin care manufacturers, questionable ingredients often make their way into their formulas. These ingredients may seem harmless in the short-term, but their chemical components are stored in the fatty tissues of the body where they accumulate and magnify over time.

What should a layman do in these circumstances? If a skin care product contains an ingredient that you are unsure about, write down its name and do a little research. A quick online search should reveal its true nature. As a consumer, you need to be on the look out for chemicals and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and your body. You would never think about eating a food that contained chemicals or cancer causing agents. Don’t let these toxins enter your system through your beauty products either!

June 4, 2009

Is There a Link Between Junk Food and Easy Bruising?

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — @ 1:36 am
by Carolyn Cooper

If you’re dealing with bruising easily, to the extent where you don’t even remember how you got the bruise at all, or when you slightly bump into a cabinet door or countertop can make you bruise outrageously, you are probably wondering what it all means. One of the conditions that may be plaguing you could be a vitamin deficiency, and one of the causes for that might well be because of your consumption of junk food. Junk food is quite appropriately named, and when you consider the empty calories that you are pumping into your body, especially without the beneficial quality of added vitamins, it shows you an easy reckoning about why your bruises seem to be getting much more severe than they were in the recent past.

In the first place, you should consider what actually causes bruises to occur. As we age, our skin starts to get thinner and more fragile, and a number of separate situations can then lead to our capillaries becoming much thinner and frail. Because of this thinning of skin and capillary walls, even a light brush against something can cause our capillaries to break when they otherwise shouldnt, and that can be the cause of some fairly significant bruising. The answer to overcoming easy bruising starts with giving our body the resources it needs to strengthen the capillary walls when they break, and to make them less apt to break in to begin with.

The situation that occurs when you eat too much junk food traces from the fact you are getting very few of the nutritional resources that your body requires to shore up its defenses. Do you know of any junk food products that you can name that will provide you with a good dose of iron, or vitamins C or A? When you consume junk food, you are really just loading up on complex sugars. Complex sugars result in an immediate jolt of energy into your system, which can help you weather a rough spot, but you will face a drop (or crash) very shortly thereafter. After the crash, you are probably going to be irritable, and the urge will then become to seek another high. On the other hand, simple, or non-complex, sugars will give you a more gradual release of energy, which will give you a much easier time making your temporary burst of energy more tolerable.

If you are eating junk food on a regular basis, you are likely distracted from eating the foods that are right for you’re trying to aid your body’s ability to heal itself, and depending on your family’s medical history, junk food could also be a contributing reason for your contracting diabetes. Easy bruising is one of the warning signs and symptoms of diabetes, so that is just another reason for you to be more careful about the kinds of food that you eat. Spend one day and commit everything that you eat to writing. From your list question yourself, Am I getting the required dosages of the vitamins and nutrients that I should have? Does your list seem to scream out the likelihood that you have any deficiencies?

You should take some time and really give thought to your diet. If you ever want to rid yourself of the tendency to bruise easily, you need to concentrate on having a good diet.

About the Author:
Carolyn Cooper is known as a well known expert on bruising causes through a collaboration of her educational experience in nutrition and her real world expertise with nutritional supplements for athletes, ranging from kids to the professional ranks. Get a free Special Report on bruising causes and see what she’s done to get past the nightmares of easy bruising and prevent bruising.

May 25, 2009

Vegetarianism and Bruising, Tell Me What I Need to Know?

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — @ 2:25 am
by Carolyn Cooper

Whether you are already a vegetarian or you are thinking about becoming one, you may be a little concerned about the effect that vegetarianism can have on your body, with some special attention on easy bruising. The truth of the matter is that while there is an urban legend that says that people who are vegetarians are prone to bruising, there is no reason that a little careful attention to your diet can eliminate it.

Right off the bat, we need to determine why the theory of vegetarians having a tendency for bruising exists to begin with. Normally, if a vegetarian, especially a younger one, is afflicted with bruising, this is seen as as indication of a deficiency for some vitamin. This can, and in some situations does, happen, but if you exercise strict attention to your diet and be certain that you are obtaining all of the foods and nutrients that your body requires, you shouldn’t have a problem. There are a wide variety of problems that can take place if you are not getting the vitamins and minerals that you need, but there is no more likelihood that a vegetarian diet will promote bruising any more than any other diet.

If you are eating as a vegetarian and have noticed that you are prone to increased bruising, you’ll find that one thing that you might need to look at is the amount of iron in your diet. Iron is an important mineral when you are looking at supplementing your immune system and encouraging better circulatory health. Iron is found much more abundantly in animal products than it is in vegetables, though it is certainly there, just in smaller quantities.

If you are following a vegan diet, are you aware of the best ways to increase iron in your diet? Start off by looking for dark green vegetables that are available at a local produce stand or farmers’ market. Vegetables that include spinach and broccoli are going to be heavy in iron, as will soy products, molasses, prunes and any cereals and breads that have been fortified with iron. Another clever way to be assured that you are going to increase iron in your diet is to start cooking with cast iron pots and pans.

Another important way to increase the rate of iron absorption into your body is through increasing your intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C is quite important in a number of different respects, so there are plenty of reasons to get a lot of it. Fruits are a great source of vitamin C, of course, but so are more dinner and meal oriented vegetables, like sweet potatoes.

If you are a practicing vegan, it is essential that you make certain that you will be able to maintain a balanced diet, and your easy bruising can be an indication that you need to pay more attention to your diet. Keep in mind what your body is trying to show you, and make sure that you are eating properly so that you will stay healthy.

About the Author:
Carolyn Cooper is knownd as a renowned expert on bruising causes through a combination of her educational experience in nutrition and her real world experience with natural supplements for athletes ranging from kids to the professional ranks. Get a free Special Report on bruising causes and see what she’s done to get beyond the nightmares of easy bruising and prevent bruising.

May 22, 2009

What’s the Reason We Shouldn’t Ignore Bruises?

Filed under: Nutrition — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:29 am
by Carolyn Cooper

We talk a great deal about bruises that appear for no apparent reason, and for almost all of us, finding a cure for this situation is simply a case of enhancing our circulatory system’s well being and being a little more cautious. However, it is still necessary to keep in mind that whether they are painful or not, or whether they are big or not, bruises are still an indicator of a form of damage that our body has suffered. Even more than just the the knowledge that blood vessels are broken; however, it is essential that we remember that bruises may be pointing to something else that has gone wrong in our body.

By way of an example, easy bruising is one thing that can signify the possibility of a vascular problem, or it may also be indicative of diabetes. Diabetes causes sugar to be leeched from the blood stream which in turn causes the blood to become thicker. This thicker blood then causes the white blood cells to have a more difficult time to get to an infection in order to stop it, which can then cause a number of other complications. For this reason, if there is a history of diabetes that runs in your family, you should always be diligent in monitoring your bruises.

Easy bruising could also be pointing toward a depressed immune system. If we have an immune system that has been compromised, we’ll learn that this can presage a variety of bacterial attacks, opportunistic infections, or viral issues. You may also determine that you could be dealing with easy bruising because your immune system is over responding to outside stimulus. As an example, allergies will fit this classification, as well as asthma and certain autoimmune afflictions.

Liver disease, lymphomas and blood related diseases like leukemia can all be signified by easy bruising. It can also be a sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, some nutritional deficiencies, or an infection of the bloodstream. Also be aware that you need to consider the possibility of aplastic anemia, which is a blood disorder where the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells.

This has been a lengthy list of ailments, and it is generally more likely that you are dealing with a situation that can be cured with some specific supplements or an excellent bruise treatment. However, the truth of the matter is that we can’t stay away from the fact that a bruise is an indication that something has been damaged in our bodys systems. We should welcome the fact that we’re given advanced warnings like this so that we can treat them better, and the more education that we can have about what we might be experiencing, the better off we will be.

If you notice that you are bruising more easily, it can be essential that you take your concerns to a doctor; specifically you have a history of family problems. This is something that can help you get the help or treatment that might prove vital later on.

About the Author:
Carolyn Cooper is known as a renowned expert on bruising causes through a combination of her educational experience in nutrition and her real world experience with natural supplements for athletes ranging from kids to the professional ranks. Get a free Special Report on bruising causes and see what she’s done to get beyond the heartaches of easy bruising and prevent bruising.
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