Tendency to bruise, nutritional solutions?

[rbibbs]

I'm reposting this from the open forum, hoping there's a nutrition regimen that could moderate the genetic tendency to bruise readily.

Aaron in Holland asks:

When ever i spar in training (grappling or striking) I get bruised VERY easely. I’m always black and Blue all over the place.

The thing is, thats it heals very slowly. Which makes me even more injury prone in the next traning sessions. I went to a Docter and a Pyshical therapist. None of them could realy answer my question how i could prevent it and how i can make it heal faster.

Does anybody have an idea?

Thank,
Aaron

[Connie Brown]

I have heard of the antioxidant supplement, pycnogenol, for blood vessels. Especially valuable when paired with fish oil. The fish oil de-clumps the blood and the pycnogenol strengthens blood vessels

From http://www.pycnogenol.com/html/index.html

Pycnogenol® boosts the immune system and it strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries. It supports a better circulation by preventing stress-induced constriction of arteries and blood clotting. Additionally the extract contains substances, which act against cramps.

just an idea, no experience myself. I take pycnogenol but don't have bruises ever.

[Vbrown]

Think about giving Vit. C a try. It's been helpful with some of the people I work with. We've started with 500mg extra per day (in 2 doses) and giving it a week to 10 days before increasing the dose. If at 2-3 grams per day (in 2 doses) doesn't help, look at other nutritional imbalances.

Or, if there is a good L.Ac. in the area, go talk with them. I have to get hit pretty hard to bruise anymore as a result of my treatments/investigations.

Vince

[bob_stra]

NOTHING HERE CONSTITUTES MEDICAL ADVICE. God knows what I understand abt herbs and nutrition could fill half a thimble. GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. I'M MEARLY MENTIONING SOME INTERESTING READING - ACT AS YOU SEE FIT.

I don't know why you are bruising so easily. Being the worry wart that I am, I always look for the worst case scenario first. Have you seen your MD?

Having said that. I'm reading some books that might be of interest. "Herbal Remedies - harmful and beneficial effects" by Talalaj & Czechowicz list several herbs that have coagulant properties. I'll mention the ones listed as "No adverse effect recorded". (As you might know, several herbs are lethally toxic) Bear in mind this book was published in 1989, so may be out of date. Check for more update info.

For example. the tannins in the leaves of Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) have been used to combat diarrhea and internal hemorrhage.

Similarly the rutin found in Buckwheat has been used to address capillary fragility. Ditto Shepherd's Purse and Stinging nettle.

Anyhow, that's just FYI - I merely read copied them from the book. Consult a herbalist / naturopath for doses and preparations if this kind of thing interests you.

[aaronk]

Think about giving Vit. C a try. It's been helpful with some of the people I work with. We've started with 500mg extra per day (in 2 doses) and giving it a week to 10 days before increasing the dose. If at 2-3 grams per day (in 2 doses) doesn't help, look at other nutritional imbalances.

Or, if there is a good L.Ac. in the area, go talk with them. I have to get hit pretty hard to bruise anymore as a result of my treatments/investigations.

Vince

I will give vit.C a try.

What does L.Ac. mean?

Thx,
Aaron

[Brett Jacques]

Aaronk,

Your doctor wasn't concerned you might have a mild case of an inherited bleeding disorder?

Now if you are engaged in Dog Brothers-like training or spar on a regular basis with some your countrymen like Kamen or Hippolyte then the bruising might be more related to your skill and choice of training partners.

Ruling out these situations, I think the suggestions provided by our members here are quite good:
Vitamin C with biofavonoids
Pycnogenol
Vitamin K especially if you don't eat a lot of dark leafy greens and
have a history of antibiotic use
Consult with someone trained in Chinese Herbalism for a
good "hit" formula or Dit Dah Jow

[aaronk]

Brett,

The docter send me to a specialist from blood test, and i also had belly scan.

I indeed spar with A class thaiboxers. But the bruising is not realy related to that. Natural bruises would be the shins, forearms and thighs. But i have bruises on my back, belly, calfs etc. and other places where there is minimal contact. Same goes when i dont spar.

thanks for the tips. I will try the Vitamin C and K.



Aaronk,

Your doctor wasn't concerned you might have a mild case of an inherited bleeding disorder?

Now if you are engaged in Dog Brothers-like training or spar on a regular basis with some your countrymen like Kamen or Hippolyte then the bruising might be more related to your skill and choice of training partners.

Ruling out these situations, I think the suggestions provided by our members here are quite good:
Vitamin C with biofavonoids
Pycnogenol
Vitamin K especially if you don't eat a lot of dark leafy greens and
have a history of antibiotic use
Consult with someone trained in Chinese Herbalism for a
good "hit" formula or Dit Dah Jow

[Vbrown]

L.Ac. is liscenced acupunturist. At least, that's the designation for Chinese doctor in California....your mileage may vary.

V

(Damn, I should have thought about the Vit. K!)

Oh, are you on aspirin therapy?

[James Boelter]

I added a fairly lengthy reply to your original off-topic forum post. In it , I suggested using onion as a way to speed up the healing of your bruises. I also have heard of using Vit C to increase the formation of collagen fibers in your connective tissue, and thus make you more resistant to bruises.

I hope the post is helpful to you.

[opcstore]

Thanks James Boelter you post is very useful for me thanks... I have a bit of vit c and it also good

[ericajones80]

i hope everything is alright