Easy brusing question...

[Splandrea]

I noticed for the past couple of days I have noticed that I am covered in bruises.
I can't think of anything (trauma) that may have caused this...

My question is, is this because of a vitamin deficiency? I admit, I have not been taking even a multivitamin or anything. Maybe my system is drained of some vital nutrient or something?

I am going to the doctor - due for a physical anyway (its been 5 years!) but I won't be able to afford the insurance copay until the end of July!

I just thought I would run it past you guys because if this is like a mineral I need or something, I would love to reverse the bruising problem before I go to the doctor and they want to do $5,000 worth of testing on nothing =).

Thanks for any input!

[matawguro]

The bruising occurs because your body is getting rid (not sure if getting rid is correct) of blood vessels that your body no longer needs. You have less fat so you need less blood vessels to keep your cells running.

Vitamin C helps in blood clotting so you might want to take that as a supplement. 1000mg/day is usually prescribed to people with gingivitis (bleeding gums), but I think 100-250mg a day should be okay.

[chinadoll]

Robbie, is it C? I thought Vitamin K was the one they give for clotting. Maybe they both work.

[chinadoll]

OK, checked on line. bleeding gums is a symptom for scurvy so that is cured with C. I would try C since this dietis short on that anyway and it might solve your problem.

Have you have any alcohol? That always makes me bruise.

[matawguro]

I have Rosacea so I'm technically allergic to alcohol. Why I have a condition nicknamed "The Curse of the Irish" when I'm Filipino is beyond me.

BTW, I also practice Filipino martial Arts so I do get bruised occasionally.

[SunnySmile501]

You might also want to eat a lot of really green leafy veggies to get more vitamin K in your diet. They are also high in other necessary minerals like potassium. I would also take a really good multi-vitamin/mineral supplement at the very least. Do you eat red meat? You might be anemic from low iron as well.

[Splandrea]

Awesome information!
I am glad that you all weren't trying to rush me to a doctor.
I will start taking multivitmin today, and get a vitamin C supplement when I go to town. =)
I will step up the leafy greens, too. I eat tons of red meat, which is probably not the best thing to be eating, but its either hamburger or chicken every night. That's all my familiy likes - ocassionally roast.

[chinadoll]

with the greens, the darker the color, the better. iceberg won't cut it

[IrishMom82]

Thanks for starting this thread! I was having the same issues with bruising as well! Everyone has been so informative! Thanks!!!

[studyinscarlet]

I used to bruise very easy and someone recommended taking Citrus Bioflavanoids. It worked great.