EVER WONDER WHY YOU BRUISE SO EASILY?
- Posted on: May 25 2015
If you are a client of Always Beautiful Medspa then you know that if you are going to have a treatment that may involve bruising or bleeding, we ask you to stop taking certain medications and supplements up to a week before your appointment. The reason is because these oral supplements may increase that risk of bleeding and bruising, which will prolong your healing time, cause bruising, or require touchups on permanent makeup. Not the end of the world, but keep in mind that it can also make it more difficult to give you the results you desire if you bleed more than what’s considered “normal.” Most of you already know these medications and supplements include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and fish oils (omega 3 oils). But, it doesn’t stop there.
Have you ever noticed a bruise somewhere on your body and think to yourself, “How did that happen? I don’t remember doing anything that could cause a bruise.” That’s because there are a lot of supplements we take every day that we don’t associate with a blood-thinning effect, and unfortunately, the bottle does not list that risk as a warning. It doesn’t seem right, but it’s a fact.
Most people know that fish oils or omega 3 fatty acids can cause additional bleeding and bruising and should be discontinued before surgery and/or before treatments that may cause bleeding and bruising. But, did you know that omega 3 fatty acids aren’t just found in fish oil supplements and fish? They are also in a variety of healthy foods we consume every day. High levels of omega 3 fatty acids are found in flaxseed oil, nuts (highest in macadamias), sesame seeds, avocados, and, of course, fish such as salmon and tuna. While omega 3 fatty acids are healthy and provide the body with anti-inflammatory properties, it can help by reducing or eliminating them temporarily before any treatment(s) that may include bleeding and/or bruising.
Some common herbal supplements that may increase bleeding and bruising include garlic, ginger, feverfew, ginkgo biloba, grapeseed, kava, and capsicum. Papain and bromelain, which are common digestive enzymes, may also increase that risk and are naturally found in papaya and pineapple. Certain herbs and spices taken as a supplement that are also used in cooking can have an increased bleeding risk as well such as celery, parsley, clove, onion, and turmeric. Do you enjoy chamomile tea in the evening? It turns out your evening chamomile tea can make you bruise more easily as well.
Let’s not forget vitamin E. Many people take vitamin E for its antioxidant properties and it may already be in your muli-vitamin. Well, that’s another culprit. Speaking of what is already in your supplement… If you are taking glucosamine for joint health, check your bottle to see if it contains chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often combined together for joint health. Studies show chondroitin sulfate can increase your bleeding and bruising risk. And, now coconut oil may be under fire as a potential risk as well. So, consider how much oil you are using to cook with as well!
For those who are on anti-coagulant medications including Coumadin, warfarin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, or Plavix need to be especially aware and cautious of these medications and herbal supplements. I would recommend keeping a list on hand and refer to it as needed.
Most people can temporarily discontinue herbal supplements and restart them without any side effects, but anyone who is taking a medication that has a blood-thinning effect, or an anti-coagulant, for medical purposes needs to consult with their doctor before discontinuing for any reason. Even if it’s temporary.
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