Bruising usually occurs when blood vessels underneath the skin become damaged and leak, allowing blood to pool. Bruising usually occurs when you cause a trauma to your skin such as bumping yourself or falling down.
If you find yourself constantly covered in bruises with no idea where they were coming from you may be suffering from easy bruising. Here are a few causes for you to consider including nutrient deficiencies and poor gut health.
Iron Deficiency: This may affect women more often due to menstrual periods. As iron is required for healthy red blood cells and oxygenation of the blood, iron deficiency can make you more susceptible to easy bruising.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is involved in healthy blood clotting and is mostly found in green vegetables. It requires beneficial gut bacteria to turn it into its most useful form (K2).
Medications that thin the blood: Some medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and corticosteroids can thin the blood and contribute to easy bruising.
Supplements that thin the blood: ginkgo, Ginger, turmeric, garlic, high doses of vitamin E and fish oil can create similar effects to blood thinners.
Substances that alter the bacteria preventing proper absorption of nutrients. In this category falls alcohol, antibiotics and the contraceptive pill. Without adequate levels of certain nutrients, the skin and blood vessels may be thinner and more prone to breaking and bruising.
Alcohol: Alcohol can cause dehydration which can increase inflammation, leading to dry, dull, puffy skin with reduced elasticity. This makes your skin more prone to bruising. Alcohol is also a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, making them more prone to breaking from lighter bumps than usual. It also interferes with platelet aggregation (clotting), thins the blood and makes bruising more likely. O course when this is combined with poor coordination, bruising can be expected.
If you have any concerns about bruising easily or the bruises seeming to take a long time to heal, please consult your doctor.
Why do I bruise so easily? An expert explains (fashionjournal.com.au)