TRUTHS ABOUT STRETCH MARKS

Some people call them the warrior marks, the stripes of the tiger, or simply stretch marks (or medical term: Striae). Those apparent marks are due to your skin stretching too fast during growth, weight gain or weight loss. There are many of us – to those who are pregnant, or people on a journey of weight loss or muscle gain, and we may be already seeing these stripes appear on our skin.  Stretch marks are more common than you think, and they are not something to be ashamed of! I know I am one of many who wear their stretch marks proudly because its NORMAL!

But why do some of us get them, and others don’t? It usually comes down to genetics, and your own skin elasticity. There are, however, some useful ways to reduce the signs of stretch marks.

 

Your diet & supplementations!

Nutrition plays a big role in your body’s overall health, and eating the right foods can increase the amount of collagen produced.

Collagen is what the body needs to give your skin more elasticity and a youthful look. Without this, the skin loses elasticity, and is more prone to damage and affected by changes more easily as we age…..

Vitamin C helps to produce collagen and cartilage, along with Zinc. and beef collagen powder.  Eating a diet that includes the following foods can decrease your chance of getting stretch marks, by increasing the production of collagen.

Lean proteins:

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Tofu
  • Beans
  • Egg whites
  • Peanuts
  • Oysters
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Lentils
  • Kidney beans
  • Pumpkin and flax seeds

Vegetables:

  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Kale greens
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Garlic
  • Red peppers
  • Edamame
  • Beets
  • Green beans

Fruits:

  • Cherries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Oranges
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Grapefruit
  • Avocados

Enough Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for everyone – stretch mark prevention or not – during exercise ( do not wait to be thirsty to drink – as it is a sign you are already dehydrated).  Ladies, drink more when you are pregnant – as blood volume is increased and needs higher water volumes, along with the need for more water to keep your muscles and skin hydrated. This will keep your skin from becoming dry and losing elasticity, helping to prevent stretch marks.

Moisturise in continue

Skin hydration is so important, so using creams or oils to keep that moisture in is a great way to help prevent tearing and scarring of the skin. Ointments with natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil.

Avoid sugar

A diet high in sugar is always bad for your body, but specifically the amount of collagen present in your body can be affected by the amount of sugar you intake. Sugar attaches to the collagen protein and will damage it. So, cut down on your sugar intake!

Stretch marks or not – we should be proud of our journey and use these as reminders of our achievements and what our amazing bodies are capable of!

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XOXO

Linda Durbesson

www.lindadurbesson.com

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