A bruise, or muscle contusion, is often caused by blunt force trauma in which the tissues under your skin in the affected area are crushed, causing blood to pool at your injury site. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that most contusions are caused by falls and sports injuries, although physical assault is another possible cause of this health problem. Before using nutritional therapy to help treat your bruise, ask your doctor about the risks, benefits and limitations of this natural healing approach.
Bruising
There are three principle types of bruising, notes MedlinePlus: subcutaneous, intramuscular and periosteal. Subcutaneous bruises are bruises that occur beneath your skin, while intramuscular bruises are bruises that occur within your muscle bellies. A periosteal bruise occurs in your bones. Pain, swelling and skin discoloration are the three most common signs and symptoms associated with bruises. Bruises may also cause pain when they are pressed or pain with active range of motion in your affected body part.
Useful Dietary Strategies
One of the most useful dietary strategies in treating your bruises involves increasing your consumption of vitamin C-containing foods. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," people who experience easy bruising may benefit from vitamin C-containing foods and beverages such as tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, kiwi, buckwheat and orange juice. These foods and beverages also contain flavonoids, or plant pigments that are important for proper wound healing.
A Helpful Food
Broccoli may be one of the most helpful foods in treating your bruising. Biologist and nutritionist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," states that broccoli performs numerous beneficial health actions within your body, including promoting the health of your heart, digestive system, vision and bones. Broccoli contains numerous nutrients that may help heal your damaged tissues, including iron, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-5 and C. Both broccoli sprouts and mature broccoli may be helpful for this health purpose.
Disclaimer
Bruising, though often painful and sometimes unsightly, usually resolves on its own. Severe bruising, however, may require the assistance and intervention of a medical doctor. Most types of bruising respond to conservative care methods such as nutritional therapy. Always exercise caution when using nutritional therapy to treat your ailment, as more scientific research evidence may be required to validate the purported health benefits of foods historically used in treating this health problem.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Muscle Contusion (Bruise)
- MedlinePlus: Bruise
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
