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Stretch Marks More Than What You Think - Ohio
ORIGINAL POST
After going through a really tough 6 months with...
melyniNovember 3, 2015
After going through a really tough 6 months with liver/ GI problems, I developed a lot of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are a NUTRITIONAL issue more so than just stretching of the skin beyond capacity.
If you are giving your body the right nutrition (vitamins + minerals) it should be able to stretch as far as needs without tearing. When you're pregnant, the baby is taking all your resources. This is why eating a certain way and taking the right vitamins are vital. It's so easy to become deficient.
Unfortunately when I was pregnant, I was just under the impression that 'you either get them or you don't. It's all about genetics.' Which it kind of is but you can have some control on how many you get etc.
I have done a lot of research. When I went to see my doctor numerous times about developing stretch marks for no apparent reason, even he couldn't understand why. I was on my own. It took me a while to figure it out and now I have many.
Is there hope on stretch mark repairs in the near future? Probably not. Doctors + dermatologists are the worst. I mean having seen both (more than once) during my illness and no one could tell me I needed to reset my stomach/liver detox and that it could be nutritional deficiencies. In fact, I don't think dermatologists look as nutritional deficiencies as skin issues. At least not the one I went to.
So just make sure your GI tract is working and you're taking vitamins.
Stretch marks are a NUTRITIONAL issue more so than just stretching of the skin beyond capacity.
If you are giving your body the right nutrition (vitamins + minerals) it should be able to stretch as far as needs without tearing. When you're pregnant, the baby is taking all your resources. This is why eating a certain way and taking the right vitamins are vital. It's so easy to become deficient.
Unfortunately when I was pregnant, I was just under the impression that 'you either get them or you don't. It's all about genetics.' Which it kind of is but you can have some control on how many you get etc.
I have done a lot of research. When I went to see my doctor numerous times about developing stretch marks for no apparent reason, even he couldn't understand why. I was on my own. It took me a while to figure it out and now I have many.
Is there hope on stretch mark repairs in the near future? Probably not. Doctors + dermatologists are the worst. I mean having seen both (more than once) during my illness and no one could tell me I needed to reset my stomach/liver detox and that it could be nutritional deficiencies. In fact, I don't think dermatologists look as nutritional deficiencies as skin issues. At least not the one I went to.
So just make sure your GI tract is working and you're taking vitamins.
Replies (5)
November 8, 2015
As stated by 2KidsLater , couldn't agree with you more. Yes, genetics is one of the factors but just because you have bad genes doesn't mean that you should be filled with stretch marks all over the body. I am a very skinny and I still have stretch marks all over the body. Along with the supplements thing, I believe Cortisol too playsa huge role. Hope the scientist and researches are working on this angle too because as you mentioned the doctors and dermatologist that I am meeting don't seem to have a clue.
November 8, 2015
That's very interesting re: cortisol. That would imply a connection to stress levels?
No one else in my family has stretch marks :/ So for me, it's not genetics.
However... Both times I was pregnant, life was extremely stressful. And come to think of it, when I got my "growth spurt" stretch marks, my dad was gravely ill (for two years), and died when I was sixteen. Again, an incredibly stressful time.
The cortisol connection is intriguing. Thanks for mentioning it!
No one else in my family has stretch marks :/ So for me, it's not genetics.
However... Both times I was pregnant, life was extremely stressful. And come to think of it, when I got my "growth spurt" stretch marks, my dad was gravely ill (for two years), and died when I was sixteen. Again, an incredibly stressful time.
The cortisol connection is intriguing. Thanks for mentioning it!
November 9, 2015
Yes cortisol is released as response to stress. I had read that it causes the elasticity of skin to decrease by interfering with the collagen in skin. There is lot more going on in the body due to higher cortisol levels.
IMO, in my case unfortunately all three factors, genetics+nutrients+hormonal issues, played a part and wrecked havoc on my confidence. I hope researches are looking into this issue through this angle too.
Do you know of any research that we ourselves can do for stretchmarks?
IMO, in my case unfortunately all three factors, genetics+nutrients+hormonal issues, played a part and wrecked havoc on my confidence. I hope researches are looking into this issue through this angle too.
Do you know of any research that we ourselves can do for stretchmarks?
November 9, 2015
I've not had huge success trying to do my own research. I have looked into the nutrition side & external remedies. Following a hunch, had some success with essential oils, general nutrition, skin-targeted nutrition, and taking marine collagen supplements. But the stretch marks have been there so long. Apparently it's better to get the jump on them when they're new—so they say.
I've heard carboxytherapy works very well. I will be trying that for any that are left post-surgery.
I know what you're saying. It's very hard on a woman. (They're all over my belly, and the ones covering my breasts are the width of a little finger and still purple after 24 years! I have thin, silvery ones on my upper thighs, but they're so minor in comparison, I tend to forget about those. Add to that the cellulite that appeared after a 40lb weight loss, and you've got a person who'd rather live out the rest of her life under a rock than be seen naked.)
I wish you all the best in your quest.
I've heard carboxytherapy works very well. I will be trying that for any that are left post-surgery.
I know what you're saying. It's very hard on a woman. (They're all over my belly, and the ones covering my breasts are the width of a little finger and still purple after 24 years! I have thin, silvery ones on my upper thighs, but they're so minor in comparison, I tend to forget about those. Add to that the cellulite that appeared after a 40lb weight loss, and you've got a person who'd rather live out the rest of her life under a rock than be seen naked.)
I wish you all the best in your quest.
UPDATED FROM melyni
5 days post
Some hormones can be controlled by nutrition
melyniNovember 9, 2015
what I realized is that some hormones can be controlled or at least managed with nutrition.
Cortisol is one of those hormones. It's is produced by your adrenals. When you are stressed your zinc supply is quickly zapped because your adrenals need that mineral to function. If you are taking supplements it's easier to tolerate stress. Also, making sure you are eating or supplementing with antioxidants help. But this is why experts say you can develop stretch marks from hormone changes though it's just because zinc is being depleted. Ones developed during puberty is because zinc is used to develop sex hormones and as teenagers probably are not getting the right nutrition or enough for their body type.
You'd be surprised how quickly your zinc supply can be used up. It's a very sensitive mineral and some people have a hard time absorbing enough of it or using your limited supply quickly depending on your circumstances. So I say, always take a probiotic. Don't make it hard for zinc absorption.
Once you've become deficient in zinc, unless you know what you're looking for, it's easy to go down hill quickly. I am an example of that.
Besides vitamins A, C & E, zinc is the most important when it comes to preventing stretch marks. If you have enough of that mineral, your skin should stretch as much as it needs.
Cortisol is one of those hormones. It's is produced by your adrenals. When you are stressed your zinc supply is quickly zapped because your adrenals need that mineral to function. If you are taking supplements it's easier to tolerate stress. Also, making sure you are eating or supplementing with antioxidants help. But this is why experts say you can develop stretch marks from hormone changes though it's just because zinc is being depleted. Ones developed during puberty is because zinc is used to develop sex hormones and as teenagers probably are not getting the right nutrition or enough for their body type.
You'd be surprised how quickly your zinc supply can be used up. It's a very sensitive mineral and some people have a hard time absorbing enough of it or using your limited supply quickly depending on your circumstances. So I say, always take a probiotic. Don't make it hard for zinc absorption.
Once you've become deficient in zinc, unless you know what you're looking for, it's easy to go down hill quickly. I am an example of that.
Besides vitamins A, C & E, zinc is the most important when it comes to preventing stretch marks. If you have enough of that mineral, your skin should stretch as much as it needs.
Replies (1)
November 10, 2015
Yes! Thanks for mentioning that!
Also, it's important to maintain the proper zinc to copper ratio of about 10:1. A depressed zinc to elevated copper ratio can lead to fairly serious brain dysfunction, anorexia and other disorders.
I really wish I had known these things 25 years ago. But hopefully sharing this information will lead others to make better choices before they end up living with long term/permanent consequences.
Also, it's important to maintain the proper zinc to copper ratio of about 10:1. A depressed zinc to elevated copper ratio can lead to fairly serious brain dysfunction, anorexia and other disorders.
I really wish I had known these things 25 years ago. But hopefully sharing this information will lead others to make better choices before they end up living with long term/permanent consequences.
UPDATED FROM melyni
24 days post
Lesser known things that can cause you to develop stretch marks
melyniNovember 28, 2015
Coffee & alcohol--- they pull minerals from your body.
Cure: moderation & multivitamins
Antibiotics & medications: destroy good bacteria needed for nutrient absorption.
Cure: probiotics & digestive enzymes
Chronic stress- thins stomach lining (needed for absorption process) and causes over production of cortisol.
Cure: multivitamins (targeted for stress reduction), probiotics & relax.
Diarrhea & anorexia/bulimia- not getting nutrients needed to produce collagen & elastin.
Cure- probiotics & proper nutrition.
I bet 80% of people who have developed stretch marks, didn't get them from gaining weight too fast. Let's stop the nonsense that stretch marks come from being fat or pregnant. I guarantee that if people really knew how stretch marks develop they'd eat cleaner.
If you are developing stretch marks and not gaining weight, it could be one of these reasons.
malabsorption was my issue.
Cure: moderation & multivitamins
Antibiotics & medications: destroy good bacteria needed for nutrient absorption.
Cure: probiotics & digestive enzymes
Chronic stress- thins stomach lining (needed for absorption process) and causes over production of cortisol.
Cure: multivitamins (targeted for stress reduction), probiotics & relax.
Diarrhea & anorexia/bulimia- not getting nutrients needed to produce collagen & elastin.
Cure- probiotics & proper nutrition.
I bet 80% of people who have developed stretch marks, didn't get them from gaining weight too fast. Let's stop the nonsense that stretch marks come from being fat or pregnant. I guarantee that if people really knew how stretch marks develop they'd eat cleaner.
If you are developing stretch marks and not gaining weight, it could be one of these reasons.
malabsorption was my issue.
Replies (1)
February 11, 2016
actually stretchmarks are from hormones and weight gain.When you are thin and gain weight from being pregnant your skin stretches.I was 94 pounds when I got pregnant and gained 20 pounds.I ate clean ,took vitamins ,kept body moisturized.Your skin stretches.Thats the way it is.Nothing gets rid of them either.Cleaning your body out doesn't fix it either.Mine are 20 years old.I have done liver flushes,juice fasting for 3 months at a time,raw diet,skin needling ,laser,peels,retin a,etc.Nothing makes them go away.They are part of life.Most people get them from weight gain.Some get them from growth spurts as teenagers.Many models and tall people have them.Clean eating has nothing to do with it.Certain meds cause stretchmarks.Clean eating has nothing to do w it.
Imagine what the outcome would have been had I been doing all this before I became pregnant? It would have been a different story for me and my kids.
Regular medical doctors know virtually nothing about great nutrition. I even saw a dietician. Same thing. It wasn't until I saw a naturopath that my health went from horrible (diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder) to absolutely fantastic—better than I've felt my whole life. And it has remained fantastic for ten years.
See a Dr. for surgery or ABX. But if it's health you're after, see a naturopath.