Bruising?

Hi. I have recently noticed a fair few bruises mainly all up my legs, at first I was like whhaa? Where'd they come from? But I am quite clumsy and walk into walls and doors alot, even though I've lived here for eight years LOL.

My friend (whom I rarely talk to or see anymore because of his behaviour towards me and my weight) however tends to believe that I still have an ED, but I am doing so good now I eat 1200-1800 daily depends on workouts and I havent undereaten in so long now, only when I am sick or hungover, but even then I make myself get to 1000 atleast.

He said I am bruising  coz I'm anorexic?! WTF!? I know alot of anorexics have heaps of bruises, but mine are legit. 

Any opinions on how to handle this?

[bumpeddity bump]

Hmm... I get lots of bruises on my legs too! And on the inside of my upper arms.
Its really quite strange as I never remember banging into things much.
My boyfriend says i bruise much easier now, probably something to do with dieting.
But i don't see it as a big deal...
If the bruises are very big and deep on colour or if you are worried about it, you could always go ask your doctor (if you have one).

Do you work out now?
Maybe (somehow) you're hitting your legs while working out without noticing.

a) Don't walk into things

b) You may think you're doing well, but you're probably still undereating. I have a hard time believing you only need 1,200-1,800 calories to maintain.

I end up with a lot of "mystery bruises" and tend to bruise easily too, and have never {thankfully} had issues with anorexia or bulimia - but I was a strict vegetarian for many years and probably didn't get enough Iron growing up....I take a suppliment now and the "mystery bruises" don't show up as often :)

You could try taking an iron suppliment, or eating more spinach - lots of iron! Start with a low doseage if you go with the suppliment because too much can constipate you - the "right" amount varies from person to person. Making sure you're getting enough protein can make a difference too.

I hope this helps  - also wishing you continued success on your road to recovery :)

Bruising can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as deficiency in vitamins C, K, B12, or folic acid.

It's nearly impossible for a woman to meet the RDA on less than 1200 calories, you'd have to eat 100% clean with no room for any empty calories.

Are you vegetarian? If so, B12 may be harder to meet.

I would try taking a daily multivitamin for awhile, and see if that doesn't help.

Otherwise, sometimes bruising is just genetic. My DH and his mother are this way. DH eats 3500 calories and takes a daily multivitamin but he still gets the most nasty,alarming bruises - sometimes they will cover nearly his entire leg. The doctor knows it and says it's just hereditary.

But if this was the case with you, you'd probably know that already, because you'd have a long history of such bruises. Since this is a new development, deficiency is probably most likely.

Other diseases can cause easy bruising including blood disorders, liver problems, lupus, etc. So if you are worried, or have any other disturbing symptoms, having a checkup might be a good idea.

hey. i'm gonna go get a blood test sometime this week, I need to get a needle soon so I'll get it done in the one hit.

thanks for the replies 

You could be low on iron (Iron deficient anemia) and collagen production. You may want to take an iron supplement with your biggest meal as taking it alone will make your stomach upset. It takes 6 weeks for your red blood cell count to elevate so it may take that long to see an improvement in the bruising. Collagen production can be increased by taking more vitamin C, as collagen helps the connective tissues in your skin "stick" together and not break apart when you hit something. If your tissues are stronger then blood can't accumulate as easily in them. Both supplements will help and should be taken daily.

I hope this helps. Ask away if you've got any questions.

Well let us know how the blood test turns out. if your low in anything.
Might help show others how easy bruising can be a sign of low iron or b12.
I was a little low in b12 (don't know how long for) and for a couple of months i bruised quite easily until i started getting monthly b12 injections.
Its not so bad now.

Eating spinach is definitley the best iron source.
It gotta be close to the best meat substitute by cal ratio.
Most of the time, to get the same iron you would in a stake from beans, it ends up being a huge amount of calories.
But 3 cups of spinach (sounds like i lot but i quite like the stuff) will cover your daily needs of iron, vitamin C, (and vit. A and Calcium i think. and theres a fair bit of protien ).

Anyway, hope you get it sorted and the blood test explains it all for you.

Most of the iron in spinach isn't really absorbed that due to the presence of oxalates, which actually remove iron from the body.