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Ultimate Guide to Vegan Protein Options
In the world of vegan nutrition, plant-based proteins are the superheroes that fuel our bodies with the strength and vitality we need. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just embarking on a plant-powered journey, understanding the diverse and delicious world of plant proteins is essential. More often than not the vegan diet has been demonised for not providing us with the requisite protein content. However, being a nutrition and fitness coach my research in this matter has opened a vast world of Vegan protein options and the myths surrounding protein in a Vegan diet.
Importance of protein in the diet
We have learned from school protein is a macronutrient. It is called the building block of the body. A Vegan diet excludes all animal products like milk, meat, eggs and other animal-derived ingredients. The absence of conventional animal protein sources presents a danger of protein deficiency unless we back it up with vegan protein options. Before we see the protein-rich vegan diet, let’s address a few myths about protein deficiency in plant-based diets.
Myths about protein deficiency in plant-based diet
- Plant-based diet causes protein deficiency – There are numerous plant sources of protein. If consumed in the right quantity, they will suffice the protein requirement in our body.
- Plant proteins are incomplete – While some of the plant protein sources may lack a few amino acids, if you ensure the consumption of a balanced diet, this can be compensated. Plant-based athletes and bodybuilders have successfully followed an active lifestyle by including a variety of plant protein sources in their diet.
- Plant proteins are not bio-available as animal proteins. Some plant protein sources could have lower bioavailability than animal proteins. However, the bioavailability can be improved by cooking, soaking and fermenting.
There are more myths about the vegan diet but you can be rest assured that you can suffice your protein requirement by including a variety of plant protein sources in your diet.
Vegan protein options in your diet
1. Legumes
They are probably the most accepted and known protein sources. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas and black beans are rich in protein content. 100-gram lentils have more protein content than one boiled egg. When it comes to nuts and soya the protein content is even more.
2. Soya chunks, Tofu and Tempeh
Tofu and tempeh are both derived from soya milk. They can be used as substitutes for paneer. They can be used in curries, or in grilled and fried form. 100 gm soya chunk contains 52 gm proteins which is equal to 4 boiled eggs.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is a complete protein, It contains all essential amino acids. It is easy to cook and can be used as a base for salads, or as a side dish.
4. Nuts and seeds
Seeds and nuts have high protein content. Nuts like almonds, peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds ets are rich in protein. You can prepare homemade protein powder using these nuts and seeds.
5. Whole grains
Brown rice, bulgur, barley, and oats are examples of whole grains that contribute to protein intake. They can be used as the base for meals or added to soups and stews.
6. Plant-based protein powder
If you are a busy bee running from office to home, you might not have the time and frame of mind to cook protein-rich foods and make protein powder, store bought protein powder is the best option. However, it is imperative to ensure the quality of the protein powder that we are buying. One reliable protein powder that has the goodness of peas, mushrooms, spirulina and probiotics is the Plant Protein Powder by Rooted Actives. This is a chocolate-flavoured 100% vegan plant protein powder. The goodness of protein is obtained from brown rice, mushrooms, spirulina, peas etc. This is enriched with all 9 amino acids and enzymes for digestion. It is the best choice for those who are following vegan, keto or gluten-free diets. It can be the ideal ingredient in your post-workout drink.
In addition, the fact that it is sweetened by natural stevia makes it a safe bet for people who want to go sugar-free. It is also infused with super mushrooms – Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Oyster mushrooms. If you consider the calorie and fat content of whey protein, this plant protein powder has a lesser quantity while the fibre content is more. Mix 1 heaping scoop (35 G Approx) of Plant Protein in 200-250ml of water. Shake well until it is completely mixed. Take 1-2 Servings Daily.
Mushroom coffee
Another ingredient by Rooted Active Naturals that stole my heart is their Wellness Mushroom Coffee.
Lion’s mane and chaga are superfoods that do not interfere with the taste of coffee. Lion’s mane is revered for its nootropic (cognition), brain, focus, and memory-boosting properties, while Chaga is a super antioxidant that helps with energy, immunity & cardio functioning. These powerful adaptogens & antioxidants may balance the effects of coffee without impacting its taste. more energy, fewer jitters, and super performance. (85% arabica coffee + 15% Lion’s mane & Chaga).
As you explore the world of vegan protein options, remember that variety is key to a well-rounded vegan diet. By embracing the abundance of options available, you can enjoy delicious meals while nourishing your body with the essential nutrients it needs. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine, this guide is designed to empower you on your journey to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Embrace Your Angry Bird Image Because Anger Is A Positive Emotion
‘Why are you getting unreasonably angry?’ ‘Do you have anger issues?’ ‘You should control your anger.’ Many of you might have heard this at some part of your life. Anger has always been demonized as an unhealthy emotion. I was the angry bird of the family that the younger ones would think thrice before messing with me. At school and college, I have been omitted from the so called desirable women category because the boys used to be wary of my reaction if they approached me. Slowly, the thought that my anger is my drawback started seeping into my psyche. It took me two decades to realize that anger is after all a positive emotion if channelized in the right path. The moment I learned to embrace my anger and tamed it, my life changed. I channelised my anger positively and the transformation in my personality is unbelievable. So, the next time someone gives you an angry bird image, tell them that ‘it is because I am positive’.
Embracing my angry bird image
I knew from early on that my anger was not healthy. Though I was not aware of healthy and unhealthy emotions back then, I was well aware that my anger was destructive. If I indulge in an argument, I would be the louder one. I had to raise my voice to the highest decibel to feel the satisfaction of having an upper hand. If that was not enough, I used to unreasonably hurt my loved ones and have lost many friendships because I used to treat them as my anger release bags. I knew I was going wrong but I was helpless. When I decided to change the pattern, I initiated a new defence mechanism of not reacting to anything that would trigger me.
I was somehow convinced that by avoiding the situation, I could remain calm. The moment a trigger came my way I started reminding myself to not react. Everyone was happy to see the newly emerged version of mine. The angry bird image gave way to the patient soul. Only if I knew that I was not managing my anger but bottling it up. Result? Things reached the bottleneck and I burst out fiercer than ever before. Whoever triggered me was out of the picture because I was loud enough to overpower the thoughts of the ones around me. Everyone saw how I was behaving but no one cared to ask why.
How I changed my angry bird image in a healthy transformation?
The first step into anger management was to acknowledge that being angry was normal. As a next step, I started observing my anger and I learned the following facts about it.
- Anger helps to understand us better
- A feeling of anger enabled me to stand up for myself
- Being angry has saved me from many toxic friendships
- Anger has motivated me to push my limits
- Anger helped me in defending myself
If my anger had unimaginably positive repercussions, why was my anger materializing in a negative form? Because, for me, anger was not an emotion till then, it was an expression. My anger was not manifested in a physical form like an emotion that is being processed and expressed in a better way. The moment of this realization was bliss for me.
Since then I put a halt and ask myself, should I react this way or is there an alterative way to express my anger? More often than not I used to express unreasonable anger to my kids because it was convenient for me. I developed a pattern of escapism wherein I used to shout at my kids when I am angry with my husband. This was a prominently unhealthy pattern that I had to fight my way out of. When I followed the habit of pausing and introspecting I started behaving more reasonable and surprisingly I win every argument.
Your expression of anger depends on the person at the receiving end
Some instances, I would witness myself being angry at my partner to hide my pain. Yes! anger helps to hide the pain but this camouflaged pain could reach a bottleneck. You might have felt relieved of taking the burden out after shouting at someone who you have been suppressing your anger from. This is because it is like the pressure valve which when released, becomes loose. You heart and throat that tightens with pain will be relieved once your anger is expressed. But further you embark on a guilt trip of overreacting to the situation. To avoid such an introspective regret, you could pause and think. Journal your feelings and find better words to express them.
Anger helped me earn my position
If you ask me about the crossroad in my life, I would say it is the toxic friendship which budded after my third child was born. She broke me at different layers but my anger towards her fueled a fire to fight my way up. It is my anger towards her that pushed me beyond my limits and it acted as a manifestation and visualization meditation coupled with affirmations like ” I will show her what I am capable of”.
Every time I uttered similar lines, I was reassuring myself that I am capable of even more. My angry bird image might have changed by now, after applying the wellness programs in my own life. However, I still feel angry and I have learned to channelize my anger productively. Hence the next time you feel angry, ask yourself if it is an emotion or an expression. If it is the latter, you have won half the challenge.
Infused Oniol Oil For Luscious Hair – Earth Raga Changes The Haircare Game
Everyone needs luscious hair that flows freely in the wind. The teenage me was blessed with thick and long hair without even doing anything to care for it. It shamelessly grew like a desperate lover putting up with the ill-treatment of the toxic partner. Yes, I was thankless. I never took care of my hair and alas! My hair gave up on me. After my three pregnancies, whatever relation I had with my hair broke. That’s when I knew about a new herbal formula that was introduced into the world of hair care -Onion oil. Onion Oil benefits are so much so that we will be surprised to see the lost strands grow back. How is infused onion oil so helpful for your hair follicles?
Infused Onion Oil Benefits
Onion oil has been in use as a remedy for headaches, respiratory illness, blading, etc. The onset of technology and the human tendency to cultivate a predisposition towards anything instantly changed everything. The relevance of onion oil just shrunk to oblivion. Of late, the benefits of onion oils have started to surprise everyone, and products with infused onion oil have been on the rise. Here are the main benefits
Improved hair growth
Onion oil is rich in antioxidants. They in turn reduce wear and tear in our body, hair being a part. This implies that onion oil helps the hair follicles grow back.
Dandruff control
Sulphur present in onion oils helps in hair growth and development. It enhances the blood flow to your hair follicles. This makes the hair thick and strong. It helps in curing bacterial infection and dandruff.
Prevents early greying
The nutrients in Onion prevent the cells from oxidizing and hence prevent early greying.
Added shine to your hair
Regular use of onion oil adds a natural shine to your hair.
No more split ends
My hair used to have severe split ends which make them look unhealthy and poorly maintained. The goodness of onion oil helps us in managing this.
Products with infused onion oil
With the increasing awareness about the goodness of onion oil. there are various hair care products with infused onion oil. However, more often than not, they will be laden with chemicals and lack the goodness of onion oil. Since I have ventured into the wellness lifestyle, I have been a supporter of all Vegan products. Hence, while opting for a skincare or haircare product, I would prefer plant-derived products. My search for authentic plant-derived products ended in Earth Raga, an ayurvedic skincare brand that is committed to nature.
Their products are ethically sourced and their commitment to the planet and ecosystem is commendable. Their Onion Hair cleansing shampoo and Onion Hair conditioner are goodness compressed into a bottle. In addition to onion oil, the shampoo has plant keratin that prevents frizz, rosemary oil, almond oil, and ginger extract. In the conditioner, aloe vera extract, plant keratin, and pea protein are an addition to onion oil.
Results
I have very thin and dry hair. It has been a month since I started using the shampoo and conditioner by Earth Raga with infused onion oil. My hair has started looking considerably healthy and bouncy. It has gained its natural shine back. There are no more split ends and dryness. I also bought Ubtan Turmeric Sunscreen SPF 50 matte. The cream is lightweight and gets absorbed into the skin. My face started having less tan since I started using this sunscreen. The USP of the sunscreen is that it doesn’t leave any stickiness.
Overall what I have noticed about the Earth Raga products is that they are committed to nurturing the planet as well as the customers. Try the products by Earth Raga which contain infused onion oil and let us know the results. Let your hair have the goodness of onion oil and let the strands grow relentlessly. Flaunt your tresses because you earned it this time.
4 Smoothies Recipes For Breakfast For An Energetic Start
Smoothies have gained acceptance in the world of health. With the right mix of balanced nutrients, the smoothies ensure you are provided with a diet that ensures you remain healthy and fit. Post covid the search for foods that are good for the lungs has been the trend. With life going faster, cooking for a separate diet plan gets into your hair because who has time for donning the chef’s cap? The easy exit from the irritating cooking job is to have smoothies. Hence presenting to you smoothies recipes for breakfast. Save your time and energy while you ingest the goodness of vegetables and fruits. They let you have guilt-free indulgence because they are equally scrumptious and healthy.
Smoothies Recipes For Breakfast
As I am following the satvic lifestyle I have been trying smoothies for a while. We are providing you smoothies recipes for breakfast and also for the days when you are on a smoothie diet. You could have them as smoothies or juice them up depending on the time of the day you are trying to have them. Smoothies provide you with ample fibre while juices lack the fiber content. However the juice is what you have first thing in the morning, then it is better to avoid smoothies and stick to juices. Before we jump into the recipe let us address the most commonly asked question. Are smoothies good for you?
Benefits of smoothies
1. Saves time
When you are on a diet, it is difficult to cook all the fancy ‘so-called’ healthy diet which has ingredients that are not even appropriate for the Indian climate and seasons. If you are working or a parent with small children cooking something separately for you can be taxing. So just grind them up and gulp them down.
2. Aids digestion
As opposed to the juices smoothies are rich in fibre. The fibre content enhances the bowel movement thereby improving the digestion of food. If you make smoothies with almond milk or coconut water, it hydrates your body, flushes out the toxins, and regulates the body temperature.
3. Helps in weight loss
Smoothie diet can be incorporated by anyone in their diet. However, it has become the trend once the benefits of smoothies in weight loss have become known to laymen. Smoothies ensure you get the nutrients required without adding calories to your diet.
4. Nutrient-rich
Smoothies are rich in nutrients. Since you are using multiple fruits and vegetables, the smoothies are rich in various nutrients. As you customise your smoothie the nutrients that you receive are varied.
4 Smoothies Recipes for breakfast – Begin your day with a bang
1. ABC Smoothie
ABC Smoothie
ABC smoothie is a powerful detox smoothie with the goodness of Apples, Beetroots and Carrot. Apple is rich in Vitamin E, polyphenols, bio active contents, and antioxidants. Beetroot is rich in Vit B9 and Folate. It also contains nitric oxide which increases bloof flow to your muscles. It contains beta carotene which aids the body in digestion and absorption of votamin A. It is useful for healthy vision, weightloss and improving immunity.Ingredients
- 1½ Apple
- 1½ Beetroot
- 3 Carrots
- 1 tsp Honey Optional
- 1 tsp Grater ginger Optional
- A pinch Salt Optional
Instructions
- Peel and chop the apple, beetroot and carrot. Blend then in a mixer. Add honey and grated ginger and blend again. Add a pinch of salt. Your smoothie is ready. Transferit to a glass/mug and serve fresh.
2. Ashgourd Smoothie
Ashgourd Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- ½ Ashgourd
- 4-5 Soaked almonds
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel and chop the aashgourd and almonds. Blend then in a mixer. Add lemon juice and stir well. Your smoothie is ready. Transferit to a smoothie glass/mug and serve fresh.
3. Green smoothie
Green smoothie
This is a smoothie that can be counted as complete dietEquipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup Spinach fresh and chopped
- ½ banana
- 1 mango cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup Almond milk
- 1 Orange
Instructions
- Peel and chop the banana, mango and almonds. Chop the spinach. Blend them in a mixer. Add lemon juice and stir well. Your smoothie is ready. Transfer it to a smoothie glass/mug and serve fresh.
- Orange can be substituted with lemon juice. Likewise almond milk can be substituted with coconut water or coconut milk
4. Golden Glow Smoothie
Golden Glow Smoothie
It is a colorful, tasty and creamy smoothie rich in Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. It boosts the immune system and energy levels.Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 Carrot grated
- 1 cup Orange/Musambi deseeded
- 1 Papaya chopped
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- ½ tsp Ginger grated
Instructions
- Peel, de-seed and chop the papaya and grate the carrot. Peel and de seed the orange.
- Blend them in a mixer along with turmeric powder and ginger. Your smoothie is ready. Transfer it to a smoothie glass/mug and serve fresh.
The smoothies recipes for breakfast can be customized as per the availability of fruits and vegetables. By consuming these you can ensure that your nutrient requirements are met while you make sure to lose weight in the process.
@rakhijayashankar The copyright of the content belongs to Rakhi Jayashankar and cannot be republished or repurposed without the express permission of the owner.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Outset Books.
The Sweet, Spicy and Sour Memories of Onam
Wrapped up a beautiful Onam Day. With everyone back to bed, I was reminiscing about the Onam days that have gone by. From being that enthusiastic child who observed her mother do the customs to the overtired yet exuberant mother who is doing stuff for the kids, my journey has been tumultuous.
A mother’s onam
Now when I look back I can see that overtired mother who can’t bear to see their kids lose their sleep for any ritual. I can see that lonely woman who is carrying a pitcher full of water in one hand and a tray full of Thumba flowers on the other, a tray with Ada on the floor which she occasionally picks to take ada to offer Maveli. How could she do all for rituals all alone, I wonder now. But then, I hardly cared.
Now when I look at myself as a mother, I refuse to take all the burden alone. I wake them up and ask them to accompany me. We do the welcome call (aarpoo irroo). And I make myself believe that they enjoyed it too because unlike my mother my sole aim is not the happiness of others around me. I want to take care of my happiness and peace as well.
The onam sadya
As I look back, I think of those Onam days when we all sat together and had sadya which our mother made. Later it changed to pre-ordered Sadya that would reach our doorsteps. I used to despise my mother for being lazy and just enjoying the day unlike my friends’ mothers who used to toil inside the kitchen. I conveniently forgot those onam days when she used to cook from dawn.
Some onam days we didn’t have celebrations as some of our loved ones passed away. There was one onam when my mother was away and my father and I had silent sadya together. Needless to say, pre ordered one. Because when it comes to me, my self care matters.Role reversal
And then I got married and since then I have been doing the pookalam and welcoming Maveli (ethirelkal), along with my better half. Then the participant numbers slowly came up and now we have a bunch of 5 hyperactive lots to call Aarppoo Irrooo ( the welcome call to Maveli.)As I said before, I am that mother who doesn’t believe in sacrificing alone.
There was onam during COVID when we just wanted to see another Onam and nothing else. No new clothes, no pookalam, no celebrations. Year’s down the lane, we all forgot those times as well and go on with our celebrations despite all odds because this is one day that we celebrate irrespective of caste, creed and region.
Looking back I have nothing but gratitude for all the good and bad Onam days that went by. I hope you all had a wonderful onam too.
What is your Onam memory?This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.
This post is also a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023Â
SAHM Challenges I Have Overcome To Stay At The Top Of The Game
Challenges I Have Overcome
Karma! I have always visualized it as a daughter-in-law in the patriarchal family setup or in our daily sops, so to speak. You ask me why? Because come what may, anything that happens in your household or life, Karma is to be blamed. Karma is that easy outlet to pin the failures, disappointments, and lack of motivation. While we are at it, Karma would play its role for not putting up enough effort to overcome the challenges that come our way. To stay at the top of the game, we have to be in charge of our life and the challenges I have overcome as an SAHM have been immense. But to stay at the top of the game I had to. How to overcome a challenge as an SAHM?
While battling PPD after my second delivery, I used to visualize myself as a helpless soul sunken in a pit of despair. The thought that I am wasting my life, by changing nappies, was ingrained in my mind. As a Stay at home mom, I was conditioned to think that my life’s purpose was to raise healthy kids and maintain my home. But six years down the line, the realization dawned on me that I cannot let my caliber go in vain and I could simultaneously do my job as a mother without fail. How did I overcome a challenge and start afresh by staying at home for six years? Here are the basic steps I took and they became key points in the challenges I have overcome.
Recognise own’s worth
After spending years confined to home, my confidence had taken a hit. I believed that I lost my talent and perseverance. But when I decided to give life a second chance, I introspected and all I could think of was to write. I started writing poems again. Poems to short stories and finally a novel – when did my talent expand its horizon is still unknown to me.
If you are trying to resume your career, and are unsure where to start, you should start by noting down your strengths. While you enjoy your passion and convert it into a career. With social media at its hype, you can start by pitching for an online opportunity. There are numerous avenues out there. It’s all about where you look.
Plan ahead
We must have a solid foolproof plan to get past the competitive world. This is where journaling and manifestation helps.
Journaling
A journal is like your best friend. You can tell anything to a journal but when you talk to a journal make sure you address yourself with respect and positive ambitions. Note down your strengths and weaknesses. Point out your opportunities and challenges. Have multiple action plans as to how you are going to start because if something didn’t materialise, we should have something else to tap into. Search for opportunities that match your skill set.
Manifestation
If there is something that I blindly believe, it is the power of the law of attraction. Manifesting, your goals, putting it on paper, doing gratitude journal and visualizing it while you work on your goal. The manifestation has been stated in one line but to put it into action intensive brainstorming and perseverance is a must.
Talk to yourself
As weird as it sounds, talking to yourself gives you immense confidence, pushes you forward and instils a go getter attitude inside you. You might err in your process of getting back to your work regime but as a good friend, tell yourself where you faltered and how to rectify. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Be your best friend.
Learn to say NO
However difficult it seems, the power of telling no cannot be replaced with any alternative. When opportunities knock at your door, don’t jump at the first call. Pursue your opportunities, weigh the pros and cons, meanwhile pitch into other possibilities. But immense care needs to be invested in saying No without offending anyone because we never know if we have to go back to them at any point.
Share the load
The most foolish mistake that majority women make is to do everything themselves. Delegation is a virtue that you must master, be it a workspace or home. Ask your partner to share the load if you are the sole responsible one in the relationship. If you are single, modify your life to suit your career. If your kids are grown up, say 8 years and above, ask them to take responsibility for some household chores. The bottom line is that we should not be the only one responsible for the household.
Now that you know how to break the SAHM inertia, start from the basics first and slowly build the momentum. The challenges I have overcome might come across to you as something that every other woman faces. But the fact that it is common doesn’t make it light. You would be there but you might not realise because you are used to hearing ‘we have been through worse’. This is a sad reality that they all had it worse but shant we make it better for us?
This blog post is written for SpeakEasy3.0 and hosted by Dipika Singh and Ruchi Verma.
This blog post is also part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
What Are The Types Of Stretch Marks And How To Get Rid Of Them?
Stretch marks can be frustrating and debilitating at times. It is not a severe health issue, but it’s a cosmetic concern. But look at the flip side of it: Stretch marks are a bane to our existence! You can see a map of purple and white lines crisscrossing your skin; stretch marks on thighs, abdomen, stomach, back, and buttocks are most common. Whether you are a proud mother who’s just given birth to a beautiful baby or have indulged in junk food, stretch marks are the souvenirs that keep on appearing. But don’t worry; we are here to help you navigate this tricky terrain and help you say goodbye to your stretch mark!
What Is a Stretch Mark?
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are narrow lines or stripes that appear on the skin due to rapid stretching or contraction of the skin. Stretch marks can occur to anyone, irrespective of gender and age. They are often caused by weight gain, weight loss, rapid growth during puberty, pregnancy, and other factors. Stretch marks on thighs, hips, abdomen, breasts, and buttocks are common, but it can also appear on other parts of the body. They may appear red or purple when new but tend to fade to a white or silvery color over time.
Stretch marks occur when the skin of that particular area is ruptured due to the tensile pressure. Decreased collagen production in the body, reduces the skin’s elasticity, resulting in stretch marks.
Types Of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common for many people, but did you know there are different types of stretch marks? This article will explore the various types of stretch marks and their unique characteristics.
- Striae Rubra: These are the most common stretch marks, usually red, purple, or pink. They tend to be itchy and are commonly found on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, hips, and thighs. This is the initial stage of stretch marks.
- Striae Alba: As these stretch marks age, they turn white or silver. They are obscure and less itchy than striae rubra. This is known to be the advanced stage of stretch marks.
- Striae Gravidarum: Also known as “pregnancy stretch marks,” these stretch marks are caused by the rapid stretching of the skin during pregnancy. These pregnancy stretch marks are usually found on the belly, breasts, and hips.
- Striae Atrophicans: This stretch mark is caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin, leading to skin thinning and easy bruising. Commonly found in those suffering from Cushing’s syndrome.
- Striae Nigra: Dark grey or black coloured marks often seen in people with a darker complexion.
- Striae Caerulea: Purple or dark blue coloured stretch marks found in people with a dark complexion.
Understanding the different types of stretch marks can help you understand your skin and seek the appropriate treatment to remove stretch marks.
How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are permanent skin scars, but they gradually lighten or fade away with time. Home remedies can relieve stretch marks, but the result may differ from person to person. Many home remedies, topical stretch mark creams and in-office treatments are available to remove stretch marks.
1. Home Remedies
Home remedies can help to lighten stretch marks. Regularly applying moisturizers such as shea or cocoa butter and massaging with argan, olive, or almond oil are two practical options for topical treatment. Consider keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and taking Vitamin C and collagen supplements orally; additionally, adding foods rich in vitamins A & E – carrots, spinach, broccoli etc – in your diet could help promote collagen production. It may take some time to deliver the desired result, so just be patient and consistent.
2. Topical Creams
Stretch mark removal creams, lotions and serums are available, which help to fade away stretch marks. As per experts, topical stretch mark removal creams and lotions help only in the initial stage of stretch marks. Look for skin-friendly ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and tretinoin in your skincare products. I highly recommend using ThriveCo’s Stretch Marks Expert Serum Cream! Formulated with Striover, an active ingredient that stimulates collagen production and reactivates elastin fibres, this Stretch Mark Expert Serum Cream has been hailed by dermatologists as one of the best skincare products on the market. It goes beyond just fading away those pesky stretch marks; its unbelievable moisturizing properties will give your skin a more youthful glow while providing added nourishment from natural oils like almond oil and rosehip oil, which are rich sources of Vitamin E and A.
3. In-Office Treatments
There are now several types of in-office treatments available to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and give you back your confidence! These include laser therapy, radiofrequency therapy in which energy waves are sent to the skin to boost collagen production, microdermabrasion and micro-needling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. Each treatment works differently but is designed to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Choosing which treatment is right for you will depend largely on your individual needs and goals. Your dermatologist will be able to assess your condition and recommend which treatment would be most suitable for you based on factors such as skin type, the severity of stretch marks, the location of stretch marks, etc.
Stretch marks stretch marks on thighs, abdomen, stomach, back, and buttocks can be embarrassing, but they don’t have to stay forever! With proper care and smart lifestyle choices (such as eating right and exercising regularly), you can reduce their visibility until they become barely noticeable!