Are There Foods That Reduce Stretch Marks?

According to health experts, stretch marks do not require medical treatment and there are cases where they disappear on their own, over time.

Stretch marks are skin atrophies that appear when the skin loses elasticity and the fibers break, that is, when there is a breakage and partial loss of collagen and elastin fibers. Among the risk factors that can influence its appearance, we can mainly mention the increase and drastic loss of weight, followed by pregnancy, hormonal alterations, obesity, among others. The good news is that, although they are unsightly, they do not pose a health risk.

They can appear in different parts of the body, however it is true that it is common to find them in the abdominal area and on the legs. They generally have a pearly appearance, although they can also have a purple or pink hue, according to the pharmacist Ana Ayala.

Although there are several types of treatment that can greatly help mitigate their appearance, it is important to be clear that there is no way to eliminate them completely. Experts in dermatology clarify that “currently, there is no standardized treatment for this disorder and its management is a challenge.” Therefore, all treatments must be combined with good lifestyle habits  so that patients can appreciate a real improvement.

Can food reduce stretch marks? How?

A good diet is essential to maintain the health of the skin and the rest of the body. So much so that today nutricosmetics is used as an ally when it comes to complementing any dermatological treatment.

Eating healthy helps prevent and mitigate the appearance of stretch marks because it allows you to maintain a stable weight, within normal limits, and thus prevent skin stretching. 

Here are some of the foods that you should include in your diet to show off healthy and beautiful skin, and keep stretch marks at bay. Keep in mind that none of them will prevent or eliminate stretch marks on their own, but by helping you take care of your diet, they help you gain health, beauty and well-being.

Wheat germ and whole grains

According to the experts of the Argentine Nutrition Society (SAN), wheat germ is a food that not only contains proteins of vegetable origin and fiber, but also polyunsaturated fats with a predominance of linoleic acid. “In turn, it supplies B-complex vitamins, such as folate, thiamine, vitamin B6 and minerals such as zinc, selenium, potassium, non-heme iron and low sodium content.

Whole grains would also be recommended for the diet, since they contain several essential nutrients and also help maintain intestinal transit.

Fruits and vegetables

The World Health Organization recommends consuming about 400 grams of fruits and vegetables a day to balance the diet and maintain health. These foods have various nutrients and also satisfy the appetite without adding too many calories. According to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

Seeds

The seeds are a source of vitamin E and other nutrients that contribute to the health of the whole organism and, in addition, improve the health of all the organs, tissues and systems of the body. Among the most recommended are those of chia, flax, sesame, sesame and sunflower.

Nuts

Nuts provide vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids that are responsible for nourishing the skin and improving its elasticity . You can consume a handful of walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts , unsalted peanuts and pine nuts, regularly to maintain the beauty of your skin.

Keep in mind that omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to help modulate inflammation, according to a study published in International Immunology.

Vegetable oils

Vegetable oils will provide unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Together, these two ingredients they reduce the action of free radicals, among other issues. This is evidenced by the most recent trials.

Another great ally: water

Although water is not exactly a food, it is essential not to exclude it from the diet. This vital liquid can contribute a lot to the body, helping it to perform its functions correctly and to stay healthy.

Recipes for remedies to reduce stretch marks

Instead of consuming any industrial drink, you can opt for one of these delicious recipes. They are made up of natural ingredients that, in addition to providing your body with extra nutrients, help you eliminate fluid retention and detoxify.

Strawberry and orange juice

Delicious, refreshing and digestive, this juice will provide you with extra antioxidants and essential vitamins for the skin.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of strawberries (150 g).
• 2 teaspoons of flaxseed (10 g).
• 1 glass of orange juice (250 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of ground oats (10 g).

Preparation

• First, wash the strawberries well and include them in the blender glass along with the rest of the ingredients.
• Finally, process until you get a lump-free mixture and consume.

Spirulina juice and almond milk

The mixture of spirulina, almond milk and a touch of aloe vera can help you fight constipation, detoxify and improve the health of your skin.

Ingredients

• Spirulina (to taste).
• Flaked oats (to taste).
• 1 glass of aloe juice (250 ml).
• ½ glass of almond milk (125 ml).

Preparation

• Process all the ingredients until you get a homogeneous mixture. 
• Serve and enjoy.

Papaya smoothie

Since papaya is a food that has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, it is considered that this smoothie can be beneficial to alleviate fluid retention and regulate intestinal transit.

Ingredients

• Oatmeal (10 g).
• Papaya (100 g).
• 2 almonds (to decorate).
• 1 teaspoon of rice molasses (20 g).
• 1 glass of almond drink (250 ml).

Preparation

• First, add all the ingredients to the blender.
• Finally, once they are well integrated, serve in a glass and drink. 

The best treatment is prevention

In a study published in 2000 it was clarified that “both pharmacological and dermo-cosmetic treatments are not very effective in eliminating atrophic stretch marks, so the best that can be done is to prevent them “.

On the other hand, Mayo Clinic experts explain that no treatment eliminates stretch marks. They can only dim them. In addition, depending on the case, the doctor may consider resorting to retinoids, light and laser treatments, and microdermabrasion.