Getting tattooed affects more than just the specific area of
your skin that is being worked on. It affects your entire body. A
tattoo is created by making a series of puncture wounds to the skin with
needles carrying ink.Like any injury,
this results in an immediate response by your immune system both to the tattooed
area and generally throughout your body in order to regain balance and initiate healing.
If you’ve been tattooed before, you know
that it can be physically exhausting, particularly if you are sitting for
several hours at a time during a single session. It can be very helpful
to bolster your immune system before and after your tattoo appointment.
You might find that these holistic tips make the whole process a little easier
and help your tattoo heal better and more quickly:
Eat Well
The Good:Eating the
right foods will strengthen your immune system and prevent unnecessary
inflammation in the body that may make getting tattooed and healing more
difficult. Eat foods that provide you with energizing protein, fat, and
vitamins while minimizing inflammation. Excellent sources of protein are
soaked nuts and seeds, organic tempeh or sprouted tofu, wild salmon and local organic grass fed
meat/eggs (if you choose to eat animal products). Some less inflammatory grains
like amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa offer some protein as well. Good fats
can be obtained from coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and the animal products mentioned above (though it’s not at all necessary to eat animal products to meet your daily needs).
Fruits and vegetables are essential for providing your body with much needed nutrients
while actively reducing inflammation. So eat plenty of them, especially
berries and dark leafy greens. Eat organic if possible to optimize the
anti-inflammatory effects of your foods.
The Bad:It is best
to avoid foods that cause inflammation and free radical damage such as wheat,
flour, most grains, non-organic and grain-fed animal products, foods and beverages containing sugar, fried foods,
processed and packaged foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
The Portable:I
always bring food to keep me going through longer appointments. Easy
snacks like almonds, pumpkin seeds, apples, bananas, and carrots will keep your
blood sugar stable while maintaining your energy levels for hours. Your
artist will most likely need to take the occasional break during a long session
so this is the perfect opportunity to snack.
If you do not usually follow these eating habits, consider
starting them weeks before your tattoo sessions all the way through the healing
period. You may notice not only better healing, but improved health and stamina
as well.
Of course, it is not absolutely essential that you follow
these food guidelines, but I find that this allows me to sit longer and more
comfortably in a session, and speeds my healing process. Consult your doctor before making any major dietary
changes.
Drink Up!
Most of us need a minimum of 64 oz of pure water each day to
maintain healthy fluid balance, energy levels, and organ function (this varies with factors like personal weight and climate). It is even
more vital while our bodies are ill, injured, or healing. Drink your 8
glasses a day!
Remember, the skin is the
last vital organ on the list to receive water, so drinking enough ensures that
your skin stays hydrated and supple.
Sleep for Health.
Getting tattooed while you’re short on sleep can be tough.
Do yourself a favor and go in for your appointment well-rested and try to get a
good night’s sleep in the following days.
Our bodies need quality rest to
reduce stress, heal, and to keep up our defenses against illness and infection.Sleep requirements differ for everyone, usually
anywhere from 6-9 hours per night.
Consider Supplements.
Due to environmental factors, our food is no longer as
nutritious as it should be so I find it very helpful to take vitamins on a
regular basis, especially when I’ve got a tattoo appointment planned. I
recommend Vitamin Code RAW ONE for Men or for Women (and any of the Vitamin
Code Raw line) because these supplements are the most usable by your body due
to the fact that they are raw, cultured, and made with organic
ingredients. All Vitamin Code supplements are also vegan.
By taking a multivitamin, you ensure your
body has what it needs to repair itself. Plus, having a little boost of
Vitamin C and Zinc are excellent for healing and can dramatically cut down your
recovery time.Talk to your doctor
before adding new supplements.
Use the Highest Quality Topical Aftercare.
The final step in Stay True’s holistic approach to healing tattoos
is chemical-free aftercare made from organic ingredients. Providing your skin
with calming emollients, essential nutrients, and immune strengthening herbs
topically will keep your skin comfortable and promote the fastest healing
period possible while keeping your tattoo bold and bright.The three most important investments in your
tattoo are choosing the right artist for you, using a good sunscreen, and using
the best aftercare you can find.Click
here to learn about these products and order your Stay True Organics tattoo aftercare.
