Most people don’t know this, but one of the key factors to healing a wound is proper nutrition. Most of our patients focus on caring for the wound directly. However, treating the wound on the surface is only half of the battle; you also need to help your body provide the right healing nutrients to treat the wound internally. Read on for more details about what foods to increase while healing.
In a previous article we wrote regarding reasons wounds won’t heal, we discussed how several food types are critical for healing. We wanted to dive a little bit deeper and give examples the certain foods that help.
Protein
Protein is critical because it provides the building blocks to create and replace the damaged cells.
Good sources of Protein include:
Meats, dried beans, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu and soy products.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps control inflammatory response.
Good sources of Vitamin A include:
Dark green leafy vegetables, orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, liver, fortified dairy products, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves as a antioxidant by helping the body form new collagen.
Good sources of Vitamin C include:
Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, baked potatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates boost collagen production, promotes fibroblast growth and provides energy for white blood cells.
Good sources of Carbohydrates include:
Pasta, fruit, rice and oatmeal.
Zinc
Zinc maintains mucosal membranes and maintain the durability of skin.
Good sources of Zinc include:
Red Meats, seafood, and fortified cereals.
Liquids
Lack of fluids delay every aspect of wound healing. Without proper moisture, cells that work to migrate over repaired tissue will not be able to cover the wound in time, leaving it more susceptible to open air and infection.
Good sources of fluid include:
Water, unsweetened beverages, tea, coffee, 100-percent fruit juice and milk.
So don’t forget, healing a wound does not just involve direct application to the wound area. Help your body heal faster by providing the ingredients to rebuild your cells.
