Index
We have all had a wound, a cut, scratch, or scratch that breaks the skin.
Generally, wounds in healthy people heal quickly while they remain clean and free of infection. At the same time, other types of injuries have a greater severity and generally require medical intervention.
These can include bedsores, also called sore or pressure ulcers, developed where the bones are located in a nearby area of the skin, such as ankles, back, elbows, heels, and hips; in prone people, use a chair wheel or that can not change its position.
Those with diabetes also have an increased risk of developing foot ulcers that may take weeks or months to heal.
Food choices and nutrition influence the healing of wounds because serious wounds require more energy, minerals, vitamins, and proteins needed for the healing process. In addition, nutrients are lost in the fluid that comes out of the wounds.
Nutrition tips
The priority is to consume enough calories from a balanced diet of nutritious foods.
Plan healthy, balanced meals and snacks that include many foods from all food groups (proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains).
Include optimal amounts of protein. Try 20 to 30 grams of protein in each meal and 10 to 15 grams of protein with each snack.
A piece of cooked chicken, lean meat, or fish the size of a deck of cards (about 3 ounces) contains 20 to 25 grams of protein.
One egg, one tablespoon of peanut butter, and 1 ounce of cheese contain 6 to 7 grams of protein. A cup of yogurt or low-fat milk contains 8 grams of protein.
Stay well hydrated with water and other sugar-free beverages, such as coffee, tea, milk, and 100% natural fruit juice.
Some wounds may require a higher intake of specific vitamins and minerals to heal.
Talk to a registered dietitian for an individualized meal plan with optimal amounts of calories, protein, fluids, vitamins, and minerals for your specific needs.
For patients with diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is one of the best ways to prevent and treat a wound. Work with your doctor and nutritionist to develop a personalized plan for blood sugar control.
Specific foods to accelerate the healing process
Nutrition is an essential factor in all aspects of life since our food provides the energy and nutrients our bodies need to function.
It also helps determine the speed and effectiveness of wound healing.
While eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and whole grains is key to proper nutrition, some foods with a higher value can help boost the immune system.
They also improve tissue production and accelerate the body’s ability to recover.
Consider some of these superfoods to accelerate the healing of your wounds:
Tomatoes: These red fruits, often confused with vegetables, are abundant in lycopene, a rare antioxidant in many other foods.
This element protects the body against oxidation that can damage cells and support good immune function.
As such, it has the potential to reduce the risk of wound infection. To incorporate more of this superfood into your diet, add a few slices of tomato to your sandwich or on top of a salad, and increase the number of tomatoes in your pasta sauce.
Broccoli: This vegetable is rich in phytonutrients. According to the National Institutes of Health, these antioxidants help control inflammation and improve immune function, among other benefits.
According to the NIH, it also contains vitamin C, which is mandatory for repairing and growing all forms of tissue, from the blood vessels to the upper dermal layer.
Add some broccoli flowers to your fresh salad, on a pasta dish, or even in your eggs in the morning to increase your intake of this tasty superfood.
Black beans: Protein is the component of black beans that leads to superfood status.
According to the US Department of Agriculture UU, An individual serving or 1/2 cup of these legumes provides approximately 8 grams of protein, and they are low in sodium and saturated fats.
When it comes to wound healing, protein is needed to develop new tissue, and a deficiency can slow recovery times.
With this in mind, black beans are an excellent alternative to meat for vegetarians and vegans, can be used as a base for hamburgers without meat, as a source of protein in soups, and as garnishes and sauces in a variety of ways.
Soy: Another meal for vegans and vegetarians is soy. Soy contains a wide range of vitamins, including A, C, D, E, and K, which promote a good digestive function, support the immune system, and improve the skin’s health. It is also rich in proteins to advance the development of new tissues.
Incorporating soy into your diet can be problematic. Still, it can be found in certain products in the aisle of your grocery store, from instant oatmeal to vegetarian burgers and non-dairy cheeses.
Chocolate: Those who like sweets will be happy to hear that chocolate has a lot of benefits for the general well-being and, in particular, for wound healing.
According to a report by the Contemporary Review magazine, dark chocolate can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
This is key to the body’s ability to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and vitamins to the wound bed. It also has strong antioxidant properties, which can benefit the immune system to help prevent infection.
