Basically! How fast or slow your wound heals depends on your physiology. Healing
wounds is all about a person’s body’s capacity to heal. It is the process of replacement of
destroyed tissue with newly produced tissues. Here nutrition plays an important role in healing faster. Diabetic people should avoid several foods during the process of wound healing.
Importance of Food in Wound Healing
Food is very important for the healing of wounds. It keeps your wound healing faster. Better nutrition helps to heal infections faster. Eating a balanced diet keeps your wound healing faster and helps prevent infection.
Certain vitamins play a very important role in healing. If you are not taking enough vitamins from food, take them with supplements.
During healing, the body needs more energy, calories, proteins, vitamins, fluids, and certain minerals.
Foods that Prevent Wound Healing
Sugar and Sugary Products
Sugar slows the process of healing. Sugar causes disturbance in collagen in the epidermis. It affects the fibroblast and regenerative phase of wound healing. In this way, sugary products cause wounds to heal longer.
Ginger
Although, ginger heals wounds more rapidly as ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. But excessive use of ginger stops the process of blood clot formation along with certain medications.
Fried foods
Avoid the use of fried items as they contain lots of saturated and trans fats in it. They are higher in cholesterol and slower in wound healing—for example, French fries, chicken pieces, etc.
Alcohol
Alcohol directly hinders the absorption of food and medicine. It impairs the absorption of protein that has to be converted into amino acids for collagen synthesis. It also stops the
absorption of zinc which helps in wound healing faster.
Caffeine
Although caffeine has strong antioxidant properties, it slows the process of wound healing. It affects tissue proliferation and increases healing time. It also affects nutrient absorption.
Cold Food
Cold food causes issues like eczema and stomachache and prevents your wound from healing faster. It may increase your inflammation, lower your immunity, and delay recovery.
Like: Salads, ice cream, sodas, and canned products.
Warm, Hot, and spicy food
Avoid hot and spicy food, as that food increases the risk of inflammation. It aggravates your infection and delays the convalescence period. Too much hot food aggravates inflammation and hence should be avoided.
Like: scallion, garlic, pepper, leek, onion, alcohol, mutton, fried food, etc.
Red Meat
It is nutritious but may darken the wounds and deepen the scar. So, should be eaten in the appropriate amount.
Foods that Help in Healing Faster
It is very important to adopt dietary habits during the phase of wound healing for faster
recovery. The body is a self-healing organism; it heals faster with proper diet and medication.
Certain vitamins, minerals, and food are very important that boost your immunity, promote better circulation, and lead to faster healing.
So, if you have a wound, take these vitamins and foods under consideration:
Vitamin C
It helps to promote collagen formation and boosts your immunity.
Sources: citrus fruits, dark leafy vegetables, onions, potatoes, peppers, kiwis, and tropical fruits.
Proteins
Proteins are essential to building, maintaining, and repairing muscles and body tissues. They are very important for gaining muscle mass and fighting against infection.
Sources: chicken, tuna, turkey, beans, nuts, eggs, and milk
Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are rich in anti-oxidant. They have anti-inflammatory properties that help your wound to heal faster. Place colorful vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Sources: strawberries, leafy greens, tomatoes, red and yellow onions, and celery
Fiber
Promote healthy gut functioning, and fiber plays a lot of important roles. It prevents the infection and helps to heal wounds.
Sources: oatmeal, apples, nuts, carrots, legumes, berries, etc
If fiber is not fulfilled by diet, supplements should be taken pure form of fiber is guar, gum, xanthan gum, psyllium seed husk, Espanol, etc.
Vitamin E
It has a strong anti-oxidant agent that helps in faster healing. It may be taken in the form of some fruits and also be applied on the skin as a cream. So, it has multiple benefits.
Sources: mangos, avocados, fish, fish liver oil, dark leafy greens, olive oil, and pumpkin.
Iron
It aids in providing oxygen and improves collagen production at a wound site, thus it’s a best way to promote healing process.
Sources: red meat, fish, eggs, dark leafy vegetable, dried fruits, and nuts.
They were also taken as supplements if dietary sources were not appropriate.
Zinc
It is an important mineral that promotes wound healing and helps cell regeneration. It also helps in repair damaged tissues and prevent infection.
Sources: meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, seeds, etc
Supplementation: When Dietary Intake is NOT Appropriate
If you are unable to meet your needs through your diet alone, try the following:
- Oral nutrition supplements: Many varieties provide extra calories,
protein, vitamins, and minerals in flavored and unflavored options. Try several to
find one you enjoy as a base for shakes and smoothies.
- Take a daily vitamin with minerals if you cannot eat the standard suggested
minimum servings listed on the first page. Always check with your doctor before
taking a new vitamin.
Make an appointment with a registered dietitian if your appetite remains poor, your wound is
not healing well, or you are losing weight.
Plan Diet that Promotes Wound Healing with Good Nutrition
- Plan healthy, balanced meals and snacks with the right foods from all the My-Plate food groups — protein foods, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains.
- Choose vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins C and E, such as broccoli or strawberries. Choose fortified grains and protein foods for adequate zinc, such as beef, chicken, seafood, or beans.
- Some wounds may require a higher intake of certain vitamins and minerals to support healing. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
- Include adequate protein in your meal. Include a source of protein at each meal or snack. A sample menu may include scrambled eggs for breakfast, black bean tacos for lunch, yogurt or cheese for a snack, and chicken for dinner.
- Stay well-hydrated with water or other unsweetened beverages.
- For people with diabetes, control blood sugar levels to help prevent wounds from developing and from supporting healing and recovery.
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