Diet For A Patient With Severe Burns

Burns, including severe burns, are a relatively common health problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 1.1 million burn injuries in the United States each year need medical attention and intervention, and that about 50,000 burn injuries require hospitalization annually. Certain dietary approaches may be helpful for burn survivors. However, consult your primary care provider before using natural treatments to address your health complaints.

About Severe Burns

Fires and burns cause about 3,500 deaths per year in the United States, according to the American Burn Association. About 3,000 of these deaths are caused by residential fires while the remainder are caused by motor vehicle accidents and exposure to chemicals, electricity and other substances. Third-degree burns are considered the most severe type of burn, and these burns are characterized by destruction of your epidermis -- your outer layer of skin -- and your dermis, or the layer of tissue beneath your superficial skin layer.

Dietary Approach

One of the most important dietary approaches in treating severe burns, according to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," involves increasing your consumption of both protein and calories. Protein and calories are required to help repair your skin and underlying tissues. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming more lean meats, cold-water fish, beans and tofu to boost your protein intake. Other beneficial foods for this condition may include foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, salmon, walnuts and sardines, because essential fatty acids are known to promote healing.

A Healing Food

Cod may be one of the most effective foods in aiding your severe burn recovery. According to George Mateljan, a nutritionist, biologist and author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," cod is one of the best sources of dietary protein. Consuming protein-rich foods such as cod may help you recover from severe burns, improve the function of your immune system, improve the health of your skin, hair and nails and encourage the production of important enzymes within your body.

Considerations

Severe burns are a true medical emergency and require the immediate care and assistance of burn specialists. Diet and nutrition are an important part of any treatment plan addressing burns. Your doctor can counsel you on the advantages and disadvantages of this natural treatment approach for this health purpose, and she can inform you of the risks and limitations associated with nutritional therapy. In most cases, a combination of allopathic and complementary alternative treatments may be optimal in treating your severe burns.