Proper wound healing requires a sufficient supply of key nutrients. Your nutritional status and dietary intake will impact the ability of your body to repair damaged tissue. The body has an increased need for calories, protein, vitamins A and C and zinc while trying to heal. Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods to promote the healing process.
Calories
Wounds, particularly severe burns or multiple injury sites, increase the body's energy needs, according to Abbott Nutrition. Adequate calorie intake is essential for the production of collagen and other processes that take place during wound healing. Abbott Nutrition suggests consuming 30 to 35 calories per kg of body weight daily. Eat five to six small meals and nutrient-dense snacks daily to make sure you meet your calorie needs. If your wounds are not healing properly or if you lose weight, talk to your doctor or dietitian as you may require a greater caloric intake.
Protein
Protein needs are increased during the healing process due to the increased metabolic activity, tissue regeneration and repair. Protein can also be lost in wound seepage. The Cleveland Clinic suggests consuming two to three servings of protein foods daily. These can include 1 cup of cooked beans, 2 to 3 oz. of lean meat, chicken or fish, 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, one egg, 1 cup of yogurt or milk or 2 oz. of cheese.
Micronutrients
Vitamins A and C and zinc needs are increased during wound healing. A 2003 article published in "Alternative Medicine Review" recommends getting at least 25,000 International Units of Vitamin A, 1 to 2 grams of vitamin C and 15 to 30 milligrams of zinc daily until the wounds are healed completely. Include dark green vegetables, orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries, potatoes, fortified dairy products, fortified cereals, meat and seafood to meet these requirements. Talk to your doctor if you plan to add dietary supplements to your diet as they may interfere with medications.
Considerations
If you have diabetes, are on dialysis, have food allergies that could interfere with adequate intake or if you choose to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, Nestle Nutrition recommends meeting with a dietitian. A consultation is recommended if you are currently on a special diet. Weight loss or cholesterol-lowering diets may not be conducive to wound healing.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Nutrition Guidelines to Improve Wound Healing
- Abbott Nutrition: Improving Outcomes in Chronic Diseases with Specialized Nutrition Intervention - Wound Healing (PDF)
- Nestle Nutrition: Nutrition & Wound Healing (PDF)
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Nutritional Support for Wound Healing; Douglas MacKay, et al.; November 2003 (PDF)
Member Comments