Proper nutrition plays a key role in wound healing, providing the body with the energy and materials required for tissue repair and healing. A healthy diet can also boost your immune system, protecting your wounds from infection. Although there is not a specific diet that will heal your wounds, following a diet with adequate calories, protein and nutrients can help the healing process. Discuss your diet with your doctor prior to making any changes. Wounds can be a serious medical condition and should be treated under the care of a medical team.
Protein Recommendations
Dietary protein is essential for wound healing, providing the body with the materials necessary for new tissue synthesis. Protein requirements increase when a wound is present, with daily intake recommendations ranging between 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day and up to 1.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. Your doctor can tell you what the right amount of protein is for you. Good sources of dietary protein include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Calorie Recommendations
Adequate calories are critical for the wound healing process. When a wound occurs, your metabolism increases, resulting in increased caloric needs. When the body receives fewer calories than it requires, protein will be used for energy rather than wound repair. Specific calorie recommendations vary based on the severity of the wound and can range from 16 calories per pound of body weight per day in mild cases to greater than 18 calories per pound of body weight per day for severe wounds.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C also plays an important role in wound healing. Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis, which gives new tissue strength and stability. Inadequate vitamin C can slow the healing process. Because the body cannot produce vitamin C, it is important to include foods that are rich in vitamin C in your diet. Oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, bell peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all good sources of vitamin C.
Zinc
Like vitamin C, zinc cannot be produced by the body, but is required for wound healing. Zinc is also involved in the synthesis of new collagen to heal a wound. A zinc deficiency can slow the wound healing process, as the body does not have the necessary elements required for healing. While your doctor may prescribe a zinc supplement, many foods contain zinc as well. Meat, fish, eggs, beans, liver and whole-wheat breads, cereals and crackers are all good sources of zinc.
References
- National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel: The Role of Nutrition in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment; Becky Dorner, et al; 2009
- Medline Plus: Pressure Ulcer
- Drugs.com: Wound Healing and Your Diet
- "Wound Care Canada"; Nutrition and Wound-Care Management/Prevention; Theresa A. Hurd;
- Dietetics; Nutrition and Wound Healing; James Collier
