Nutrition is an important aspect of wound healing, particularly for third degree burns. It is vital that you give your body the nutrients it needs to allow it to repair the damage, fight off infection and heal when dealing with a burn injury. Nutrition is key during the entire healing process, but particularly during the earliest stages.
What Is a Third Degree Burn?
Otherwise known as a "full thickness burn," it penetrates the outer layer of skin as well as the layer underneath. Third degree burns are generally caused by flames, a chemical, scalding liquid or prolonged exposure to a hot object. Immediate medical attention is required, as underlying bones, muscles and tendons may also be destroyed and infection is a real risk.
Significance of Carbohydrates, Protein and Adequate Hydration in the Healing of Third Degree Burns
After a burn injury, your medical team will evaluate the extent and depth of the injury and if there is infection present. Calorie needs vary from patient to patient and should be determined by your doctor or dietitian. Eating adequate calories, especially carbohydrates, allows the body to use dietary protein for healing. Protein and fluids are the primary nutrients lost in the wounds. Your medical team may recommend that you eat very high levels of dietary protein and stay well hydrated. Fat should be at 30 percent of your total intake or less. In excess, certain fats can be inflammatory and decrease immunity.
Vitamins and Minerals Are Important in the Healing of Burn Wounds
A standard multivitamin is a good starting point to prevent deficiency in patients with small surface area burns. People with larger third degree burn areas will likely have greater deficiencies and need more supplementation. Your doctor will best know what and how much to supplement and when it is time to stop.
Function of These Nutrients in the Burn Healing Process
According to "The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition", the evidence does not support routine use of specific nutrients for wound healing; however, it is common practice in medicine to correct deficiencies and anticipate them. Vitamin A helps in the creation of new skin and levels in the blood can be too low if your body is fighting infection or if you are taking high dose steroids for the injury. Vitamin C and zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamin B6 and B12, magnesium, calcium, copper and iron all play important roles in collagen formation and wound healing. Please consult a physician before taking additional supplements beyond those in a multivitamin.
Expert Insight Into Making These Recommendations Practical
Overall recommendations include a high carbohydrate, high protein diet. Choose foods high in antioxidants and vitamin C like blueberries, pomegranates and bell peppers. Add low fat sources of protein to your diet such as chicken, fish with omega 3 fatty acids, yogurt, beans, nuts and nut butters. Many high protein foods are also high in zinc. Choose whole grain breads and pastas, brown rice, quinoa (also a good protein source) as carbohydrate sources and avoiding over processed foods. Be sure and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Consider a multivitamin that provides vitamin C, zinc and vitamin E. High fiber foods are also helpful if you are taking certain painkillers that are causing constipation.
References
- The A.S.P.E.N Nutrition Support Core Curriculum; MM Gottschlich, editor; 2007
Member Comments