Thursday 9 April 2015

Diet and wound healing

The whole process of wound healing can be negatively impacted without proper nutrition. Diet plays a critical role in how fast wound heals, how strong the wound tissue becomes, duration of recovery period and how well the body fights off infection during recovery.
A poor diet can turn a normal wound into a chronic wound that never seems to get better.
As the body attempts to heal itself from a wound, it will create stress hormone and divert extra resources (fats, proteins, carbohydrates, antioxidants and more) to the creation of new tissue. This is referred to as the CATABOLIC PHASE OF HEALING.
Protein is the most essential aspect of diet when healing from a wound as it helps to repair the damaged tissue from the wound. Good sources of protein are beans, fish etc. To help the healing process, more protein is needed.
Taking in plenty carbohydrate is also essential to prevent the body from using other nutrients and protein for energy. Food like cereals and breads are good source of energy for wound healing. Fats from diary product (milk and yoghurt) are essential as they help to maintain healing.
Vitamin A and vitamin C are important antioxidants for wound healing. Vitamin A helps to fight off infection and aids in controlling inflammatory response while vitamin C helps with the creation of collagen in the skin. Red fruits and dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables are great sources of vitamin A and C respectively.
Zinc is an important mineral for wound healing. It helps the body synthesize protein and develop collagen. Zinc recommendation vary from 15mg-50mg per day. Zinc supplements are available in the nearest pharmacy store close to you.
A final note is needed to emphasize the importance of hydration for wound healing. Drink plenty of water and fluid throughout the healing process to help facilitate proper circulation and detoxification.

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