Simple proteins can help the body to heal well.
In the acute stages of wound care, it is essential to first clean and dress the wound. Using antibacterial spray can also help keep the wound from infection. After initially caring for the wound, patients may find it helpful to consider the healing process to continue from the inside out. That’s right: What goes into the body in terms of food, fuel and nutrition can impact the rate of wound healing. In other words, it might be time for patients to look more closely at their diets.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the body requires additional calories during a time of healing. In particular, individuals should focus on increasing their protein, vitamins A and C and sometimes zinc. So-called “power” foods can expedite the healing process, allowing people to feel better and resume their regular activities sooner.
Dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, orange or yellow vegetables (such as peppers), cantaloupe and liver can be good sources of vitamin A. Those looking to try and eat more protein may want to incorporate more eggs into the diet, as well as tofu, Greek yogurt, fish, poultry and red meat. Vegans or vegetarians who are more conscious of their protein sources may want to try something new like tempeh or homemade bean “burgers,” or Quorn, which is a Mycoprotein. According to the official website for the product, Mycoprotein is the dough made from the fermentation of a fungus. Patients who hope to care for themselves by changing their diets and incorporating more non-meat sources may want to try it as an alternative.
Orange juice and fresh oranges, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli are some of the “power” foods which are vitamin C-rich. And zinc can be consumed through fortified cereals, seafood and red meats.
Depending on the location and severity of the wound, it can affect the appetite. The Cleveland Clinic suggested that those struggling to eat three meals a day can divide their eating up into five or six smaller meals, spreading the eating across the day. A multivitamin can assist with any gaps in nutrition, but those who are trying a new vitamin may want to speak with their doctor first.
Of course, those with diabetes should continue to monitor their blood sugar levels while healing.
Anyone who finds changes with their taste buds – which can be a side effect from healing – might want to focus on plainer, blander foods. Instead of spicy chicken, a grilled chicken breast may be more appealing at this time. Patients may find that plain Greek yogurt or plain cottage cheese are two excellent, low-sugar protein sources.
Innovative Outcomes is the nation’s leader in delivering specialized wound care supplies to patients.
