Diet plays a very important role in wound healing. Without the right fuels, wounds can take much longer to heal, if they can heal at all.
To better understand this, let’s take a look at the stages of wound healing. There are four phases in the process.
The first phase is the hemostasis phase. This is where the blood begins to clot and forms a dam to block the outflow of excess blood. The second phase is the inflammation phase. During this phase, bacteria are destroyed and the body removes debris from the area. The third phase is the proliferation phase. This phase is characterized by the formation of blood and new cells to build a protective barrier. The final stage is the maturation stage, where collagen matures, the wound closes and scars form. This phase can take up to two years, depending on the severity of the wound.
Poor absorption and a lack of certain nutrients can delay or inhibit wound healing. Carbohydrates, proteins, water, vitamins and minerals all contribute to the healing process. The body needs extra energy to heal, so you may need to eat more than is normal for your body. This is not a free pass to eat, but rather a wise choice of foods that can aid the healing process.
Carbohydrates stimulate the production of insulin, which regulates blood sugar, which also contains zinc and growth factors to repair damaged skin. However, it is important to remember that too much glucose in the blood can increase the rate of potential infections and delay wound healing. Choose carbohydrates carefully. Don’t indulge in simple sugars like sugary cereals, beverages, baked goods, sodas, or juices. Instead, increase the number of complex carbohydrates like beans, legumes, peas, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, which are digested longer and don’t cause blood sugar levels to skyrocket. This is especially important for people with insulin resistance. Also, keep in mind that medications like steroids and some antibiotics can automatically raise blood sugar levels.
Protein is important for collagen synthesis and tissue repair at the structural level, and also supports immune function. Add a protein to any meal or snack. Because of its importance in wound healing, you should consume all of the protein before topping up the rest of the meal / snack. Good sources of protein are eggs, nuts, dairy products, chicken, fish, and meat. For an extra protein boost, you can add powdered dry milk to mueslis, cream soups, or mashed potatoes.
Fats provide energy and support the absorption of vitamins and fatty acids. Unsaturated fats like avocados, peanut butter, olives, nuts, seeds, and fish are all beneficial for the healing process. Too many saturated fats, animal fats, can keep the body in a state of inflammation, so limit your diet.
Water is key to skin elasticity, oxygen and blood supply, dilutes blood sugar, and helps with waste disposal and delivery of micronutrients to the injury site. If you have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drainage from the wound, you will need to drink more water to make up for the loss.
Vitamins and minerals also play an important role in wound healing. Vitamin C helps in the formation of new collagen. Zinc maintains the durability of the skin and mucous membranes and at the same time strengthens the immune system. Vitamin D regulates cell growth. Vitamin K helps blood clotting. Iron supplies oxygen to the tissues.
The bottom line is this, eat well to heal well.
Beth Brink, MS, Registered Nutritionist and Licensed Nutritionist with the DeTar Healthcare System.
