At Mobile Wounds, we bring wound care services to you in the comfort of your own home. If you have a slow healing or chronic wound and want expert care and advice, our team of medical professionals can help. Keep reading to learn more about optimal nutritional support for wound healing, and then call us to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Wound Care Nutrition
If you don’t maintain proper nutrition during the healing and wound care process, your wound may not heal as quickly, and you could be at a greater risk of infection or other complications. Following the right diet can help you heal faster and give your body the fuel and resources it needs to fight off infection. No matter what caused your wound, your body needs extra fuel and nutrients to promote its natural healing processes properly. Your body must increase collagen and elastin production, which requires calories, protein, vitamins, and nutrients.
The Best Diet for Wound Recovery
Many people don’t realize this, but there are foods you can eat that speed up the wound healing process and reduce your risk of complications. The best foods for faster wound healing are whole and natural, not overly processed, low in sugar, protein-rich, and contain high levels of vitamins A and C. A well-balanced diet can support every stage of the wound healing process. The best diet for wound recovery includes:
- Whole grains
- Whole fruits and vegetables
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Natural fiber
- Protein
- Easy to digest foods like bananas, chicken, salmon, and oatmeal
Vitamins for Wound Healing
Certain vitamins and nutrients can improve and accelerate wound healing and reduce your risk of infections and other complications. If you aren’t eating enough or following a poor diet, you may develop a nutrient deficiency, which will negatively affect your body’s ability to heal. The most important nutrients and vitamins for wound healing are:
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an immune system booster and improves collagen production. A vitamin C deficiency can negatively affect the healing process. You can get more vitamin C by eating citrus fruits, kiwi, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers.
- Vitamin A – Vitamin A also improves collagen production, and a vitamin A deficiency can slow wound healing. You can get more vitamin A by eating eggs, apricots, liver, mango, cantaloupe, pumpkin, cheese, carrots, and peaches and drinking milk.
- Zinc – Zinc is critical to every part of the wound-healing process, including tissue growth and collagen production. You can get more zinc by eating red meat, shellfish, eggs, fish, and poultry and drinking milk.
- Iron – Iron increases levels of oxygen to the wound site, which can accelerate healing. An iron deficiency can negatively affect the healing process. You can get more iron by eating eggs, fish, red meat, whole-grain bread, leafy vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts.
Protein & Wound Healing
Protein is a huge support resource for your body during the wound healing process. It is needed to repair damaged tissues and create more collagen and elastin for skin and tissue healing, and it increases immunity and can lower your risk of infection. Be sure to consult with your doctor before making any huge changes to your diet. The amount of protein you need depends on your age, overall health, weight, and activity level. You can make sure you get enough protein while healing by following these tips:
- Eating protein first before other parts of your meal.
- Snacking on nuts for a protein boost.
- Drinking milk instead of soda, tea, or coffee.
- Snacking on cheese, cottage cheese, and peanut butter.
- Drinking or taking protein supplements.
Antioxidants for Faster Healing
Antioxidants are molecules that can help your body fight off infection and harmful free radicals. Antioxidants are found naturally in whole foods and plant-based foods. Combining antioxidants and a healthy diet can speed up wound healing and reduce your risk of complications. The best antioxidants to add to your diet for faster healing are:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Rutin
- Bromelain
- Grape seed extract
Wound Healing Supplements
Consult with your physician before adding any supplements to your diet. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins and nutrients naturally through your diet, your physician may recommend wound healing supplements. Certain supplements can also replace nutrients lost by illness, injury, or dehydration. The most effective supplements are:
- Multivitamins – Taking a daily multivitamin can provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants you need to improve health and speed up healing.
- Oral Nutrition Supplements – Oral nutrition supplements can provide added protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
- Protein Powders or Shakes – Protein powders and shakes can supplement a healthy diet and ensure that you get enough protein.
Call Our Experts for At-Home Wound Care Services
If you need wound care assistance, our team at Mobile Wounds can help. We offer at-home wound care services throughout the San Antonio, TX area. Our experienced, compassionate medical team can provide professional wound-care services in the comfort of your home. We specialize in complex and chronic wounds, burns, and ulcers. Call us today or find a provider to learn more or to schedule an appointment.