This article is part of the Complete Guide to Wound Care.
Want to help your body heal its wound? Start by eating the right foods.
As part of the healing process, your body will need to use more calories as well as more protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and sometimes zinc. Optimize your nutrition by eating a variety of healthy foods.
Power your wound healing progress with protein
Experts recommend eating two or three servings of protein daily to help the wound healing process because your body needs it when repairing skin, tissues, and muscle.
Good sources of protein:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Beans
- Nuts
Focus on getting the right vitamins to improve wound healing
Experts recommend eating at least one serving every day of a food that is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc because these help your body prevent infection during the wound healing process.
Good sources of Vitamin A:
- Dark green leafy vegetables like kale and collard greens
- Orange and yellow vegetables
- Orange fruits
- Fortified dairy products
- Liver
Good sources of Vitamin C:
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
Good sources of zinc:
- Fortified cereals
- Red meat
- Seafood
Still unsure how to get started making meal improvements?
Food labels can be confusing, and not everyone has time to watch every morsel that they eat. If you’re overwhelmed and not certain what to eat versus what not to eat, start by trying to eat something from the different food groups every day. It’s worth it to make changes to optimize your diet since eating the right foods can make a big difference when it comes to wound healing.
Advice for patients with diabetes and others
If you have diabetes or special dietary needs, you may also want to schedule a time to speak with your doctor or a specialist at our wound care center about specific changes you can make to speed up wound healing and get recommendations for supplements.
Follow their instructions when planning what goes on your plate to speed up wound healing and prevent complications.
Don’t forget to add some exercise to your daily menu
Along with adopting a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins that help wound healing, it’s also essential to make sure you’re getting some physical activity, especially if you have diabetes. Regular exercise is a great way to improve a multitude of health conditions and your general wellbeing.
