The human body is amazing, especially when it comes to healing. Cut your finger and miraculously in a short period of time the cut is healed. For diabetics, healing isn’t always that fast and efficient. Diabetes can impact nerves and restrict blood flow causing wounds to heal much more slowly. Unhealed wounds can lead to infections and serious complications. For this reason it’s important for diabetics to be vigilant and seek medical attention for any wound.

Web MD says:

“No matter how small or superficial a wound is, you should not ignore it if you have diabetes“

WebMD – http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/wound-care-10/diabetic-wounds

The Role Nutrition Plays in Wound Healing

In addition to seeking medical attention maintaining a well balanced diet can help provide the specific nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for the body to heal.

Protein

Your body needs protein to form collagen and repair damaged tissue. During the healing process your body can also lose up to 100 milligrams of protein daily due to fluid leakage at the affected area. [1] Since the body requires even more protein during this time, taking a protein supplement can help. [2] Other good food sources of protein include lean meats, seafood and poultry.

Healthy Fats

To develop new tissue your body relies on healthy fats, like those you get from eating avocados, olives, Salmon, Tuna , nuts and seeds.  Healthy fats also help you absorb fat soluble vitamins which assist in the healing process.

Vitamins and Minerals

Several specific vitamins and minerals support your body’s healing process:

  • Vitamin A – Good food sources include dark leafy greens, orange and yellow vegetables, liver and cantaloupe.
  • Vitamin C – Get vitamin C by including citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower in your diet.
  • Vitamin E – Almonds, sweet potato and spinach are good sources of vitamin E.
  • Vitamin K – Including Kale, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower in your diet help provide vitamin K.
  • Zinc – Read meats and seafood are good food sources for Zinc.

Summary

Wound healing is a complex process and especially important for diabetics to be concerned about. Eating the right foods can help provide your body with the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for healing. Click here for more on preventative steps, tips and information regarding health concerns of diabetics.

References

  1. The importance of patients’ nutritional status in wound healing: British Journal of Nursing: Vol 10, No Sup1. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2001.10.Sup1.5336
  2. The Role of Protein in Wound Healing. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.advancedtissue.com/role-protein-wound-healing/