FOODS THAT PROMOTE HEALING


Eating inadequately and insufficiently makes it difficult for wounds to heal.  A balanced diet, varied and adapted to each person’s needs, can be our best medicine and the key to recovery and healing in the best possible manner.

There are several foods linked more to the healing process than others because of the nutrients they contain, especially when we talk about the B vitamins, vitamins C and K, zinc and others nutrients.

In addition to being a powerful antioxidant that helps combat degenerative diseases of the nervous system, cancer and aging, Vitamin C also helps heal wounds, burns and bleeding gums.  It has also been seen to accelerate the healing process after surgery.  Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines and grapefruit, bell pepper and spinach, cauliflower, papaya, carrots, melon, potatoes, avocados and other fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin K is linked to blood circulation and has been shown to help prevent hemorrhaging that could lead to hematomas (abnormal swelling), which in turn may be dangerous because they could inhibit blood circulation and propitiate infections or open up the wound. Vitamin K can be found in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, liver, vegetable oils, tomatoes, alfalfa and whole grain cereals.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and other B-complex vitamins have been shown to be an important factor in healing wounds by participating in the growth and development of cells and tissues.  They can be found in foods such as meat, liver, cauliflower, whole grain cereals and legumes.

Zinc has been found to help combat infections and accelerate the healing of wounds.  It can be found in foods such as red meat, mollusks, pumpkin seeds, milk products, legumes, brewer’s yeast, eggs, seeds and nuts.

Your food could be your medicine…get the most out of your food to improve the healing process and reduce recovery time.

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