One overlooked aspect of rehab and recovery is the importance of getting proper nutrition during your body’s healing process. While it is always important to eat a balanced and well-rounded diet, certain food groups are extremely beneficial when recovering from injury or surgery. Below are some of these nutrients and their roles in the body’s healing processes:
- Protein
- Protein is one of the most important macronutrients when building muscle mass and preventing loss of muscle. Protein is also essential in the wound healing process that you might experience after surgery or injury.
- Food examples: chicken, fish, beef, beans, tofu, nuts, eggs, soy, milk, yogurt
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties. Foods containing vitamin C assist with decreasing and preventing inflammation in the body. Vitamin C also helps the body to make collagen which is necessary for tissue repair.
- Food examples: Citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, strawberries
- Calcium
- Calcium is required for bone health and growth. While it is always essential to have in your diet for healing, it is especially important when dealing with any bone injuries.
- Food examples: dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Zinc
- Zinc is important for tissue repair, especially wound healing.
- Food examples: whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, beans
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin D helps to maintain the calcium levels in the body.
- Food examples: eggs, yogurt, fish
Other important aspects of proper nutrition:
- Drink lots of water! The recommended water intake for adults is half of your body weight in ounces. (If you weighed 140 lbs, you would need at least 70 oz of water per day)
- Make sure you are consuming enough calories to fuel your body!
If you have nutrition concerns or questions, your therapist at Fyzical would be happy to help you! Refer to your primary care provider or dietician for nutrition and dietary advice specific to your health needs.
Sources:
6 Best Foods to Eat While Recovering From Sports Injuries. (2020, December 20). Central Orthopedic Group. https://centralorthopedicgroup.com/6-best-foods-eat-recovering-sports-injuries/
Knappenberger, K. (2018, July). Nutrition for Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation. NATA. https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/nutrition-for-injury-recovery-and-rehabilitation.pdf
Prost, E., Willis BW, Hargrove, M. (2021). MU PT 6620: Case Management: Acute & Chronic Medical & Surgical Conditions. University of Missouri, School of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy
Reigniting Life: Firefighter Scott Archer’s Inspiring Story of Recovery
December 6, 2016 was a day like any other for firefighter Scott Archer. He had no idea that this routine day would change his life forever. After suffering a life-threatening aneurysm, Scott faced years of recovery, only to have his progress stall. With the help of FYZICAL Westminster’s expert team, Scott regained his strength, mobility, and confidence. Read more about his inspiring story and how our personalized care can make a difference.
