A guide for patients about eating well to promote wound healing
Information for patients from the Dietitian Department
Why is eating well important?
Listed below are some of the ways good nutrition can help with your recovery. Eating and drinking well can:
reduce how long you will have to stay in hospital;
reduce your risk of developing an infection; and
help your wound(s) heal faster. This includes wounds from an accident, surgery, or pressure (bed) sores.
If you have lost weight or have a poor appetite, increasing the number of calories and protein you have, is more important than healthy eating. This applies even if you are not as active as usual.
Your dietitian can talk through this information with you. They can help you to find practical ways to improve your nutrition.
What foods should I eat to help my wounds heal?
The table below explains what the benefits are to eating certain food groups. The table also gives examples of foods from each food group. If you have any questions, please speak to your dietitian.
| What is important? | Why is it important? | Where can I find it? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Protein helps your body to grow and repair muscle and skin | Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, pulses |
| Energy | The body needs extra energy during healing | Choose energy dense meals, these are labelled ‘ED’ on the hospital menu. Have snacks between meals. Choose full fat products where possible (for example full fat yoghurt or milk) |
| Iron | Iron helps your body to transport oxygen, to help with healing | Red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, fortified breakfast cereals |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron | Variety of fruits and vegetables, in particular citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, peppers |
| Zinc | Zinc helps your body in every stage of skin repair | Red meat, dairy products, eggs, lentils, beans, soya milk |
Should I be taking supplements as well?
If you cannot get enough vitamins or minerals from your diet, your doctor or dietitian may suggest you take a multivitamin supplement.
Your doctor or dietitian may suggest an oral nutritional supplement, to support you to get enough energy and protein. It is important that these are taken in addition to your normal meals, and not as a meal replacement.
How can I increase how much protein I eat and drink in hospital?
Include high protein food in every meal. High protein foods include meat, fish, beans, cheese, egg, soya products or meat alternatives.
Eat a cooked breakfast. If advised by a dietitian, this can be ordered for patients who need it.
Have milky puddings like custard, yoghurt, or rice / soya pudding, instead of jelly or fruit.
Between meals drink a glass of milk, soya milk, or a milk-based drink such as hot chocolate or malted milk.
Eat high protein snacks between meals, such as yoghurt or cheese and crackers.
If you need any help or advice, please speak to your dietitian.
Is drinking important for wound healing?
Yes, drinking enough fluid is important to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can delay wound healing.
Signs of dehydration include:
thirst
dry mouth or lips
headaches
dizziness
producing less urine (pee) than normal, and
dark coloured urine.
Fluid comes from all types of drinks, including water, squash, juice, tea, and coffee. Make sure you are sipping little and often throughout the day, to help stay hydrated.
Advice for patients who have been losing weight or told to increase their energy intake. Try drinking nourishing fluids such as milk, soya milk, or milky drinks. Milky drinks include hot chocolate and malted milk.
Goals
If you have agreed goals with your dietitian, you may wish to write them down at the end of this leaflet.
Contact details
Dietitians, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
Telephone: 01227 864236Dietitians, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
Telephone: 01843 234310Dietitians, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Telephone: 01233 616624
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