Nutrition and Wound Healing

Nutrition plays a significant role in wound healing since it enables optimal healing to occur. Proper nutrition enhances the body’s ability to regain its balance.

Because of children’s susceptibility to wounds, parents need to understand the basic process of wound healing and the role of nutrition in wound care. Wound healing takes place through three interrelated phases: inflammatory; the proliferate stage; and the process of remodeling. Each stage of wound healing is marked by different nutritional needs.Problems with wound healing is explained by three main reasons: inadequate nutrition and diet lacking in vitamins and minerals; infection; and problems with organ function. Well nourished individuals experience rapid and improved wound healing. Parents can promote wound healing by ensuring their children have adequate and appropriate nutrition made up of appropriate calories and nutrients. All wounds and their healing results in new demands on the body which call for good nutrition.

The family’s diet need to be rich in protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamin A nd C, as well as a variety of minerals. Of these, proteins is especially important because “protein deficiency contributes to poor healing rates, with reduced collagen and increased wound dehiscene. ” the most needed minerals include iron, cooper and zinc; iron is especially notable since it assist with resistance to infection. The value of zinc is that it plays an important part in rebuilding the wound matrix and scare tissue. According to (Anonymous 1999), researches with the National Institute of Nutrition have observed that vitamin C plays a strong role in wound healing.Six ounce of orange juice daily provides the adequate amount of vitamin C which allows the cells to conduct their biochemical reactions, including wound healing. A balanced amount is important because excess can cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

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Another means to obtain the required amount of vitamin C is eating fruits and vegetables daily that are rich in this vitamin. In the inflammation stage of wound healing, the blood vessel constrict and coagulation begins. It is during this stage that the body uses nutrients to promote healing nd to restore damaged immune function. During the proliferative stage new tissues and blood vessel develop and wound scar is formed. In the remodeling phase, wound edges move and scar strengthens (Leininger, 2002). Proper wound healing demands adequate perfusion, oxygenation, and blood flow. The essential elements is tissue perfusion since it enables oxygen to enter the healing tissue.

Nutrients consist of polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids, glutamine, arginine, and nucleotides (Nelson, 2003). Fatty acids fight against inflammation and also help with wound healing.Dietary protein is a source of energy; lack of protein will result in a slow rate of healing. The mineral vitamin K is essential for blood clotting as well for preventing infection (Nelson, 2003). Calories and protein allow for a good nitrogen balance. Good nutrition provides the increased energy that is required by the healing wound as a result of inflammation and cellular activity. The main source of energy for healing is glucose (Nelson, 2003).

Other source of vitamin is found in B1 and manganese. Parents must be aware that overfeeding or providing too many calories will ause metabolic stress. All individuals must have adequate calories and protein for metabolic support. It is very important to establish a well balanced diet and good nutrition status. Proper nutritional support will provide the calories and nutrients needed for wound healing (Leininger, 2002). It is not he quantity of food consumed that is important for wound healing but the quality. Food such as oily fish will help in the reduction of inflammation and the also serve to improve immune function.

These type of foods promote wound healing as well (Nelson, 2003).Another point is that exercise has to be combined with proper nutrition. The rationale is that exercise leads to improved circulation which, in turn, allows the blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the wound. Proper nutrition plays an essential role in wound healing. The rate of healing for wounds depends on the patients nutritional status. Wound healing proceeds through three stages, each one with its special nutritional requirements. Problems with wound healing occur primarily of inadequate nutrition and a lack of vitamins and minerals in family diet.

ound healing requires certain calories and nutrients, and specific foods are known to promote wound healing. Effective wound healing can therefore be prepared for in advance through careful nutritional choices.REFERENCES Anonymous (1999) making a case for vitamin C. Tufts University Health & Nutritional Letter, 17 (4), 3. Leininger , S. (2002). The role of nutrition in wound healing.

Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 25 (1), 13-22. Nelson , E. A. (2003) Nutrition for optimum wound healing Nursing Standards, 18 (6), 55.

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