You can also prevent excess or prolonged inflammation by limiting your consumption of omega-6 fats, which are commonly found in corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, and sunflower oils.

Consuming too many omega-6 fats may promote inflammation, especially if your intake of omega-3 fats is low 25 , In addition, some studies report that omega-3 supplements may help increase the creation of muscle protein, reduce the loss of muscle during immobilization, and promote recovery from concussions 27 , 28 , 29 , Therefore, it may be best to increase your omega-3 intake through foods rather than supplements Foods rich in omega-3 fats may help speed up your recovery by helping to prevent excessive or prolonged inflammation.

Limiting your intake of omega-6 fats can also be helpful. Zinc is a component of many enzymes and proteins, including those needed for wound healing, tissue repair, and growth In fact, studies show that not getting enough zinc from your diet can delay wound healing Therefore, consuming zinc-rich foods such as meat, fish, shellfish, pulses, seeds, nuts, and whole grains may help you recover more effectively from an injury.

Some people may be tempted to simply take zinc supplements to ensure they meet their recommendations. But zinc competes with copper for absorption, so receiving high doses of zinc from supplements may increase the likelihood of copper deficiency However, getting enough from your diet is important.

Regularly consuming zinc-rich foods can help speed up wound healing and tissue repair and growth. Calcium is an important component of bones and teeth. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, leafy greens, sardines, broccoli, okra, almonds, seaweed, and calcium-fortified tofu and plant milks.

Vitamin D serves an equally important function because it helps your body absorb the calcium found in the foods you eat. Together with calcium, it plays an instrumental role in recovery from a bone injury 37 , Also, getting enough vitamin D may increase the chances of a good recovery after surgery.

For instance, studies have found that good vitamin D status can enhance strength recovery following an anterior cruciate ligament ACL surgery 39 , 40 , Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, but your body can make vitamin D from exposure to the sun.

Those who live in northern climates or spend a limited amount of time outdoors may require supplements to get enough vitamin D 42 , Eating enough calcium-rich foods is necessary for proper recovery from fractures.

Getting enough vitamin D can also help. Creatine is a substance naturally found in meat, poultry, and fish. It helps your body produce energy during heavy lifting or high intensity exercise. The human body can also produce about 1 gram of it per day Creatine has become a popular supplement commonly used to increase muscle mass and improve performance in various sports 44 , Interestingly, it may also help you recover from an injury One older study reported that creatine supplements enhanced the gain of muscle mass and strength lost during a 2-week immobilization period more than a placebo Another study found that individuals supplementing with creatine lost less muscle in their upper body during a weeklong period of immobilization than those given a placebo.

However, not all studies have found these results 47 , 48 , 49 , In both studies that showed positive results, participants took the creatine supplement in four doses of 5 grams each day. However, no studies to date have found any serious side effects.

Creatine remains one of the most-studied, safest supplements around, so it may be worth trying Creatine may enhance your recovery by reducing the amount of muscle you lose immediately after your injury. It may also help you regain muscle more quickly once you go back to training. Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the fluid that surrounds your joints.

Your body naturally produces glucosamine, but you can also increase your levels through supplements. Supplements are generally made from either shellfish shells or fermented corn. Research in people with arthritis suggests that glucosamine may be useful in decreasing joint pain 51 , Also, studies in people without arthritis or other joint conditions show that supplementing with milligrams to 3 grams of glucosamine per day may help reduce joint deterioration 53 , 54 , 55 , Based on these findings, some people take glucosamine supplements to help reduce pain after joint and bone injuries.

However, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made. Glucosamine supplements may pose a risk to people who are allergic or sensitive to shellfish, those who have asthma, and those taking diabetes medications or warfarin.

If you fall into any of these categories, talk with your doctor before trying glucosamine In addition to getting enough calcium and vitamin D, good intakes of the following nutrients may contribute to a speedier recovery from bone fractures:.

Those recovering from bone fractures should consume foods rich in these nutrients daily, if possible. The nutrients described above are necessary for the health of your bones. Vitamin D is the sun vitamin. Get five to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.

and 3 p. It can be found in dairy products, fatty fish or fortified foods. Fluids: Proper hydration supports the delivery of nutrients to all organs and tissues. Moreover, it helps support joints and soft tissues.

Athletes should be drinking approximately half of their body weight in ounces, preferably water, each day — and more if they sweat. Exact needs are based on frequency, duration and intensity of daily rehabilitation, weight status, goals and athlete build. Protein: Protein needs increase to support tissue recovery and repair, as well as muscle growth.

Professionals recommend between 1. Fluids: Same as in previous phase of recovery Habits that can interfere with healing Food can assist athletes in healing faster, but it also can interfere with healing optimally. Especially during the post-injury healing and rehabilitation period, athletes should avoid: Fried or fatty foods pizza, fried chicken, french fries, etc.

Added sugars and concentrated sweets e. SHN Staff Sanford Health News is your site for health news from the experts at Sanford Health. SHN staff is a team of Midwest-Emmy-winning journalists bringing you trustworthy information on healthy living, health care, scientific research, health conditions and medical innovation.

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Copyright © Sanford Health. All rights reserved. Essential fatty acids play a key role in the regulation of inflammation.

Keep in mind that swelling is normal because it helps our body identify the area that needs to be repaired. That said, prolonged inflammation can also slow down your recovery.

In these cases, eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce excessive swelling.

At the same time, avoiding ingredients that have high omega-6 fatty acids may help lower the chances of long-term inflammation even more. Vitamin C plays a huge role in your recovery as it can help keep your skin, bones, and soft tissues in good condition. It also has antioxidant properties, which can reduce the negative effects that free radicals and other pollutants have on your body.

Finally, vitamin C also shows anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal booster for patients recovering from a bad trauma. If the trauma is bad enough , it can result in broken bones. Depending on the part of the body and the activity you practice, this can translate to weeks or months of downtime.

In some scenarios, bone fractures can sideline athletes for a whole season, which puts a lot of focus on the recovery process. If you are looking for the best nutrition for injury recovery, then milk, cheese, and vegetables that contain a lot of calcium should be close to the top of the list.

Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce red blood cells and collagen, which in turn aids bone regeneration. Magnesium promotes healthy nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and bone production.

Finally, potassium regulates muscular contractions and ensures your nerves are working properly. This vitamin helps store minerals in your bones and increases the amount of calcium your blood can absorb.

From deep cuts to bad infections, injuries can come in a variety of forms. Zinc is another essential mineral that plays a key role in wound healing.

Protein intake plays a significant role in sustaining muscle mass as it drives muscle protein synthesis [1]. A calorie decrease can often result in reduced protein intake, adversely affecting injury recovery.

In fact, studies have shown that increasing protein intake when injured may be advantageous to recovery efforts and preventing muscle loss [2]. Eating high-protein foods also supports the repair and rebuilding of bodily tissue along with collagen synthesis.

Protein foods like fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy contain necessary amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that nurture collagen production [3]. Collagen plays an integral role in connective tissue, skin, muscle, and bone health. Carbohydrates are usually the macronutrient with the most room for potential adjustment when injured.

Suppose your injury necessitated a decrease in movement. In that case, it is essential to prioritize high-volume, high-fiber carb sources like vegetables over quick-digesting carb sources like fruit, starchy vegetables, and grains. These carbohydrate sources will help with energy maintenance, hunger regulation, and blood sugar maintenance when recovering from an injury.

There is a direct correlation between chronic inflammation and increased injury susceptibility. Dietary fat helps reduce inflammation and support cell membrane integrity—both of which are important for injury prevention and recovery [1].

Omega-3 fats, in particular, are especially helpful for injury prevention and recovery as they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [4,5]. Omega-3s can be found in salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, pasture-raised eggs, walnuts, chia, and flax seeds.

If and when carbohydrate intake decreases during injury, you may find it helpful to increase fat intake slightly to help with satiation and expedited recovery. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that help healthy bodily functioning.

There are a few in particular that play a role in injury prevention and recovery. Vitamin C aids in collagen formation and immune function [3]. You can find vitamin C in foods like bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, kiwi, strawberries, and circus fruits.

You can also prevent excess or prolonged inflammation by limiting your consumption of omega-6 fats, which are commonly found in corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, and sunflower oils.

Consuming too many omega-6 fats may promote inflammation, especially if your intake of omega-3 fats is low 25 , In addition, some studies report that omega-3 supplements may help increase the creation of muscle protein, reduce the loss of muscle during immobilization, and promote recovery from concussions 27 , 28 , 29 , Therefore, it may be best to increase your omega-3 intake through foods rather than supplements Foods rich in omega-3 fats may help speed up your recovery by helping to prevent excessive or prolonged inflammation.

Limiting your intake of omega-6 fats can also be helpful. Zinc is a component of many enzymes and proteins, including those needed for wound healing, tissue repair, and growth In fact, studies show that not getting enough zinc from your diet can delay wound healing Therefore, consuming zinc-rich foods such as meat, fish, shellfish, pulses, seeds, nuts, and whole grains may help you recover more effectively from an injury.

Some people may be tempted to simply take zinc supplements to ensure they meet their recommendations. But zinc competes with copper for absorption, so receiving high doses of zinc from supplements may increase the likelihood of copper deficiency However, getting enough from your diet is important.

Regularly consuming zinc-rich foods can help speed up wound healing and tissue repair and growth. Calcium is an important component of bones and teeth.

Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, leafy greens, sardines, broccoli, okra, almonds, seaweed, and calcium-fortified tofu and plant milks. Vitamin D serves an equally important function because it helps your body absorb the calcium found in the foods you eat.

Together with calcium, it plays an instrumental role in recovery from a bone injury 37 , Also, getting enough vitamin D may increase the chances of a good recovery after surgery. For instance, studies have found that good vitamin D status can enhance strength recovery following an anterior cruciate ligament ACL surgery 39 , 40 , Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, but your body can make vitamin D from exposure to the sun.

Those who live in northern climates or spend a limited amount of time outdoors may require supplements to get enough vitamin D 42 , Eating enough calcium-rich foods is necessary for proper recovery from fractures.

Getting enough vitamin D can also help. Creatine is a substance naturally found in meat, poultry, and fish. It helps your body produce energy during heavy lifting or high intensity exercise.

The human body can also produce about 1 gram of it per day Creatine has become a popular supplement commonly used to increase muscle mass and improve performance in various sports 44 , Interestingly, it may also help you recover from an injury One older study reported that creatine supplements enhanced the gain of muscle mass and strength lost during a 2-week immobilization period more than a placebo Another study found that individuals supplementing with creatine lost less muscle in their upper body during a weeklong period of immobilization than those given a placebo.

However, not all studies have found these results 47 , 48 , 49 , In both studies that showed positive results, participants took the creatine supplement in four doses of 5 grams each day.

However, no studies to date have found any serious side effects. Creatine remains one of the most-studied, safest supplements around, so it may be worth trying Creatine may enhance your recovery by reducing the amount of muscle you lose immediately after your injury.

It may also help you regain muscle more quickly once you go back to training. Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the fluid that surrounds your joints. Your body naturally produces glucosamine, but you can also increase your levels through supplements. Supplements are generally made from either shellfish shells or fermented corn.

Research in people with arthritis suggests that glucosamine may be useful in decreasing joint pain 51 , Also, studies in people without arthritis or other joint conditions show that supplementing with milligrams to 3 grams of glucosamine per day may help reduce joint deterioration 53 , 54 , 55 , Based on these findings, some people take glucosamine supplements to help reduce pain after joint and bone injuries.

However, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made. Glucosamine supplements may pose a risk to people who are allergic or sensitive to shellfish, those who have asthma, and those taking diabetes medications or warfarin.

If you fall into any of these categories, talk with your doctor before trying glucosamine In addition to getting enough calcium and vitamin D, good intakes of the following nutrients may contribute to a speedier recovery from bone fractures:.

Those recovering from bone fractures should consume foods rich in these nutrients daily, if possible. The nutrients described above are necessary for the health of your bones. Topically-applied vitamin A has been used to stimulate epithelial growth, fibroblasts, and ground substance.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is believed to influence collagen formation, immunomodulation and antioxidant functions during wound healing. Vitamin D: Vitamin D induces the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin to promote healing.

Zinc: More than zinc-containing enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, are involved in wound healing.

However, excess zinc supplementation can interfere with the absorption of other cations, specifically iron and copper. Therefore, supplementation should be avoided unless deficiency is present. After suffering a musculoskeletal injury, the proper nutritional support can help the body regain optimal fuel for rehabilitation.

Here are some of her top tips Delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, may not be as serious of an ailment or require a long recovery like wounds or musculoskeletal injuries. Still, this natural result of regular exercise can be both healed and prevented by proper nutrition.

In one review of nutritional intervention for DOMS , researchers reviewed four nutrients that have been suggested to aide sore muscles:. As you can tell from these recommendations, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is not only conductive to maintaining weight and building muscle.

It is not as simple as just how many calories you are ingesting, rather quality, variety, and excellent macro- and micronutrient distribution is important. A RDN can assist in building a plan that includes high quality foods.

Hoogenboom is a professor and an associate program chair at Grand Valley State University, in the Department of Physical Therapy. She was one of the first Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialists in West Michigan in , and has since been recertified twice by the ABPTS, most recently in She has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since She maintains a clinical practice by volunteering at the GVSU Pro Bono clinic.

Barb is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and a member of the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, where she has been honored with the Academy's highest award, The Ron Peyton Award, and is also a member of the Turner A.

Blackburn Sports Physical Therapy Hall of Fame. She also received the "Lifetime Excellence in Education" award from the AASPT. She is a member of the Female Athlete Triad Coalition, and The Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. Barb enjoys clinical research, and has authored many research and clinical commentary articles on the female athlete, nutrition, functional movement, and movement analysis.

She has contributed to 10 textbooks and 5 Home Study Courses on various musculoskeletal topics. She is the editor of the therapeutic exercise textbook entitled "Therapeutic Exercise: Techniques for Intervention" the third edition of which was released in She is also the Senior Associate Editor for The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.

When an injury occurs, the body requires more energy and protein from nutritious foods to aid in the healing process. Ensuring the correct amount, timing, and frequency of protein intake has shown to increase strength and prevent muscle mass loss during recovery. While some research points to whey protein as the most favorable type of protein, other research shows no significant differences between type of protein and that amount of protein consumed was more important to promote healing.

Additionally, certain foods can help fight inflammation that occurs during an injury. When you get injured, inflammation can occur within 1 to 2 hours.

During this process neutrophils flood the affected area and remove cellular debris, which is followed by a regenerative response where new cells replace previously damaged ones.

Although inflammation is actually a helpful part in healing process, it should not go on for too long—which is where anti-inflammatory foods are key. There are a variety of specific foods and nutrients that are important to focus on when injured.

Including these foods daily may help in the healing process and speed up your recovery. Here's what your daily nutrition should consist of when you are recovering from an injury.

Protein prevents the loss of lean muscle mass, especially when the injury requires the body part to be immobilized. As a result, higher protein intakes are necessary to maintain strength and heal the injury.

Frequently when injuries occur, the athlete may reduce their intake due to less movement. If all macronutrients are proportional, this means that protein intake is decreased as well, which may impede wound healing and increase inflammation. Studies show that increasing total protein has better outcomes on muscle protein synthesis and injury healing.

Timing of protein intake also plays an important role in recovery. Protein foods to focus on are eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, and steak. Dairy foods such as yogurt, cheese, and milk are also good sources of protein. If you want more plant-based protein sources look to tofu, beans, nuts, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk.

According to research, omega-3 fatty acids from food and supplements may be beneficial for sports injuries due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Animal models show that omega-3 fatty acids can alter muscle metabolism and affect the way it responds to exercise. The research shows that a muscle already nourished with omega-3 fatty acids may respond differently to a trajectory of humans diseases, including injury.

It is important to note that animal research does not necessarily translate to human conditions. While it is important to consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids following injury to decrease inflammation, there is further evidence to suggest they are important to eat on a regular basis as well to improve outcomes.

Food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and cod liver oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.

Although not as high in omega-3s, pasture-raised eggs, some meats and dairy products, hemp seeds, and spinach contain smaller amounts.

One study highlights the consumption of a Mediterranean diet high in omega-3s and monounsaturated fats can help decrease inflammation in the cartilage after injury, preventing osteoarthritis. Vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health, but research also shows it plays a role in skeletal muscle growth, immune and cardiopulmonary functions, and inflammatory modulation.

All of these factors are important for athletic performance and injury recovery. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is common in the general population as well as in athletes, which can lead to complications such as depression and osteoporosis.

Meanwhile, high serum levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced injury rates and better sports performance due its role in increasing muscle strength. If you are an athlete or engage in sports activities, it is a good idea to get your vitamin D levels tested by your healthcare provider.

Food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, swordfish, tuna, orange juice, milk, and plant milks fortified with vitamin D, egg yolks, and fortified breakfast cereals.

UVB light from the sun can also form vitamin D through a chemical reaction in the skin. But, it is best to balance your exposure by using sunscreen when spending large blocks of time outdoors.

Vitamin C plays a major role in many phases of wound and injury healing. In the beginning phases, it is responsible for clearing the neutrophils from the inflamed site.

Vitamin C also contributes to synthesis, maturation, and secretion of collagen. The body works to maintain high levels of vitamin C to ensure availability for collagen synthesis.

When a wound or injury occurs, vitamin C can become depleted and supplements may be needed. One review studies looked at studies that studied vitamin C supplementation on musculoskeletal injuries.

The studies showed that vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial to accelerate bone healing after a fracture, increase collagen synthesis, and reduce oxidative stress. Food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell pepper, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and white potatoes.

If you are considering taking vitamin C supplements, talk to a healthcare provider to determine if your current medications may be impacted and to determine the best dose for you.

Along with vitamin D, calcium works to maintain bone health in athletes. There are many known benefits to weight-bearing exercise on bone health, but without adequate calories and nutrients, bone health may suffer and put the athlete at risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Bone stress injuries are a concern in athletes and modifiable risk factors include physical activity, energy availability, and calcium and vitamin D status. Foods rich in calcium include dairy and fortified plant-milks, cheese, yogurt, fortified orange juice, tofu, edamame, canned sardines and salmon with bones, and almonds.

Zinc is an important mineral involved in immunity, metabolism, and anti-oxidative processes. One study reviewed zinc status in athletes compared to the control population. The study found that despite high zinc intake, serum zinc concentrations were lower in athletes.

This data suggests that athletes have a higher zinc requirement compared to those are not physically active. Another study looked at the role minerals play in age-related muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance.

Zinc status was positively associated with physical performance in older adults. Zinc is important nutrient to prevent injuries as one ages. Food sources of zinc include whole grains, dairy products, oysters, red meat, poultry, chickpeas, and nuts.

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biological processes making it essential for preventing and healing sports injuries. It is required to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, blood pressure, the immune system, bone integrity, blood glucose levels, and promotes calcium absorption.

Studies show magnesium to be a significant predictor of bone mineral density in athletes, even after adjusting for calories, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Foods rich in magnesium include nuts and seeds. black beans, edamame, lima beans, quinoa, yogurt, spinach. and dark chocolate.

If your injury leads you to a healthcare provider always follow their recommendations. You may need a series of imaging scans, such as MRIs, and you may need to work with a physical therapist.

Listen to their guidance before returning to your sport. For example, they may want you to limit your mileage running or the amount of time playing in the beginning and work up slowly. Going back too intensely too fast can result in a re-injury and sidelining you even longer.

In addition to nutrition, adequate sleep and stress reduction plays a critical a role in speeding up recovery. One study examined the effect of sleep deprivation on muscle injury recovery due to high-intensity exercise in mice.

The study found that sleep deprivation reduces muscle protein synthesis, which slows the repair of muscle, slowing the healing process. You also may want to employ stress-reduction techniques to improve stress management in order to speed up the healing process.

After all, an injury is both physically painful as well as mentally taxing, especially if the injury is keeping you from achieving your goals. One study used a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction intervention to reduce the perception of pain, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase the positive mood in injured athletes.

Consequently, the researchers recommend mindfulness be used as part of the rehabilitation process. While sports injuries are certainly discouraging, with the right nutrition, sleep, and stress reduction regimen in place, you are more likely to be back on your feet in no time.

Be sure to include lots of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and many micronutrients in your diet to help fuel your body during the healing process. You also should prioritize sleep and stress management during your rehabilitation period and always listen to the recommendations of your healthcare provider or physical therapist before returning to your sport.

By adhering to their guidance and caring for your body you will be back doing what you love in no time. Foods that help to heal wounds include foods high in protein, vitamin C, and zinc.

And according to nutritional experts and physical therapists , failing to ingest enough zinc can prolong the healing process. Common examples of zinc-rich foods include meat, fish, shellfish, and whole grains. Nuts are also a great choice. However, be sure to stay away from zinc supplements. Calcium plays a very important role in helping to heal broken bones.

Some examples of calcium-heavy foods include broccoli, almonds, okra, and of course: dairy products.

While there are few foods that contain naturally-occurring vitamin-D, it can actually benefit your recovery. Vitamin-D is one of the best methods for natural pain management. Also, these nutrients can help to prevent sports injuries in children.

In order to recover from injuries like tears and strains , orthopedists generally recommend keeping the injured body part immobile. This prevents additional inflammation. Fiber-heavy foods will help you to feel full much faster and prevent you from overindulging. This will help you control your diet naturally.

Also, fiber-heavy foods often contain plenty of other nutrients. So, be sure to include a serving of broccoli or spinach with your dinner. Rather than eating potato chips as a snack, opt for fruit instead.

Proper nutrition is vital for staying healthy and staying active. At Sydney Sports and Exercise Physiologists , we will assess your situation and provide you with a personalised nutrition plan that will assist in your healing process and prevent future injuries.

A re you injured or looking to prevent future injuries? Nutrition can be the solution you are looking for. Our Physiologists are experts in their field. They know the best foods to treat and prevent injuries.

To learn more about nutrition for injury recovery and prevention, call one of our convenient SSEP locations today. Homebush Olympic Park. Camperdown Sydney University. Kensington UNSW. Rooty Hill. Moore Park. Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy.

Impacts of Nutrition for Injury Recovery and Prevention. Nutrition for Injury Recovery and Prevention The foods you eat will affect how the body recovers from injuries.

Nutritional Facts:. Healthy Fats Healthy fats can decrease inflammation and promote healing. They are also needed for your body to be able to absorb many types of vitamins. They can help strengthen the bones, heal tissue and regenerate elastin.

Depending on the part of the body and the activity you practice, this can translate to weeks or months of downtime. In some scenarios, bone fractures can sideline athletes for a whole season, which puts a lot of focus on the recovery process.

If you are looking for the best nutrition for injury recovery, then milk, cheese, and vegetables that contain a lot of calcium should be close to the top of the list. Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce red blood cells and collagen, which in turn aids bone regeneration.

Magnesium promotes healthy nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and bone production. Finally, potassium regulates muscular contractions and ensures your nerves are working properly. This vitamin helps store minerals in your bones and increases the amount of calcium your blood can absorb. From deep cuts to bad infections, injuries can come in a variety of forms.

Zinc is another essential mineral that plays a key role in wound healing. At the same time, having a diet low in zinc has been linked with delayed healing and a higher chance of infection.

This type of protein plays a critical role when it comes to repairing skin and cartilage. Instead, you should focus on giving your body the nutrients it needs to create this natural compound.

Collagen is made from vitamin C, copper, zinc, and a combination of additional proteins. That said, our body slowly loses the ability to make collagen, so working with a physician is crucial to finding the best approach. Besides being painful, a bad injury can keep you out of action for a long period of time.

In addition to taking your physical therapy seriously, you should also make changes to your diet in order to accelerate your recovery as much as possible. If you want to learn more about getting the best nutrition for injury recovery or our orthopedic services, please schedule an appointment and our team will be glad to help.

September 18, How Does Food Affect Our Recovery Period? How to Reduce Downtime with the Right Nutrition for Injury and Recovery All athletes are different, so you need to ensure that the meal plan you choose will address the specific trauma you suffered.

Here are some of the foods that promote healing and can help you make a faster recovery. Muscle and Soft-Tissue Injuries Muscle and soft tissue injuries can range from sprains to torn ligaments and ruptured tendons. High-Protein Content Any athlete researching nutrition for injury and recovery will come across protein-rich foods.

Essential Fatty Acids Essential fatty acids play a key role in the regulation of inflammation. Vitamin C and Antioxidants Vitamin C plays a huge role in your recovery as it can help keep your skin, bones, and soft tissues in good condition.

Bone Fractures If the trauma is bad enough , it can result in broken bones. Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce red blood cells and collagen, which in turn aids bone regeneration.

Other Types of Injuries From deep cuts to bad infections, injuries can come in a variety of forms. The natural conclusion for most athletes, then, is to decrease food intake to prevent increased body fat and total mass. But a fixation on weight or leanness can muddy the ultimate goal of healing quickly and completely.

Just as elite runners eat differently during mile weeks than during taper weeks, your nutritional needs will change throughout a season of injury. There are three widely accepted phases of healing : inflammation, in which your immune system is activated and damage-control cells rush to the injured site; proliferation, which is when your body builds new tissue, restores blood vessels, and covers the surface of any exposed wounds; and remodeling, the period in which the traumatized area matures and regains strength, often leaving a scar in its wake.

Purported anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric get a lot of buzz, but the bottom line is that a healthy, well-rounded diet is the best culinary defense against inflammation , rather than one specific ingredient. However, there are certain ingredients that promote inflammation.

During proliferation and remodeling, which start around day four and last as long as your injury does, your body is busy replacing damaged tissues with new, healthy ones.

Kruppa explains that your goal during this time should still be balanced nutrition, and she emphasizes how crucial it is that you get adequate calories in the form of ample protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Of the three macronutrients—carbs, fat, and protein—research best supports the role of protein during injury recovery.

Whenever a body experiences a health disturbance, such as sickness or inflammation, extra protein is required to maximize muscle protein synthesis. Consume too little of it and your healing will lag, inflammation will increase, and muscle loss may follow.

Beckmann recommends aiming for one gram of protein per pound of body weight per day while recovering from an injury, so grams for a pound person. Spreading that intake throughout the day is helpful, too—try and sneak a little protein into each meal and snack, and get a final hit at bedtime. Seek out a variety of protein sources, such as ethically sourced meats, dairy products, eggs, beans, tofu, and tempeh.

All of these high-protein options are also rich in leucine , an essential amino acid involved in the growth and repair of muscle, skin, and bone.

Her recommendation is to eat a minimum of 1. These offer more nutrients, ample fiber, and longer-lasting energy. A supplement, by definition, is supposed to be an add-on, not the main ingredient. She recommends leaning on real foods containing the following micronutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D , calcium, magnesium , zinc, and copper.

These are largely found in colorful fruits and vegetables as well as in dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Mushrooms, for example, are great sources of copper, which assists with red-blood-cell formation, immune function, and bone health.

Legumes contain high levels of magnesium, which plays a role in protein synthesis, circulation, and the absorption and metabolism of calcium and vitamin D. With a bone fracture, for instance, Kruppa says that your calcium needs increase to 1, milligrams per day, which may necessitate supplementation.

If you think you might be deficient— common symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, and weakness —consult with a doctor and get a blood test before supplementing iron. Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, stimulates muscle protein synthesis faster than other amino acids.

Casein, a milk protein that comes in powdered form and many dairy products, contains all the amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle.

Creatine, an amino acid, may help prevent muscle loss , especially while a limb is immobilized.