Nutrition for wound healing.

June 2012

Medlin S.

Source

Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon.

Abstract

The importance of the role of nutrition in wound healing is an area that has been widely explored over the last decade. It is well recognised that both macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) play important parts in the healing of both chronic wounds and acute injuries. The term 'wound' encompasses many different situations from leg ulcers to laparostomy wounds. This article provides an overview of the role of different nutrients in the healing of wounds and guidance to nurses on first-line assessments, which can be used to ensure the patient is receiving adequate nutrition for successful wound healing. It will focus on commonly seen wounds in primary and secondary care but will not cover specialist wound management, such as laparostomy sites and burns, as these must always be cared for by experienced and specialist multidisciplinary teams.

Internurse

Nutrition and Wound Healing

Nutrition and Wound Healing

A very important aspect of helping our bodies heal wounds is our nutritional state of being. Improper nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, mineral or protein deficiencies can all make it more difficult for our bodies to heal itself.

Like so many Lymphedema  people, I personally struggle with this issue.

Why?

Let’s face it, there are several reasons why we may not have proper nutrition.

Factors that effect me are

• Exhaustion

Trying to make myself fix something nutritious to eat when I am totally exhausted is hard. So often, I can barely make it through the day with such limited energy and I am just too exhausted to have the strength to fix a proper meal.

• Pain

I love to cook and have quite a reputation for my culinary abilities, but so much of the time, the pain is so intense that the last thing I want to do is to add to it by standing over a stove.

• Emotions

Discouragement takes a toll too. This is a frustrating condition. One day you are doing great, the next you are slammed with either an infection, unexpected fluid gain and more swelling, a new leaking wound, it seems that we struggle each day against being discouraged because of the lack of knowledge of lymphedema, the fact that there is no cure, the physical limitation we are confronted with. It is a challenge each day to keep our spirits up.

The end result of all this can be an improper diet and poor nutrition.

Read the entire important page:

Lymphedema People Nutrition and Wound Healing

Nutrition in Wound Healing

Nutrition in Wound Healing

During wound healing, as during all illnesses, it is important to provide the body with adequate nutrients and calories. It is suggested that a person needs 30-35 calories/kg/day, 1.25-2 grams protein/kg/day and vitamins. (12) These include a multi-vitamin, vitamin C for collagen (a component of skin) formation, vitamin A for increased cell development, and zinc for wound healing. (12) Zinc will also correct yellow nail syndrome associated with chronic lymphedema.

It should be noted that patients with lymphedema are encouraged to eat enough food and supplemental protein. While the thought may be that decreasing protein intake will decrease the high protein levels in lymph fluid, and thus decrease lymphedema, this is not true. Rather, too little protein may weaken connective tissue and worsen the lymphedema condition. Easily digestible protein, such as chicken, fish and tofu, is advised. (11)

A balanced healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fish not only promotes optimal weight, but makes you feel good. Furthermore, a healthy diet can maintain the body's immune system, which will help prevent and treat infections. It is advised to restrict fatty foods or those with high cholesterol, to increase low sodium/high fiber foods, to avoid excessive alcohol and to avoid smoking.

In her article, Living with Lymphedema, Dr. Sabrina S. Selim presents a paragraph on nutrition.

“During wound healing, as during all illnesses, it is important to provide the body with adequate nutrients and calories. It is suggested that a person needs 30-35 calories/kg/day, 1.25-2 grams protein/kg/day and vitamins. (12) These include a multi-vitamin, vitamin C for collagen (a component of skin) formation, vitamin A for increased cell development, and zinc for wound healing. (12) Zinc will also correct yellow nail syndrome associated with chronic lymphedema.

It should be noted that patients with lymphedema are encouraged to eat enough food and supplemental protein. While the thought may be that decreasing protein intake will decrease the high protein levels in lymph fluid, and thus decrease lymphedema, this is not true. Rather, too little protein may weaken connective tissue and worsen the lymphedema condition. Easily digestible protein, such as chicken, fish and tofu, is advised. (11)

A balanced healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fish not only promotes optimal weight, but makes you feel good. Furthermore, a healthy diet can maintain the body's immune system, which will help prevent and treat infections. It is advised to restrict fatty foods or those with high cholesterol, to increase low sodium/high fiber foods, to avoid excessive alcohol and to avoid smoking.” See: Living with Lymphedema

See also:

Understanding the role of nutrition and wound healing.

Feb. 2010

Stechmiller JK.

Source

University of Florida College of Nursing, Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy Complex, Office 3222, PO Box 100187, Gainesville, FL 32610-0187, USA. stechjk@ufl.edu

Abstract

Optimal wound healing requires adequate nutrition. Nutrition deficiencies impede the normal processes that allow progression through stages of wound healing. Malnutrition has also been related to decreased wound tensile strength and increased infection rates. Malnourished patients can develop pressure ulcers, infections, and delayed wound healing that result in chronic nonhealing wounds. Chronic wounds are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for many patients and therefore constitute a serious clinical concern.

Because most patients with chronic skin ulcers suffer micronutrientstatus alterations and malnutrition to some degree, current nutrition therapies are aimed at correcting nutrition deficiencies responsible for delayed wound healing. This review provides current information on nutrition management for simple acute wounds and complex nonhealing wounds and offers some insights into innovative future treatments. SAGE Journal

and

Nutritional supplements in critical illness.

Dec 2911

Hayes GL, McKinzie BP, Bullington WM, Cooper TB, Pilch NA.

Source

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. luehrs@musc.edu

Abstract

Poor nutritional intake during critical illness can contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Although nutrition strategies for critically ill patients attempt to provide essential macronutrients, recent evidence suggests that certain micronutrients and supplements may improve wound healing and decrease infectious and inflammatory complications. This review will focus on mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions reported in the literature, and appropriate dosing and outcomes data for specific nutritional supplements in various critically ill adult populations. Advanced Critical Care