6 Foods To Speed Up Your Recovery
If you are in a recovery process, whether from a surgery or other injuries, foods have incredible healing powers. Your food choices can aid your recovery process and also hinder it. By choosing the right foods, eat up and feel better in no time. Here are our choices of foods that we have categorized based on your recovery need:
- Wound Healing
Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, arugula, and the likes are packed with nutrients that decrease inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve wound healing, making them the perfect choice to promote recovery. Leafy greens are high in vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, folate, and provitamin A, all of which are essential for immune function and overall health
- Fight Infection
During wound healing, it’s important to keep infections at bay. For years, garlic has long been considered an effective tool in fighting infections. Some cultures even used it as an antiseptic applied directly to the wounds. It’s also rich in antioxidants that help maximize the immune system.
Cauliflower has added components that make it perfect for fighting infections. The first is choline, a chemical that helps improve both cell structure and movement. There’s also an antioxidant called glutathione, which is specifically geared toward fighting off a number of infections.
- Blood Loss
If you’ve recently donated blood, experienced heavy menstrual bleeding or sustained blood loss in any way, it’s important to rebuild your blood supply. To increase production of red blood cells, eat foods that are rich in iron and B vitamins, like beef, liver, poultry, beans and iron-certified. Aim to eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges and lemons to help with iron absorption.
- Sprained Ankle
Sports injuries like a sprained ankle can cause lots of inflammation in the affected area. Foods with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help control this inflammation.
Try healthy snack foods like walnuts and chia seeds rich in Omega-3. Canola oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and other similar products can provide you with Omega- 6 benefits. Aim to eat real foods that contain these nutrients, or consult your doctor for supplement recommendation.
- Broken Bones
Calcium plays an important role in helping broken bones to heal. It’s also crucial for helping the brain to signal nerves and contract muscles properly. Some examples of calcium-heavy foods include broccoli, almonds, and of course, dairy products.
To allow your body to fully absorb and utilize calcium for recovery, get vitamin D from foods and also sunlight. Vitamin D is one of the best natural pain management remedies.
- Food Poisoning
After severe vomiting or diarrhea, it’s best to let your stomach settle and rest. That means avoiding food and drink for the first few hours. Then follow up with liquid intake to help your body fight off dehydration. You can also try drinks that contain electrolytes or comforting soup and other bland food.
