Nutrition, Wound Healing & Recovery

Nutrition plays an essential role in wound healing and care, and nutritional support needs to be considered a fundamental part of wound management. Poor nutrition before or during the healing process can delay healing and impair wound strength, making the wound more prone to breakdown.

For an adequate immune response, collagen synthesis and to transport oxygen to the wound, certain micronutrients are particularly important for wound healing (Munoz et al, 2020; Tuz and Mitchell, 2021).

These micronutrients include:

Vitamin C: fundamental for collagen formation and subsequent cross-linking, as well as the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Adequate Vitamin C levels will help strengthen the healing wound. Vitamin C deficiency has been found to impair wound healing and has also been associated with an increased risk of wound infection. Also helps Iron absorption.

Vitamin C is found mostly in fruit and vegetables, especially oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables.

Zinc and copper: Found in small amounts in the body, it plays a role in wound healing. Zinc is involved in protein and collagen synthesis, and in tissue growth and healing. Zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed wound healing, reduced skin cell production and reduced wound strength.

Dietary zinc sources include red meat, fish and shellfish, milk products, poultry and eggs. Copper is found in highest amounts in protein foods like organ meats, shellfish, fish, nuts, and seeds as well as whole grains and chocolate.

Vitamin E: essential for optimal immune function and assists with healthy tissue formation

Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Vitamin A: Increases the inflammatory response in wounds, stimulating collagen synthesis. Low vitamin A levels can result in delayed wound healing and susceptibility to infection. Serious stress or injury can cause an increase in vitamin A requirements. While the mechanisms of vitamin A in wound healing are still not well understood, it is clear that it plays an important role.

Vitamin A is found in milk, cheese, eggs, fish, dark green vegetables, oranges, red fruits and vegetables

Iron: is a mineral that provides oxygen to the site of the wound; therefore iron (haemoglobin) deficiency can impair healing. Iron deficiency can also result in impaired collagen production and strength of the wound.

The best sources of iron in the diet are red meat, offal, fish, eggs, wholemeal bread, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and yeast extracts.

Protein: is essential for the maintenance and repair of body tissue. Low protein levels will cause a decrease in collagen development, slowing the wound healing process. Adequate protein levels will help achieve optimal wound healing rates. Overall energy intake is also important, because if energy needs aren’t met the body will use protein for energy rather than for wound healing.

Sources of protein include red and white meats, fish, eggs, liver, dairy products (milk, cheese, and yoghurt), soy beans, legumes, nuts and seeds

Healing Post Partum Bath Soak

Postpartum herbal soaks are a lovely, natural way to soothe tender, inflamed skin, heal tears, reduce hemorrhoids, and otherwise pamper yourself after you have your baby. I recommend a bath a day for no longer then 10 minutes to help soothe and heal your skin. It also offers you the opportunity for some much needed me time, medicine for mind & body.

I myself enjoyed a healing sitz bath after my daughter was born and I was recovering from an unplanned caesarean. After my initial dressing was removed from my caesarean site I would gently bathe then pat my wound dry with a clean towel. I would then apply some high waisted fresh cotton knickers (you don’t want anything rubbing on the scar line as this will aggregate the wound and could contribute to complications or delayed healing.

There are many variations of herbs that can be used. I have posted below a combination I like to to soothe tender perineal tissue, heal tears, episiotomies, promote caesarean scar healing and reduce inflammation, and even shrink hemorrhoids after a vaginal birth.

Preparing the bath is as simple as making a giant pot of tea, and the medicinal liquid can also be made into compresses if you are needing even more support for your perineum.

Red raspberry leaf is a super gentle yet effective herb that is a mineral-rich uterine tonic and a skin soother.

Herbs like chamomile, calendula, & witch hazel are antiseptic and great for increasing circulation to pelvic area.

Lavender has a relaxing floral scent. It promotes restfulness, and is antibacterial, antifungal, and an antioxidant.

Witch Hazel used for hemorrhoid relief and treatment is known for its anti-inflmmatory and healing properties.

Yarrow, Both the dried herb and flowers can be used with similar properties. Yarrow has wonderful antibacterial and antifungal compounds that are helpful in replenishing the interstinal flora. It is also helpful in stopping bleeding from haemorrhage.

Quantities.

* 1 cup or of Epsom Salt

* 1/4 cup of Red Rasperry Leaf

* 1/4 cup of Lavender

* 1/4 cup of Witch Hazel

* 1/4 cup of Yarrow

* 1/4 cup of Calendula

* 1/4 cup of Chamomile

Please note this is not medical advice.