Healing is a complex process that involves many functions of the body… and diet plays a determining role. Certain nutrients can in fact help the epidermis to heal more quickly, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical. Here are the ones to favor.
Certain nutrients can help the body heal
Yes, certain nutrients play a key role in tissue repair,”provided they are provided in sufficient quantity as part of a balanced diet“, recalls Dr Gérald Kierzek. Indeed, if the body lacks certain nutrients, healing can be slowed down: the wounds then take longer to close and the risk of infection increases.
So many good reasons to favor the proteins, vitamins and minerals involved:
- Proteins : they prove essential at all stages of healing (collagen, new vessels, white blood cells, muscles). “Protein deficiency clearly slows wound closure and increases the risk of infection,” specifies the doctor;
- Vitamin C : necessary for the synthesis of collagen and the proper functioning of immunity, it improves the quality of the repaired tissue and limits the risk of chronic wounds in the event of a deficiency;
- Zinc : cofactor of hundreds of enzymes, it participates in cell division, epithelialization and antioxidant defenses. “A zinc deficiency results in slow healing and wounds that become infected more easily,” warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek;
- Iron : it does not “close” the wound directly, but the correct iron guarantees sufficient oxygen transport (anemia is a well-known factor in delayed healing);
- Omega-3 : they modulate inflammation and can promote a more “controlled” inflammatory response, an essential step which must then resolve to make way for repair;
- Other useful nutrients : vitamins A, D, E, K, B group vitamins, copper, magnesium, selenium… All are involved in epithelialization, immunity, collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress.
However, remember that these nutrients, although they are very useful, never replace first aid (wound dressings, antiseptic solution, etc.) or surgical treatment. They only provide a little boost for the body after a cut or scratch.
Healing: other good actions must be adopted
Contrary to popular belief, healing does not only depend on the contents of your plate. Lifestyle directly influences the speed at which the skin repairs itself. In other words, by adopting good reflexes on a daily basis, you optimize the effects of the foods consumed. Here are these famous lifestyle habits to adopt:
- Don’t smoke (and limit alcohol): Tobacco reduces tissue oxygenation, causes nicotine-related vasoconstriction and reduces collagen production, which significantly slows healing and increases the risk of infection. “Excess alcohol has similar effects. Some surgeons refuse to operate if the patient does not comply with preoperative weaning. specifies Dr Gérald Kierzek;
- Sleep well: deep sleep promotes the release of growth hormones and tissue repair, while a chronic lack of sleep impairs the immune response and the quality of healing;
- favor appropriate local care: gentle cleaning with water and soap or physiological serum, appropriate dressing (moist but not macerated) and increased monitoring for possible signs of infection (pain, redness, heat, discharge);
- Move without forcing: moderate physical activity (to be adapted according to the advice of your doctor) stimulates blood circulation and promotes the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the injured area;
- Control risk factors : any health problem (unbalanced diabetes, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, etc.) or nutritional deficiencies/treatments that could slow down healing (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants) must be checked by a health professional.
In summary, good healing is based on a global approach: appropriate care, a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in essential nutrients.