Translate
Eating well and keeping hydrated can help in the recovery of wounds, such as bed sores, pressure ulcers, and wounds after surgery.
Eating well is also very important after an infection, operation or illness as our body needs extra energy and nutrients to recover. Here are some tips to help with a speedy recovery.
Foods important for wound healing
Eating well can help to prevent wounds becoming chronic. These tips can help support wound healing:
- Get enough energy by eating three main meals plus snacks every day.
- Include protein foods with every meal.
- Drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluid each day.
For meal and snack ideas see the High energy high protein foods factsheet
Minerals
Minerals such as zinc and iron are especially important when you have wounds as they help fight and prevent infection and make your wound tissue stronger. Eat foods high in zinc and iron such as red meat and nuts
Iron from plant foods is not absorbed as well as the iron from animal foods. Eating foods high in vitamin C with a meal can help you absorb iron more easily.
Vitamins
Vitamin C, A and E are important in wound healing as they help fight and prevent infection, keep your wound closed once it heals over and helps the skin heal more quickly. Eat foods high in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E such as berries, eggs and spinach.
Read more on the Eating well for wound healing fact sheet
Please note
For chronic wounds that won’t heal, the body may need extra nutrition. Speak to your GP or an Accredited Practicing Dietitian for individual advice. The advice in this article is general in nature.
