Nutrients that support healing
Vitamin A
Vitamin A can support the phase of inflammation and thus, trigger the wound healing mechanisms. Vitamin A can also promote the differentiation of the epithelial tissues and enable faster closer of the wound.
Nutrients like Genistein can support the epithelialization phase further and thus, enable faster recovery of patients who have undergone surgery for the treatment of cancer.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C could boost the functions of the immune system and reduce the risk of infections at the site of a wound.
It can also enhance the transformation of lymphocytes and the migration of neutrophils to the surgical site. Moreover, vitamin C and other nutrients like Arginine are also needed for the synthesis of collagen that forms a strong and healthy matrix of cells essential for restoring the structural integrity of the affected tissues.
Proteins
Increased protein intake is vital for supporting the regeneration of new cells in the affected tissue so that the gap created due to the wound is bridged in a shorter period.
Proteins, together with bromelain, can also prevent the phase of inflammation from prolonging thereby protecting the patient against the risk of chronic inflammation.
Glucosamine
Supplementing with glucosamine is recommended for patients who have been advised surgery for the removal of cancer mass. Glucosamine enhances the production of hyaluronic acid that can protect the tissues against free radicals and oxidative stress thus enabling patients to recover faster following surgery.
Zinc
The topical application of zinc supplements could enhance DHA synthesis and cell division. It can also enhance the synthesis of proteins that are needed to repair the damaged tissues. Zinc is particularly essential during the stage of the proliferation of wound healing.
Ornithine
Ornithine can contribute to the production of protein-bound proline in wounds by enhancing the availability of free proline in the extracellular matrix. It can help to accelerate the process of wound healing and help the patients recover in a shorter period.
2 Responses
Nutrition is what boosts and supports the immune system Not fast foods or high end restaurants with sugar and canola oil that many use. Get good nutrients with supplements Thank you King Arthur USA
Hello Deborah,
I am always excited reading from you. Do you have a suggested meal plan or dietary guideline you would give for a person who has had a colon surgery to take out Crohn’s disease?
Thanks
Mike Ogwal