Many people wonder how to improve bone healing after a fracture or after surgery to remove osteosynthesis material. Although specialists in Traumatology always affirm that precision surgery and advanced physiotherapy are very important, other factors help bones heal better after a fracture, such as a diet.
Why and how does diet influence healing?
During the bone consolidation process, the tissues need energy, proteins, and minerals, provided through a correct diet. In addition, several studies have shown that nutritional supplements can also support the recovery process. Thus, a healthy, balanced diet full of nutrients is more than enough.
A well designed demineralizing and anti-inflammatory diet is essential to recover after an operation. Proper nutrition will also help to have a strong immune system and prevent infections, one of the most feared complications after an operation.
What do bones need to heal better?
There are a number of substances that help in the healing process:
Proteins A diet low in protein reduces the proliferation of cartilage cells and osteoblastic activity. A balanced protein intake is important, being the lean and high biological value options the choice. One of the most important sources of protein is small-sized oily fish. It is very convenient during the recovery process. It contains calcium, omega three fatty acids, and vitamin D, all essential for bone consolidation.
Omega 3 fatty acids. They are very important fats with anti-inflammatory properties that play a basic role in reducing inflammation during recovery. In addition, they have an important effect on preventing osteoporosis and improving bone mineralization. Some of the foods that contain omega 3 are flax seeds or bluefish.
Zinc. It is the trace element that we have most abundantly in the bones. Patients with low zinc levels are at higher risk of fractures. It is also a basic mineral for the immune system to be strong, participating in the division and growth of cells and healing.
Vitamin D. It is essential to absorb magnesium and calcium. Obtaining it is natural. That is, the body produces it through the skin with sun exposure. However, in the case of deficit, bluefish is a very rich source of it.
Vitamin K. It is necessary for blood clotting and osteocalcin’s maturation, a protein in the bone matrix. Food-based vitamin K requires bile salts to be absorbed in the gut, so people with biliary obstruction may be at risk for deficiencies. On the other hand, the intestinal flora is also automatically produced by vitamin K. After long periods with antibiotics. It is important to assess its levels. Swiss chard, spinach, chicory, broccoli, and lettuce are foods rich in vitamin K.
Vitamin C. It is an essential vitamin for the synthesis of collagen, a basic constituent of the bone matrix, and a powerful antioxidant. It is found in oranges, tangerines, lemons, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Calcium. It is the main mineral of bone and basic in its consolidation process. However, it needs the rest of the nutrients to be absorbed and fixed in the bone. If it is consumed in isolation, it does not work in cases of deficit of the rest of the components that participate in its metabolism. The main sources of calcium are algae, sesame, bluefish, green leafy vegetables, hazelnuts, almonds, or soybeans.
It is important to develop a nutritional plan containing all these nutrients, adapting it to each patient’s needs, considering weight, age, the type of surgery that has been performed, or other specific metabolic requirements. In this way, a correct recovery and stronger bone consolidation will be achieved.
Learn more about the best foods to eat to heal broken bones.
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