Wounds Talking Now

Feed me…… you know you feel better when you do.  But it is even more important for me because I need calories to maintain skin tissue and prevent break down.   Because of me, you must be very careful about your diet.  You need plenty of protein, vitamins A, C, E, K, and minerals like copper and iron.

Thank you for the whole grain cereal at breakfast but I had to wait too long for the cheese steak and french fries.  Yuk, I could feel the heart straining after that meal.  I would have loved some yogurt to keep me going during the day.  It has calcium and some good bacteria for the digestive tract.  It also has a very important amino acid (AA) called arginine.  This is needed for skin cell division.  It is so hard on me when I do not get enough food.  Protein is an important part of every cell in the body. So, feed me some fish with Omega-3 fatty acids or beef.  Both of these have selenium, a mineral that works to stop cell damage.  Also, please give me lots and lots of veggies.  Cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and parsley are good sources of the AA, glutamine.  Studies have shown that it is very useful in wound healing. I would also love some nuts or beans.  Yum Yum! Nuts are a great source of vitamin E; they are needed to reduce scar formation.  Beans are chockfull of fiber, vitamins B, A, and C.  These can help avoid heart disease and cancer, reduce blood pressure, and slow the signs of aging.   Patients with chronic leg ulcers show diminished levels of vitamin A, so it is important to have a varied diet.

Although we need extra calories to help us heal, please not too much cookies, candy or cakes.  I would love some fruit though.  I hear strawberries are one of the best ones around.  They are among nature’s best source of vitamin C.  This vitamin promotes immunity, helps your body use iron, and builds collagen, a part of your skin.  If you feel that you are not getting enough nutrition to get rid of me, please speak to a health professional.  Also, if your doctor has suggested nutritional supplements, please take them as prescribed.

I really could use a cool drink about now.  I love water but I’ll take whatever you give me.   How about a glass of juice?  Although, I am not sure about grapefruit juice; I hear that it can block special enzymes in the wall of the small intestine and may prevent some drugs from being absorbed into the body.  But 100% apple, orange, pineapple, and grape juices are wonderful.  Because of me, you really should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.  Sugary drinks are not so good for me but if you must, I’ll understand.  Please also keep in mind that drinks with caffeine can cause your body to lose fluids.  I am truly sorry that I am so hard on you.  I really want to heal.