Nutrition is a Very Important Part of Wound Healing

Eating the right foods can help your wound heal. To heal your wound, your body will need to use more calories. Your body will need protein. It will use Vitamin A and C, and sometimes the mineral Zinc. Read on to learn what to eat when you have an ulcer.

It is important you eat a variety of foods that have the needed nutrition for wound healing. ChooseMyPlate.gov is a good tool for you to use. It tells you about different foods for healing wounds that you should eat. It tells you the number of servings you should eat. It is important to eat foods from each of the different food groups every day.

Your doctor may put you on a special wound healing diet. The diet may include vitamins or supplements. Follow your doctor’s diet instructions. This will help your wound to heal and prevent complications. Most diet instructions are based on Choose My Plate information.

Examples of Foods Needed for Wound Healing

Each day, eat 2-3 servings of protein, at least 1 serving of a food that is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc.

Proteins

Meat, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, dried beans, nuts

Vitamin A

Dark green leafy vegetables, orange or yellow vegetables, orange fruits, fortified dairy products, liver

Vitamin C

Citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage

Zinc

Fortified cereals, red meats, seafood

Food Groups and Serving Sizes

Breads and Grains (use whole grain sources)

• 1 slide bread
• 3/4 cup dry cereal
• 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta noodles, or rice

Vegetables

• 1 cup cooked or raw vegetables
• 1 cup raw leafy vegetables

Fruits

• 1/2 cup canned fruit or fruit juice
• 1 piece of fruit
• 3/4 cup fresh fruit

Dairy

• 1 cup milk or yogurt
• 1 ounce of cheese

Protein

• 2-3 ounces of meat
• 1 cup cooked beans or legumes
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Fats and Sweets

• Good source of calories but may be restricted by special diets