A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone or joint. The recovery process that follows a fracture requires a combination of different treatments done through medication, physical therapy, and dietary consumption.
A healthy diet is important because it can help improve the healing process. This diet is far from creating multiple concoctions that are “magical”, but rather consists of what you would most likely eat normally.
There are, however, certain things that should be eaten and other foods that need to be avoided.
What type of diet you should have during recovery from fracture?
Here are some of the essential nutrients your diet should have post-fracture to ensure better and faster recovery:
- Protein: Proteins help in building muscles, cells, and tissues. Along with calcium and other minerals, proteins help in rebuilding the damaged bones. Protein also helps in creating antibodies which are essential for healing fractures.
- Calcium: Calcium is an important mineral that helps in rebuilding broken bones. Dairy products like milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium. Another good source of calcium is green leafy vegetables such as spinach.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps in healing wounds faster so it is important to include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet post-fracture. Oranges, lemons, guavas, and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin D: Another important nutrient for bone health is vitamin D which can be obtained by spending some time under the sun or by consuming foods like fish, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified cereals.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: Omega 3 fatty acids can heal fractures faster and improve mobility after injury. They have anti-inflammatory properties which help repair damaged bones faster. Fish oil capsules contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids and should be included in your diet after a fracture.
- Vitamin D: Hence while recovering from a fracture, it is essential that you consume vitamin D-rich foods like salmon fish, tuna fish eggs, etc., or take supplements if needed on advice from your doctor or dietician. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
Make sure your meals have enough of these mentioned nutrients.
Remember, what you eat has a significant effect on your orthopedic health. And this continues even when you’re recovering from any form of injury, like fractures. The right foods can help your body heal better and faster.
Orthopedic doctors, in addition to outlining proper treatment plans, also stress a lot on diet. If you have sustained a fracture, talk to your fracture treatment doctor in Kolkata and ask them about the kind of diet you should follow. They may even provide you with a personalized diet plan to follow as you recover from the fracture.