"Nutrition and Injury Rehabilitation" By: Dawn Krawz, PTA
May. 03, 2010
The first thing most people do when having an injury is
apply ice, bandages, braces, rest and then make an appointment to
see a doctor. In some cases, the person may have surgery then
go to physical therapy; in other cases, patients are referred
straight to physical therapy. All of these things play a
vital role in the recovery and healing of an injury, allowing the
injured person to get back to their sport or functional
levels. However, researchers are discovering that a person's
diet after an injury or surgery can affect their rehabilitation and
recovery stages by either promoting or delaying recovery, all
depending on what they choose to put into their bodies.
Nutrition can aid or hinder the recovery of general and chronic
muscle and joint soreness after exercise workouts, practices and
games. There are certain foods and beverages with
anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in recovery if eaten
after aggressive exercise, after an injury occurs, or even after
surgery. A person's overall diet can play a big role in how
they will recover.
Enzymes
The first important nutritional need that should be incorporated
into one's diet if they are rehabilitating from an injury are
enzymes. Enzymes have been discovered to moderate the
inflammatory cycle, which is thought to inhibit the arachidonic
cascade (the production of the derivatives from arachidonic acid
and their action in the body), and regulate the healing
process. Enzymes also aid in increasing tissue permeability,
facilitating re-absorption of edema and accelerating the healing
process of tissue damage.
Vitamins
Vitamins are also very important in healing. Some vitamins
that aid in the healing process are vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin
E, Iron and Zinc. Vitamin C helps the body to form collagen
which is a protein needed to repair tendons, ligaments and to
strengthen bones. Levels of vitamin C can decrease when the
body is under stress. Vitamin A is used for cell growth and
development, bone development and boosts the immune system.
Vitamin E inhibits inflammation. Zinc and Iron are also important
because it aids in wound healing. Foods that contain Vitamin
C are oranges, broccoli, strawberries, grapefruit, cabbage, papaya
and cantaloupe. Foods that contain vitamin A are carrots,
sweet potatoes, spinach, mango and red bell peppers. Vitamin
E can be found Brazil nuts, almonds, pistachios and vegetable and
nut oils. Good sources of Zinc are found in seafood, meat and
almonds. Foods that contain iron are meats, fish, tofu,
pumpkin seeds, clams, and tomato juice.
Fatty Acids
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are also very important in
rehabilitating and healing of an injury. Fatty acids help to
reduce inflammation. There are three types of prostaglandins
that regulate inflammation in the body. PGE 1 and PGE 3
decrease inflammation and PGE 2 promote inflammation in the human
body. Adding fatty acids can help to balance the
prostaglandins to decrease inflammation. A good source of
fatty acids comes from eating fish or in a pill form. It is
recommended to eat fish twice a week.
In Conclusion
Having a well balanced diet with good sources of vitamins,
nutrients and fatty acids can aid in how fast or how slow one can
recover from an injury. Try to supplement your diet and be more
aware of the foods you eat and see how it enhances your
rehabilitation! If you have questions about proper nutrition,
contact the Sports Physical Therapy Institute to speak with a
physical therapist about your injury and a proper nutrition
program.