Interesting Facts And Myths About Wound Care For Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and one that covers all other organs. However, its only function is not just to separate the skeletal structure, internal organs, tissues, and muscles from the outside world. In a sense, our skin binds us together, making us whole. It also contains a network of nerves and blood vessels. The skin is an important sensory organ that helps to keep safe and interact with the world around us.

Skin wounds are common at all ages, and something that we’ve all had to deal with. They’re especially common in children, who are always jumping around and playing, or with those who lead active lifestyles. We’ve all had wounds that vary from tiny nicks while shaving to large cuts and gashes that need to be sewn. However big or small, though, the healing process is the same, and what you eat is important, as it provides nourishment and energy for healing.

Treating Skin Wounds And Diet For Skin

About the healing process: It’s important to understand how the skin heals itself to know why a good diet is important. A skin wound heals because of a process called regeneration, in which damaged cells are recreated by those around the damaged area. As soon as the skin is broken, the blood begins to clot in the area, stopping the blood from flowing. After this, white blood cells flood the area and begin attacking the bacteria and other foreign bodies, sacrificing themselves in the process. These form a scab, which cuts the wound off from open air.

After this, another type of white blood cell begins consuming the cell debris. Next, tough, fibrous cells call fibroblasts move in from surrounding tissues and begin to multiply. The skin begins to regenerate and new blood vessels are formed. Thus, healing is all about growing new cells, and your body needs nutrition to do this.

Diet: Vitamins D, C, K, and E are very important in healing. You also need to drink a lot of water throughout the day to flush away toxins. Your diet needs to include a lot of proteins that help the body to regenerate. Eat foods from all food groups everyday. Eat a large number of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, and liquids. Try to stay away from unhealthy foods that are high in fats, sugar, and salt. For this reason, junk foods and colas are an absolute no-no.

You can get proteins from milk and dairy products, lentils, and meat. Instead of snacking on unhealthy chips, pop a few dry fruits or nuts into your mouth for a boost of protein. Fruits like bananas and whole grains will provide carbohydrates that your body needs. Eat a lot of green, leafy vegetables for calcium and antioxidants that will aid healing.

Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits and other fruits like strawberries, grapefruits, and cantaloupes, while zinc is found in whole foods and meats like beef, liver, and seafood. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, eggs, and whole grains also contain traces of zinc. Remember that zinc is very important for healing.

Finally remember to include a lot of liquids like water and fresh juices into your diet.

Submitted on January 16, 2014