The Power of Protein in Wound Healing

For patients with chronic wounds, increasing the amount of protein in their diet can be an important factor to consider during the healing process. Wound healing in the body requires increased energy in the form of protein

That’s why a nutrient-rich diet is an essential ingredient to rebuilding tissue.

Protein-rich foods support cellular repair and regeneration to restore and replace damaged tissue. For many patients, access to the right foods and understanding the importance of increased protein nutrition can be a challenge, but our clinicians work individually to discuss, educate and personalize a plan for each patient.

“We take into account our patients’ preferences and nutritional needs and provide ongoing support to help ensure patients are able to maintain a nutrient-rich diet,” said Maribel Martinez, Nurse Practitioner at RFH.

Protein can be found in foods made from seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy products. Maintaining a high-protein diet does not have to be time consuming or expensive.

Convenient, budget-friendly protein-rich foods include:

Meat / Seafood

• Pre-cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
• Canned or fresh seafood, such as salmon, tuna or crab
• Deli meats (consider sodium levels)

Dairy

• Cheese sticks and slices
• Yogurt or smoothies

Beans, peas and lentils

• Pre-cooked canned beans
• Hummus

Nuts

• Peanut or almond butter
• Trail mix with nuts and seeds

Supplements

• Protein supplements or shakes
• Protein bars

What’s the right amount of protein to support wound healing?

The amount of protein recommended will vary based on several factors including the condition of the wound and a patient’s overall health. At Restore First Health, we offer one-on-one support for patients to address their specific needs and preferences. We highly encourage our patients to take a close look at the protein levels of their daily intake and often recommend adding more during the wound healing process.

Our recipe for restoring health is providing a holistic approach to care by offering a diversity of personalized solutions, including nutrition counseling and ongoing support to advance the healing process.

Supporting Resources:

USDA MyPlate Protein Food Groups: https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/protein-foods