Which Foods Helps Broken Bones Heal Faster?

Broken bones, which in medical terms is known as a fracture, is a condition in which one or multiple bones of the body break. Broken bones are normally a result of a fall, trauma, or a motor vehicle collision. Being tackled during a football game or other contact sport can also result in Broken Bones. However, not all broken bones are a result of injuries. There is a medical condition called osteoporosis in which the bones of the body become brittle and weak, which cause the bones to break even with the slightest jerk or fall.

If an individual has broken bones then it becomes extremely important to be on a diet, which allows the fracture or the broken bone to heal quickly. This article gives a brief overview of some of the foods that one can eat to help broken bones heal faster.

Broken Bones or fractures are basically of two types; displaced and non-displaced. Nondisplaced types of fractures are those in which the bones break, but stay in their normal anatomical position. These types of fractures or broken bones are easy to treat with immobilization in the form of casting or splinting the affected area and allowing the bones to heal on their own.

The second form of fractures or broken bones is the non-displaced form of fracture and is a type of fracture in which the broken bone moves out of its position and pieces of bones break through the skin surface and protrude out of the skin through the wound. Non-displaced types of fractures are much more difficult to treat, as such injuries act as a perfect breeding ground for environmental contaminants to infiltrate the body and cause infections. The mainstay of treatment for such injuries is emergent surgery to fix the broken bones back into their normal position with the help of screws and rods and immobilizing the area to allow the fracture to heal.

The foods which can be incorporated in the diet to allow broken bones to heal faster are:

Calcium Rich Foods: Calcium makes the bones strong. Thus it is extremely vital for individuals with broken bones or fracture to eat a diet rich in calcium. Some of the foods that are rich in calcium are green leafy vegetables like spinach and radish, fishes like salmon, and dairy products like yogurt. Incorporating these foods into the diet will help the broken bones to heal faster.

Vitamin K Rich Foods: Vitamin K also plays a vital role when it comes to healing of broken bones. Thus foods rich in vitamin K should be a part of the diet. Some of the foods rich in vitamin K are Kale, broccoli, spinach, and dairy products like cheese, which is an extremely vital ingredient for bone healing. Having these Vitamin K rich foods will allow broken bones to heal faster.

Clean Lean Protein: Proteins are important for rebuilding of the tissue lost during the injury that caused broken bones. The tissue lost during the injury cannot rebuild itself on its own. As such foods like wild caught fish can be eaten to help rebuild the tissues and help heal the broken bones faster.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is also extremely important in order to allow the broken bones to heal faster. Vitamin C is extremely vital for production of collagen essential for skin and tissues. Foods that are rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes and are significantly helpful in helping broken bones heal faster.

Diet Rich in Zinc: Zinc is also extremely helpful in helping broken bones or fractures to heal faster. Zinc helps in rebuilding of bones and thus makes bone healing easier. Some of the foods rich in zinc are pumpkin seeds and spinach. Incorporating these foods in the diet will not only make the bones stronger, but also help broken bones to heal faster.

Vitamin D for Faster Healing of Broken Bones: Vitamin D is a must have if you want to help your fracture or broken bones to heal. Vitamin D helps in better absorption of calcium and also helps with the minerals in the bones. You need to get some early morning sunbathing in to soak up the vitamin D. This will greatly help in broken bones heal faster. As for foods, Vitamin D is naturally found in only selected foods, such as fatty fish and egg yolks. Other than this, other foods which have Vitamin D and which you should consume to help heal your fracture or broken bones faster are: salmon, swordfish, cod liver oil, liver, sardines, fortified yogurt/milk and fortified orange juice.

Foods Loaded with Potassium: Potassium is an important mineral for your bone health, as it decreases the amount of calcium excreted in your pee. Some foods which are loaded with potassium and helps broken bones heal faster are: bananas, potatoes, orange juice, nuts, fish, seeds, milk and meat.

Iron Rich Foods: People suffering from iron-deficiency anemia tend to have fractures or broken bones that may heal more slowly. Iron helps in production of collagen for rebuilding of the bones. Iron also helps in getting oxygen into the bones so they heal faster. Some of the foods, which are good sources of iron and must be eaten after a fracture to help broken bones heal faster are: leafy green veggies, dark-meat chicken or turkey, red meat, eggs, oily fish, dried fruits, fortified cereals and whole-grain breads.

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