Bone provides indispensable structural support to the body. From protecting internal organs to the development of blood cells, bones play a vital role. Any fracture damage can disrupt bone function and stability. If not treated effectively, it will lead to interrupted blood flow and swelling.
Treatment only works if it is combined with a proper diet that is specifically prescribed for fracture surgery. If you are wondering what foods help bone healing after fracture surgery, then this article might be helpful for you. So, keep reading to know more about it.
Does diet affect bone healing?
Bone is a robust organ of the body, but it does not mean that it does not require proper nutrition. According to NCBI, an appropriate diet compensates for nutrient loss in the body during fracture, and provides macro- and micronutrients to the bone.
So, it’s very important to consult the right orthopaedic doctor for any kind of bone fracture. Dr Kishore Kumar Panda had a track record in treating many patients.
What Foods Help Bone Healing After Fracture Surgery?
Numerous foods have been scientifically substantiated to facilitate and expedite bone healing. Let us know about them:
Food high in Calcium
After surgery, the body needs an appropriate amount of Calcium, as it is essential for bone healing.
For this, one can consume foods such as milk, soymilk, almond milk, cheese, yoghurt, ragi, green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach.
Vitamin D food source
Maybe you don’t know, but your calcium intake won’t work if you don’t get enough vitamin D, as vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium more quickly and consistently. Here’s the food source you can consider after bone surgery:
- Egg yolk
- Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines
- 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight exposure
- Fortified foods such as oat milk, cereals, soy, and almonds
Food with an iron source
After surgery, the body is in a recovery stage that requires iron to repair bone tissue and deliver ample oxygen. Many foods you can include in your diet for iron intake, such as
- Beans
- Poultry products
- Jaggery
- Tofu
- Soybeans
- Fish such as sardines and tuna
- Lentils
- Pumpkin seeds
Vitamin K
Lesser known, but Vitamin K also plays a vital role in strengthening bones. Vitamin K is responsible for the synthesis of an important protein, osteocalcin, which is crucial in bone formation. That’s why one should also include vitamin K in their daily diet. Here are some good sources of vitamin K:
- Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Prunes
- Kale
Vitamin C
After surgery, the body needs Vitamin C, as it’s a good source of collagen, which helps repair and develop new bone tissue. Even in research, it has been shown that Vitamin C intake at the right amount regulates osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis (bone-forming and bone-restoring processes). Let’s check out what food have high in vitamin C:
- Capsicum (or bell peppers)
- Lemon, Oranges
- Amla (also known as Indian gooseberry)
- Strawberries
- Guava
Food with a high protein source
Many people have confusion, like, “Does protein help heal fractured bones?” Protein, considered the main nutrient element for bone restoration, is especially important after a fracture. Collagen, discussed above, is also a protein required for bone formation and repair. Here’s a list of protein-rich food sources you can include in your diet:
- Nuts like almonds and peanuts
- Soya,
- Tofu,
- Boiled Soybeans,
- Milk,
- Greek yoghurt,
- Lentils,
- Chickpeas and Kidney beans.
Conclusion
Recovering from a fracture took around 3 to 6 weeks, and meanwhile, one should take care of medication and prescribed food. The above-listed information helps you to figure out what foods help bone healing after fracture surgery, but in case you need specific guidance, it’s important to consult with an orthopaedic doctor.
With more than 15 years of experience, Dr Kishore Kumar Panda is the best orthopaedic surgeon in Bhubaneswar and has helped many patients regain mobility, strength, and confidence to return to their daily lives.
