Individuals recovering from injuries or surgery should avoid consuming hot, spicy, processed, greasy, undercooked, and raw foods to minimize the risk of infection and support the healing process of wounds. Wounds resulting from accidents or surgical procedures create an environment conducive to the entry of viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites into the body, potentially leading to infections that manifest through pus, swelling, heat, bleeding, fluid leakage, delayed wound healing, and other complications.
Nutrition expert Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung from the Nutrihome Nutrition Center emphasizes the importance of a scientifically planned diet to reduce the risk of infectious complications and facilitate wound healing. Patients are advised to steer clear of foods that can exacerbate inflammation, infection, bleeding, or allergies, all of which can impede the recovery process.
Certain types of foods can be particularly problematic for individuals with wounds in specific areas of the body. For instance, hot and spicy foods can irritate the mucosal linings of the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach, potentially leading to complications like reflux and ulcers. Processed foods high in saturated fats and trans fats can promote inflammation and slow down wound healing, in addition to increasing the risk of high blood pressure.
Additionally, greasy foods rich in saturated fats can stimulate an inflammatory response in the body, hindering the healing process. Inadequately cooked or raw meat, fish, and seafood pose a risk of contamination with harmful pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and other severe complications.
Furthermore, food allergies can strain the immune system, potentially impeding the body’s ability to combat infections and facilitate wound healing. Patients are advised to avoid foods that have triggered allergic reactions in the past or unfamiliar foods to reduce the risk of allergies and promote a smoother recovery.
Following an injury or surgery, patients should adopt a gradual approach to eating, starting with liquid foods and progressing to solid options in smaller, frequent meals throughout the day. It is crucial to follow the guidance of healthcare providers regarding dietary choices and adhere to scheduled wound assessments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.