Diet to Improve Healing of Bone Fractures
A bone fracture occurs when stress or impact separates a bone. It may be a complete fracture, in which the bone breaks all the way through, or an incomplete fracture, in which the bone cracks but does not separate. When a fracture occurs, your body must produce new bone cells to repair the break.
A bone fracture occurs when stress or impact separates a bone. It may be a complete fracture, in which the bone breaks all the way through, or an incomplete fracture, in which the bone cracks but does not separate. When a fracture occurs, your body must produce new bone cells to repair the break. Dietary choices may help improve the healing of bone fractures.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for repair and regeneration of bone cells. This mineral is stored in your bones, and may be derived from supplements or food sources. Increasing your intake of calcium may help your body heal a fracture more quickly. Although calcium is most commonly associated with dairy products, you can also boost your intake of this mineral by consuming foods such as salmon, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, almonds, tofu, alfalfa and sesame seeds.
Vitamin K-Rich Foods
Vitamin K is most widely known for its role in preventing excessive bleeding. However, this vitamin also improves your body's ability to absorb and use calcium from food sources. This may help expedite the healing of complete and incomplete bone fractures. It may also help strengthen existing bone cells, which may reduce the risk of future fractures. Vitamin K is found in foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli, avocados, eggs, rye bread, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.
Lysine-Rich Foods
Lysine is an amino acid that is necessary for proper metabolism and use of protein, which is a building block for cellular repair. It may help repair bone cells, and may strengthen muscles and ligaments surrounding bones. This amino acid also enhances absorption of calcium for improved bone repair. Dairy products, fish, lentils, chickpeas, beef, pork, soy products and lima beans are abundant sources of lysine.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is widely known for its ability to enhance immune system function, helping your body stave of common colds, the flu and other infectious illnesses. However, this vitamin is also essential for efficient calcium use and bone repair. It also helps strengthen connective tissues and muscles that hold bones in place during healing. Increase your intake of vitamin C by consuming foods such as brussels sprouts, parsley, green peas, mangoes, citrus fruits, berries, spinach and dandelion greens.