Nutrition Guidelines to Improve Healing

Good nutrition is necessary for healing. During the healing process, the body needs increased amounts of calories and protein. Vitamins A and C, and the mineral zinc are also key nutrients to promote healing. Just as construction workers need special materials to repave a road, your body demands nutritious supplies for its "construction zone:" the growth and repair of tissue.

The following guidelines will help you choose "power" foods to promote healing.

Goals for Healthy Eating

· Eat 5 or 6 small meals per day.

· Eat a variety of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals you need.

· Drink at least 8 cups (or 64 ounces) of liquids per day. Choose nutritious beverages such as milk and fruit juices, as well as water. Limit coffee, tea and soda pop since these beverages typically do not contain any protein, vitamins or minerals. Beverages that contain caffeine (such as regular coffee, tea and colas) can also cause dehydration if you drink too much of them.

· To increase calories, add the following items to meals: margarine or butter, vegetable oil, salad dressings, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, honey, corn syrup, brown sugar, maple syrup, grated cheese, cream cheese and gravy. These high fat/calorie food items are a concentrated source of calories. If you are following a cholesterol-lowering diet, you will need to limit saturated fat. Check with your doctor or dietitian if you have questions.

· To increase protein, add 2-3 tablespoons of powdered milk to foods such as mashed potatoes, pudding, hot cereal, scrambled eggs, cream soup, casseroles, gravies or sauces, milk or milkshakes and liquid nutritional supplements.

· If you have diabetes, continue to monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Use caution when preparing high-calorie foods -- make sure the carbohydrate content fits with your meal plan. Check with a registered dietitian about fitting high-calorie, high-protein foods into your diabetic meal plan to promote healing and control blood sugar levels.

One Serving = 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, noodles or rice; 3/4 cup dry cereal; 1 slice wheat bread.

Best sources of zinc: whole grain breads, wheat germ.

Best sources of iron: fortified cereals

One serving = 1/2 cup canned fruit or fruit juice; 1 piece of fruit.

Best sources for Vitamin A: yellow or orange fruits, especially cantaloupe, apricots, pink grapefruit.

Best sources of Vitamin C: citrus fruits and juices, melons and strawberries.

One serving = 2-3 ounces of meat (the size of a deck of cards); 2 tablespoons of peanut butter; 1 cup cooked beans or legumes; 1 egg

Best source of zinc: lean meats and eggs

Best source of iron: lean meats, poultry

At least 2-3 servings/day

One serving = 1 cup milk or yogurt; 1 ounce cheese (the size of your thumb)

Best source of Vitamin A: milk fortified with vitamin A

One serving = 1 cup cooked or raw vegetables; 1 cup raw leafy vegetables.

Best source of Vitamin A: yellow, orange or green vegetables - especially spinach, broccoli, carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, orange, yellow and red peppers.

Best source for Vitamin C: peppers, tomatoes, broccoli

6- Some additional suggestions:

• Pudding, yogurt, frozen yogurt or ice cream
• Fresh, canned or dried fruit
• Cereal with milk
• Peanut butter and crackers
• Egg, tuna or chicken salad with crackers or as a sandwich
• Cheese slices with fruit or crackers
• Cottage cheese with fruit
• Granola bars

Should I include nutritional supplements?
Yes. You may include high calorie, high protein liquid nutritional supplements such as Sustacal, Ensure, Boost, Resource or Carnation Instant Breakfast mix. These high protein drinks are available at grocery stores, pharmacies and discount department stores.

These products are very similar; you may want to sample different types or flavors. These supplements may be taken along with meals or between meals as snacks. Your dietitian can advise you on how to use these products.

High Protein Shake
Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons powdered milk
1 cup ice cream (1-2 scoops)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons chocolate, butterscotch or fruit syrup

Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.

Makes two 8-ounce servings. Per serving: 320 calories, 12 grams of protein

Buttermilk Shake
Ingredients:

1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup lemonade
1/2 cup ice cream
1/4 cup egg substitute (not fresh egg)
Fresh lemon juice (optional, for flavor)

Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix well.

Makes two 9-ounce servings. Per serving: 160 calories, 9 grams of protein.

Banana Peach Cooler
Ingredients:

1 medium banana
1/2 cup peach nectar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup pineapple juice
5 tablespoons powdered milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup egg substitute (not fresh egg)
1/2 package peach flavored gelatin

Directions:
In blender, combine banana and juices. Blend until smooth. Add other ingredients and whip until smooth.

Makes approximately two 10-ounce servings. Per serving: 340 calories, 17 grams of protein.

Orange Smoothie
Ingredients:

3/4 cup orange juice (or other juice)
1/2 cup egg substitute (not fresh egg)
3 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup ginger ale
1/2 cup orange sherbet (or different flavor)
1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/16 teaspoon ground ginger
1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/16 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a bowl and beat with a mixer until smooth and frothy. Makes two 8-ounce servings. Per serving: 262 calories, 8 grams of protein

This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional written health information, please contact the Health Information Center at the Cleveland Clinic (216) 444-3771 or toll-free (800) 223-2273 extension 43771 or visit www.clevelandclinic.org/health/. This document was last reviewed on: 10/1/2001