People with severe burns, cuts and infections are often unable to eat all the necessary nutrition themselves.

Serious burns, injuries (for example due to traffic accidents), cuts and infections seem very different at first glance. But they all have similar consequences. They disrupt your body’s metabolism.

Influence on metabolism

The first two days after the injury the body is in ‘shock’. During that period the metabolism works less hard. After this period, the metabolism starts working extra hard. The body does everything it can to provide sufficient energy for recovery. The protein from the muscles is also converted into energy. This can cause a significant loss of muscle tissue and reduced functioning of important organs. The use of protein-rich food is therefore very important during this period.

When your metabolism returns to normal over time, it is important that your body can continue to recover. For this it is important that energy supplies and also protein supplies are replenished.

Nutrition in recovery from trauma

Nutrition plays an important role in the period in which your body breaks down its energy reserves, but also when your body rebuilds its energy reserves. The following nutrients are extra important when recovering from wounds or infections:

• Calories, to provide energy to repair your body. Your calorie needs depend on your body weight, age and medical condition.
• Proteins, to help build, maintain and repair body tissues. Even short periods of low protein intake can lead to delayed healing. Sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt), legumes, nuts and seeds.
• Vitamins and minerals, to repair and rebuild damaged tissue. If you eat a healthy and varied diet according to the Wheel of Five, you will get enough vitamins and minerals. Sometimes it may be necessary to use supplements, for example if you are malnourished or you cannot eat enough. A doctor or dietician can inform you about this.
• Moisture, for tissue repair and replenishment of losses. Dehydration causes your skin to lose elasticity and makes it more susceptible to breakdown and infection. Dehydration will also reduce the efficiency of blood circulation, hindering the supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Medical nutrition

People with severe burns, cuts and infections are often unable to eat all the necessary nutrition themselves. For example, because they are unconscious or because the injury makes eating difficult. They are then fed through a tube.

More information about tube feeding can be found on our website www.sondevoedingthuis.nl  .

These are foods for medical use and are recommended by a doctor or dietician. Food for medical purposes must be used under medical supervision.

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