Recovering from an injury takes time and patience. There are several food and supplements that can help speed up the body’s healing process in addition to doctor-prescribed medications. Take a look at nutrition for recovery and supplements for pain relief that can be added to the diet to aid the recovery process.

Foods for recovery

Protein helps build tissues and muscles. Injured body parts tend to lose strength and muscle mass due to immobilization. Increasing the amount of protein consumed will help rebuild lost muscle. Eating protein-rich foods like meat, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds in each meal can stimulate muscle growth.

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can help the body produce collagen needed to rebuild tissue. Vitamin C has antioxidant and inflammation properties that can speed up recovery by reducing inflammation. Citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, broccoli, berries, tomatoes, and mango are some foods with the highest amounts of vitamin C. Omega-3 fatty acids also limit prolonged inflammation. Foods like fish, algae, flax seeds, walnuts, and chia seeds are all high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Zinc is necessary for wound healing, tissue repair, and growth. Consuming zinc-rich foods such as meat, fish, shellfish, seeds, nuts, and whole grains can speed up wound healing and tissue repair. Calcium is important for bone growth, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from foods. Eating calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, broccoli, okra, almonds, and plant-based milks along with vitamin D helps bone fractures heal.

Creatine is naturally found in meat, poultry, and fish. It helps the body produce the energy needed for heavy lifting and high-intensity exercise. Consuming creatine can reduce the amount of muscle lost after injury and help regain that muscle after recovery. The body naturally produces glucosamine which creates tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Increasing glucosamine may reduce pain and speed up recovery from bone fractures.

Major injuries can take weeks or months of recovery, leading to lost wages, extra medical bills, and insurance hassles. An Orange County accident lawyer at Daniel Kim Law can help a victim injured by a negligent driver win compensation for personal injury damages. While filing a personal injury claim cannot undo the pain and suffering caused from an accident, the compensation won can ease the financial burden.

Supplements for pain relief

Over the counter pain medications are effective but come with side-effects from prolonged use. Prescription pain medications can have even worse side-effects and risk addiction. There are many essential oils, herbs, and supplements believed to work as natural pain relievers.

Lavender essential oil is used for pain relief as well as reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. Rosemary treats headache, muscle pain, and bone pain. It also reduces inflammation and relaxes smooth muscles. Peppermint essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving effects. It can be applied topically to areas of pain. Both ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, is good for joint pain and headaches. When used topically, capsaicin blocks the pain messages sent by nerves.

Magnesium supplements are best for migraines, muscle spasms, poor digestion, and anxiety. Valerian root is primarily used for muscle and joint pain, and an alternative to sleep aids. This root acts as a sedative and pain reliever that acts on the brain and nervous system.

Supplement manufacturers have the means to produce custom formulas for supplements. Such companies use the highest quality raw materials to formulate unique products that are beneficial to consumers. From capsules and softgels to powders and gummies, they can customize any supplement format.