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Food And Blood Flow Can Affect How Bones Heal

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2008

Broken bones need more than a good set to heal.

Good circulation and nutrition play a role, too.

Circulation is important because blood carries oxygen, nutrients and cellular building blocks to connect and heal broken tissue. This process of healing is called "remodeling." Any condition that impedes blood flow - such as smoking - impedes healing.

Some bones tend to heal faster than others. Bones in the toes, for example, usually heal quickly because they are fairly stable and have an excellent blood supply. Bones in the wrist typically receive less blood flow and, therefore, may take longer to heal.

But much of the "glue" that mends broken bones is found in food. These nutrients are especially important:

•Protein such as collagen helps to knit broken bones back together. Protein is found primarily in eggs, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, soy and other beans, and dairy foods.

•Vitamin C is essential to collagen formation and promotes the healing of wounds and broken bones. Pack in more daily vitamin C foods such as peppers, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges and other citrus fruit.

•Calcium is the primary mineral used to build and repair bone. And vitamin D helps absorb calcium. Pour a few extra glasses of milk or pop an extra supplement of calcium and vitamin D every day. (By the way, the upper limit for daily calcium is 2,500 milligrams, broken bone or not.)

•Vitamin K helps in bone repair as well. Leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard and spinach are excellent sources.

The Monterey (Calif.) County Herald

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