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If your body takes forever to heal scrapes, cuts and sores, you may be deficient in certain nutrients and vitamins.

The human body requires proper nourishment to power vital immune functions, such as antibody production and pathogen elimination, that facilitate healing.

Fortunately, you can super-charge the body’s response to damaged cells and broken tissues by consuming various immune-boosting foods.

Add the following foods to your diet to ensure a fast recovery.

Broccoli

Like many cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains sulfur-rich compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against wounds and infections. Sulforaphane, the main active compound in broccoli, is known to fortify immune cells and stimulate the production of white blood cells.

Citrus fruits

Several citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruits and clementines are naturally rich in vitamin C. As an immune-boosting antioxidant, vitamin C plays an important role in tissue repair. It also stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that provides structural integrity to skin, tendons, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C also prevents cellular damage caused by disease-causing free radicals.

Lentils

Iron plays an essential role in the healing of cutaneous wounds, or wounds that affect the skin, such as cuts, abrasions, burns and sores. Iron not only replenishes lost blood but also enhances the immune system’s inflammatory receptors. Often, a deficiency of iron, also known as anemia, drastically impairs wound healing because of frequent bleeding and blood clots. Iron-rich foods include lentils, turkey, sardines, spinach and legumes.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the primary active component in turmeric, is known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects against wounds and infections. As a strong antioxidant, turmeric is commonly used as a poultice to treat fresh cuts, burns and abrasions. Turmeric also boosts the production of collagen to restore damaged tissues.

Eggs

Eggs contain high amounts of vitamin A, an antioxidant that promotes cell growth and tissue repair. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein, which aids in collagen synthesis. Additionally, vitamin A can be obtained from various fruits and vegetables including carrots, apricots, kale and spinach.

Berries

Berries also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that accelerate wound healing and recovery. Like many citrus fruits, berries also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that facilitates tissue repair.

Meat

Protein is the building block of bones, muscles and organs. It plays an important role in immunity enhancement, muscle growth and tissue repair. But it often works alongside zinc to facilitate optimal wound healing. Often, most protein-rich foods also contain high amounts of zinc, an immune-boosting mineral that combats disease-causing pathogens. Food sources that contain this potent combination of protein and zinc include red meat, poultry, fish and shellfish.

Honey

Honey has potent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote rapid healing. As a natural remedy, honey is commonly used to relieve fresh burns and chronic ulcers. Its sugar content also hinders microbial growth that can lead to infection.

Red bell peppers

Bright vegetables, such as red bell peppers, carrots and chili peppers, contain carotenoids, potent antioxidants that promote tissue repair and immunity enhancement. Bright vegetables also contain vitamin C, another antioxidant that stimulates the production of white blood cells.

Fish

Various fatty fishes like salmon, tuna and herring contain high amounts of vitamin D, a prohormone that aids in wound healing. Vitamin D also promotes the creation of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide that wards off pathogens.

The body requires an increased intake of calories, protein and immune-boosting vitamins to promote healing and prevent infection. Fortunately, you can assist the body’s response to damaged cells by regularly consuming foods that enhance the immune system. Follow a balanced diet that contains essential food groups, such as protein, grains, fruits and vegetables.

Sources:

OrganicFacts.net

InstituteForNaturalHealing.com