If you or a loved one needs rehabilitation, consider these tips to ensuring good nutrition.

For those who must undergo rehabilitation from surgery or an injury, one of the most important factors in a successful recovery is good nutrition. In order to heal and grow, a well-balanced diet and the appropriate supplements can make a huge difference in how one feels during the recovery process and may even improve the outcomes of rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one needs rehabilitation, consider these tips to ensuring good nutrition.

Healthy Food Choices

• Protein- For anyone going through physical rehabilitation, consuming an adequate amount of protein is a must. Necessary for building and maintaining muscles, protein is a vital element in assuring that muscle mass is not lost during the recovery period. Incorporating whey proteins and lean meats are excellent ways to include protein in one's daily meal plan.
• Carbohydrates- Not all carbohydrates are created equal; that's why it's important to skip on the simple carbs (like fruit juices and sugary snacks) and go for the complex carbs instead. Since complex carbohydrates provide energy to the body's cells, they're an essential part of one's diet during rehabilitation. They are also beneficial to the health of organs. Healthy options to include in daily meals are brown rice, veggies, fruits, and whole grain breads and pastas. An added bonus is that many of these foods are also high in fiber.
• Dairy - Dairyis another food to include while going through physical rehabilitation. To start with, it's another great source of protein. Secondly, it's a source of calcium and many other vitamins and minerals. The protein and calcium alone are important for muscle mass and bone strength, key factors in successful rehabilitation. It's important to note, though, that not all dairy products are good sources of those ingredients. Avoid sugary dairy options, such as ice cream or sweetened yogurt and opt for healthier choices like low-fat cottage cheese or plain yogurt.

Healthy Supplement Options 

• Omega-3fatty acids - Important for overall health, omega-3 fatty acids are easy to incorporate into one's diet through the use of supplements. Noted benefits include reducing the risk of stroke and lowering blood pressure. For the individual going through physical rehabilitation, omega-3's are helpful in reducing joint stiffness and inflammation, two very common obstacles faced during rehab. 
• Vitamin C & Zinc - Depending on the nature of the injury or surgery that lead to physical rehabilitation, vitamin C and zincare known for their healing properties. The quicker one's body is able to heal from injury, the sooner it's able to make progress in rehab.
• Vitamin D- As people age, their bones can become weak, especially if they've ever been deficient in vitamin D. For anyone going through physical rehabilitation, strong bones are a must. Vitamin D has also been shown to increase muscle strength. While many foods are fortified with this vitamin, adding a daily supplement can ensure adequate intake, especially for individuals whose deficiency is related to lack of sun exposure.
• Vitamin B complex- Including a vitamin B complex into one's daily diet is beneficial while going through rehabilitation. They provide a host of helpful qualities, such helping to turn food into energy, make new cells, and even reduce inflammation. Each of the B vitamins plays a crucial role in overall health, so it's easy to see why incorporating a vitamin B complex is important.

 As you can see, rehabilitation on its own is only a part of the process. Eating a healthy diet with nutrient rich foods and taking the right supplements are also key to a successful recovery.

 At Church Home LifeSpring, we know how important recovery is to you. That's why we offer services like short term rehabilitation for those who've undergone surgery, are recovering from an injury, or other health related issue. And our highly regarding Dining staff ensure meals are both nutritious and delightful!

If you or someone you care about would like more information on this topic or about the services we provide, please contact us.