One of the perils of our fragile human form is the ease with which it can be damaged. Even as hard as bones are, they are hollow, and with enough applied force, can break very easily.
As we get older and bone density starts to diminish, this can occur with even less effort and more frequency.
If you have a bone disease, such as osteoporosis, your likelihood of a simple contact with a hard object fracturing a weak bone is exponentially more likely.
And osteoporosis is degenerative unless managed, so as the disease progresses, these breaks may intensify. It can be very disheartening. So, what can you do to fix those broken bones and get back to your life? What are the best foods to heal broken bones?
Foods for Healing
We have all been told for the majority of our lives that calcium strengthens bones.
That is why, even though after a certain age, we cannot process it correctly, many of us still consume milk, cheese, and other dairy products. But just strengthening bones is one thing; repairing them after a break is an entirely different issue.
Calcium is great for keeping them tip-top, but even the strongest person can break a leg if the circumstances stack up the wrong way.
When you do have a break, knowing what foods will help speed the healing process can not only improve your situation but also give you a feeling of control over the repair process.
Think of it like an engine. Your car is running rough, and you find it is because of the cheap gas you have used for years.
Suddenly, you switch to premium and add some fuel booster, and now it is purring like a kitten and giving you more power than when it was new. Eating the right foods that heal breaks is not unlike this concept.
Bone Healing Foods
We have a list of the best foods to heal broken bones. Some you know, and some might surprise you, but if you want to get back to living your best life, you might want to pepper in these foods to heal broken bones faster into your diet.
1. Dairy
Still a good source of vitamin D and calcium. They not only strengthen but also help with bone growth.
2. Bell Peppers
Collagen is vital when bone repair is a goal, and the red bell peppers specifically are packed with vitamin C, which also translates in the body into collagen.
3. Black Beans
Magnesium is another excellent mineral that speeds up bone healing, and black beans are packed with it.
4. Kale
Kale is filled with vitamin K, which is excellent for blood clotting and makes it easier for calcium to bind to your damaged areas.
5. Grapes
Also filled with vitamin K, grapes are a wonderful treat when you are immobile and stuck watching TV all day with that broken leg. They will speed up the healing process similarly to kale when coupled with broccoli or dairy products.
6. Chicken or Turkey
Do you know what glutamine and arginine are? Well, your bones do, and for bone healing foods, these two amino are ready to dive in and aid in your recovery and healing process.
7. Tuna
Tuna is packed with plenty of good stuff, but it is the vitamin D we need. Coupled with calcium, vitamin D stabilizes calcium and helps in the restorative process.
8. Red Meat and Spinach
These are rich in iron and improve your healthy red blood cell count, which attributes to bone restructuring.
Supplements for Bone Healing After Surgery
Perhaps you haven’t begun the healing process because you had to go under the knife to reduce a fracture. There are a few supplements that work very well as part of your post-surgical healing regimen, such as:
- Aloe Vera
- Arnica
- Bromelain
- GCF
- CoQ10
To name a few. After a bone repair surgery, your doctor will give you the appropriate list of supplements. Most of them you can get in herbal form at any pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions about the signs a broken bone is healing. We tried to answer them in order to get you as much information on the topic as we can.
✅What Helps Broken Bones Heal Faster?
Eat a balanced meal plan, including the foods listed here, get plenty of rest, and if you smoke, it’s time to quit. And stick to the treatment plan given by your doctor.
✅What Should You Not Eat When You Have a Fracture?
Sodas, carrots, sweet potatoes, beef liver, all alcohol, beans, wheat bran, and all high sodium snacks. Ultimately, you want to avoid the nutrients vitamin A, all antioxidants, and salt.
✅Which Juice Is Best for Bones?
We know the foods that heal bones, now here are some drinks. Raw probiotic juices that include spinach, avocado, cabbage, or cucumbers are best. They are available pre blended at your local store, or you can juice them yourself at home.
✅What Foods Are Bad for Your Bones?
All of the foods we listed that you shouldn’t eat after a fracture are most likely the cause of your weak bones in the first place. Every one of them is on a hard list of foods to avoid when caring for your bone strength accept one, and that is hydrogenated oils, which is what donuts are cooked in.
Conclusion
The biggest thing when healing a break is to be patient. You are going to be without full use of the broken limb for a minimum of 4 weeks. Depending on the extent of the break, possibly longer. So, relax, do what the doctor says to the letter, eat the right foods, stop smoking, and you will be just fine.
Contribute By My Kitchen Advisor
I am Kate, a dedicated health advocate. My purpose is to educate you regarding the most current wellness trends, offer science-backed insights to enhance your understanding, and present actionable tips to support you on your journey towards a healthier and happier life. Let us commence this wellness path together!