Diet for people with anterior cruciate ligament injury

The anterior cruciate ligament is located in the center of the knee joint and plays the most important role in stabilizing the structure and function of the knee joint. This is a band of tissue that connects the femur to the tibia, helping to fix the tibia from sliding forward or rotating inward.

When an anterior cruciate ligament injury is treated promptly and properly, the ligament injury will quickly recover, but diet also plays an important role in helping the patient return to normal activities soon.

1. The importance of diet for people with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Diet is important during recovery from ACL surgery.

Diet is also very important while recovering from ACL surgery, as nutrition is essential to the recovery process. Adequate nutrition can help:

Promotes tissue repair and healing: Protein is essential for building and repairing damaged tissues.

Reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce swelling and promote faster wound healing.

Supporting immune function: Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and zinc play a role in supporting the immune system, which is important for recovery after surgery.

Maintain muscle mass: Consuming adequate protein can help prevent muscle loss, which is important for regaining strength and function after surgery.

Improve overall health: A balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients can improve overall health, which has a positive impact on the body.

It is also important to maintain a healthy weight after ACL surgery. It prevents further stress on the knee and allows for proper recovery. So make sure you eat a balanced diet after surgery to control your weight.

2. Essential nutrients for people with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Protein: Protein is essential for tissue repair and healing, reducing the risk of infection after surgery.

Calcium: Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and may help promote healing after ACL surgery.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing after ACL surgery.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential part of the immune system. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help prevent damage to the body's cells. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein important for tissue repair and healing.

Zinc: Zinc helps synthesize collagen and protects bones and ligaments from injury, speeding up healing.

Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation, helping to prevent injury to bones and surrounding structures such as tendons, cartilage, and ligaments.

Fiber: Pain medications used after reconstructive surgery can lead to constipation. Foods rich in fiber help prevent constipation due to their laxative properties.

3. Foods to eat and avoid for people with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Foods to eat

Protein-rich foods are good for people with anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Meat, fish, shrimp, eggs, milk, beans, broccoli, almonds, lentils...: Foods rich in protein stimulate cell regeneration and fluid balance, help improve the condition of anterior ligament tension, increase metabolism in the body, enhance the immune system and ensure stable organ function.

Beans, whole grains, milk, salmon, amaranth, green vegetables, yogurt, figs...: These foods are rich in calcium, which helps develop the skeletal system, strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. People with anterior cruciate ligament sprains who supplement these foods will move more easily, reduce the burden on the ligaments, reduce pain and prevent recurrence of ligament sprains.

Cereals such as sesame seeds, rice, glutinous rice, wheat, oats, beans, corn: Many of these foods are supplemented with vitamin D to help increase resistance, fight diseases and prevent bone and joint diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis, etc. Thanks to that, people with anterior cruciate ligament injuries can quickly recover mobility and reduce swelling and pain.

Fruits such as citrus, grapefruit, mango, strawberry, kiwi, papaya, pineapple...: Contain a lot of vitamin C which has the ability to synthesize collagen, regenerate and restore damaged anterior cruciate ligaments, effectively reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, increase resistance and improve overall health.

Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, etc.), caviar, oysters, soybeans, chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds: These are foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are good for health, especially for people with torn or stretched knee ligaments.

Foods to avoid

People with ACL injuries should avoid foods that are high in fat.

Along with adding healthy foods, people with anterior cruciate ligament sprains should also avoid the following foods:

Food containing a lot of oil

Foods high in fat (fried chicken, french fries, etc.) can disrupt metabolism, reduce calcium absorption, weaken bones and joints, put pressure on ligaments, and worsen the condition.

Foods containing sugar and salt

Foods high in sugar and salt can cause inflammation, reduce the flexibility and suppleness of bones, joints and ligaments. Regular consumption of salt and sugar will cause ligaments to become increasingly stretched and painful.

Foods containing many stimulants

Foods such as coffee, beer, green tea, and cigarettes contain stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine that can accelerate the degeneration process, increase pain, and slow the healing of damaged ligaments. Furthermore, this also affects bone and joint health and leads to many other diseases.

People with ACL tears need to be examined, treated and exercised as directed by a specialist. The application of a nutritional regimen for each individual should be consulted by a doctor or nutritionist.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/che-do-an-cho-nguoi-chan-thuong-day-chang-cheo-truoc-172241009161217429.htm