Nutrition In Case Of Burning

Burning is damage to human soft tissues that is caused by exposure to high temperatures, steam, or chemicals such as acid, a base, or salts of heavy metals.

The degrees of burns vary depending on the depth and area of ​​the affected area.

There are several types of burns, the most common being:

• thermal / thermal - are the result of damage to the tissue from high temperatures by fire, liquid, vapor (affects the upper respiratory tract), hot objects;
• chemical - burns caused by various acids, bases or salts of heavy metals;
• radiation - are obtained by prolonged direct exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet) and X-rays, as well as ionizing radiation;
• electric - occur in case of damage from electricity;

Frostbite, ultrasound or vibration are not related to burns.

As with any illness and illness, nutrition is important when it comes to injuries and burns. The trauma caused by burns dramatically increases the need for healthy and nutritious food, as the body needs extra nutrients to recover. The larger the burn rate, the more nutrients are needed to heal.

Maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for recovery from burns. A well-balanced diet can reduce the loss of lean body mass, stored energy and protein. Without a proper diet, the healing process can be slowed down, lose too much weight and the immune system weakened. Healing after a burn requires more calories and protein than any other type of injury. Proper nutrition can help wounds heal faster, maintain muscle mass, strengthen the immune system, and minimize weight loss or gain.

How are postprandial food needs determined?

A nutritionist and a medical team calculate how many calories and protein a person needs. They determine nutritional needs based on the weight, height and age of the victim and the size of the burn. Vitamins and minerals are also important in preventing infections.

Vitamin C, zinc and copper help heal burns. Vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium are antioxidants that fight free radicals. These vitamins and minerals help reduce the body's stress response after burning.

Stress raises blood sugar, and this prevents the healing of burnt tissue. Even if no diabetes is found, blood sugar levels may be elevated. While they are normalizing, you may need to limit the amount of foods high in carbohydrates. These are bread, juice, potatoes, fruits and sweets. With a balanced diet, you may not need to get extra micronutrients. Consult your doctor to determine what your nutritional needs are.

What should and should not be eaten after hospitalization?

The body requires less calories after hospitalization. If the burn wounds are still open, extra protein should be included in the diet. Subsequently, over time, nutritional needs will return to normal, as before burning. Avoid eating low-nutrient foods, such as sugary drinks, desserts, candy, fatty meats, whole milk products, white bread, biscuits and crackers. Eat more lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products. It is necessary to exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. This is important for the prevention of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Tips for a well-balanced diet for children after sunburn

• Offer your child small portions of food and more frequent meals, add snacks in between.
• Prepare balanced meals that include all five food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy products. Let the menu be varied.
• Give your child high-protein foods at every meal and at every snack.
• Make smoothies or milkshakes to provide the body with the useful vitamins, minerals and proteins it needs.
• Replace sugary drinks with water. They are not suitable because they are rich in calories and have low nutritional value, and water is hydrating and important for overall health.
• Be a role model, eat healthy with your child.

Ideas for increasing protein in the children's menu

• Add peanut or almond oil, hummus or cheese to fruits and vegetables.
• Spread wholemeal bread with peanut butter or yellow cheese.
• Prepare the oatmeal with fresh or yogurt and add nuts.
• Choose whole grain crackers and serve with peanut butter, cheese or hummus.
• Prepare cream soup by adding milk or cream. For more protein, add beef, chicken or turkey.
• ‍Serve for dessert yogurt with nuts, seeds and granola instead of ice cream.

Tips for a well-balanced diet for adults after a burn

• Eat small portions more often and add snacks between main meals to prevent overeating.
• Include protein in every meal and snack, as the body loses protein when burned. The extra protein obtained from the diet helps to restore lost muscles, heals wounds and saturates the body for longer. Chicken, beef and pork, eggs, beans, nuts, fresh and yogurt, and cheese are good sources of protein.
• Burn wounds require glucose contained in carbohydrates to heal the injured area. Carbohydrates also prevent the use of muscle proteins as a source of energy, thus minimizing muscle loss. Crackers, rice, potatoes and beans are good sources of carbohydrates that you can add to your diet.
• Fruits and vegetables are suitable for a snack. They provide many important nutrients that are important for the healing of the burned area and for overall health.
• Cook with spices and herbs such as rosemary, mint, garlic, cayenne pepper and basil. Spices improve the taste of dishes and make them more appetizing and delicious.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay full, well hydrated and to prevent the intake of excess calories. Many drinks contain fats and sugars that the body does not need. Read the nutrition information on food and beverage labels before you buy and consume them.
• Add whole grains rich in fiber to your diet, as they will keep you full between main meals and can also maintain regular bowel movements.
• Eat only when you are hungry. Avoid eating for other reasons (boredom, lack of control, anger or hopelessness). Keep a diary of the food you eat daily and monitor your mood to see if you are eating for the wrong reasons.
• Talk to your doctor about any supplements (vitamins, minerals, etc.) you can take to heal the burned areas of your body.

Sample menu for adults to eat after a burn

• 2 scrambled eggs
• 1 wholemeal slice of bread
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 medium banana
• 220 grams of skim milk

• 250 milliliters of water

Sandwich from:

• 2 slices wholemeal bread
• 2 pieces of turkey fillet
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• mustard
• 1 cup skim yogurt

• 1 medium apple
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 250 milliliters of water

• 85-100 grams of roasted salmon
• 1 serving of vegetables
• 1/2 cup brown rice, cooked
• 220 grams of skim milk

• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup strawberries

This menu provides about 1750 calories and 103 grams of protein per day.

In the first days after tissue damage, if the burn is severe, the victim should be given sparing food (ie one that does not damage mechanically): butter, milk, broth, freshly squeezed juices. In the following days it is necessary to increase the caloric content of the food, as the menu is enriched with carbohydrates (you can consume cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese, pureed fruits and vegetables, porridge, meatballs).

It is best to steam or boil the products. It is recommended to adhere to a curative diet № 11, gradually switching to the usual heat treatment of food.

The menu should be enriched with products containing vitamins B, C, D, A. They help strengthen the immune system, help fight bacteria and faster recovery of foci.

In case of severe burns with inability of the victim to eat independently, feeding with a tube is prescribed.

Dangerous and harmful foods when burned

Heavy, hard and dry food, which is able to cause mechanical damage to the body, should not be consumed in the presence of burns.