What Are the Recommended Three-Meal Meal Plans for Fracture Patients?

Fractures are a relatively common occurrence in our lives, and patients with fractures need to rest in bed while also making certain dietary adjustments. To achieve faster recovery from fractures, patients should focus on four main aspects: reduction and fixation, strengthening functional exercises, dietary recuperation, and limiting water intake with increased rest. Proper attention to these four areas will aid in the recovery process.

1. Reduction and Fixation: After a fracture, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to restore the displaced ends of the bone to their original or near-original anatomical position, thereby restoring the supportive function of the bone. However, after reduction, the fracture site may be unstable and prone to re-displacement, so it is necessary to find a way to stabilize it in a satisfactory position to facilitate gradual healing.

2. Strengthening Functional Exercises: When medically permissible, patients should get out of bed and start moving as soon as possible. Even patients who are unable to move should perform limb exercises in bed to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling in the local soft tissues, and promote bone callus growth under sufficient oxygen and blood supply. This will help the new bone callus quickly acquire normal bone functions and promote fracture healing.

3. Dietary Recuperation: After a fracture, it is important to focus on nutritional intake, consuming high-protein and high-vitamin foods to aid in faster bone healing. This includes:

(1) High-energy and high-protein diets: Helpful for restoring vitality, but should be consumed approximately two weeks after the fracture. Initially, a bland diet is recommended.

(2) Vitamin D: If patients are indoors and not exposed to sunlight, they may be deficient in vitamin D. Therefore, it is important to consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish, liver, and egg yolks, and to try to get some sun exposure.

(3) Vitamin C: Fruits rich in vitamin C include hawthorn, fresh dates, kiwi, strawberries, longan, lychees, and oranges. Vegetables with high vitamin C content include alfalfa, chili peppers, bell peppers, flowering Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bitter gourd, watercress, broccoli, and amaranth.

4. Limiting Water Intake with Increased Rest: If bed rest is required after a fracture, it is advisable to limit water intake and rest more to minimize trips to the bathroom. This is because excessive movement in the early stages may affect healing. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid foods that cause bloating and are difficult to digest, and to consume more fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.

In summary, nutritional supplementation is crucial after a fracture, but it should not be excessive. A balanced diet with a combination of meat and vegetables is recommended to ensure nutritional equilibrium.