The health professionals at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Healthin Honolulu, HI, understand that not every injury can be fixed with surgery.

With a team that includes doctors trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment and nutritional medicine, IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health often treats patients with orthopedic injuries, such as knee pain, ankle sprain, and joint pain. Many times treatment includes working with patients on their diet alongside medical treatment.

Certain foods have been proven to drastically decrease healing time and get patients back up and active faster. As advised by RunnersConnect.net and the doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health, consider adding these five foods to your diet if you’ve recently experienced a sports-related injury:

• Foods Rich in Vitamin A: Carrots, winter squash, and spinach are examples of foods containing high levels of Vitamin A, which spurs the growth of white blood cells. White blood cells fight off infection and viruses.
• Foods Rich in Vitamin C: Berries, peppers, and broccoli are some of the foods that help build new proteins for your skin, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. Vitamin C-rich foods also help build cartilage and bone tissues while fighting off toxic free radicals.
• Foods Rich in Zinc: Zinc keeps your immune system strong and promotes the healing of injured tissue. Foods high in zinc include chicken nuts, and oysters.
• Foods Rich in Protein: Injuries automatically increase your body’s craving for protein, so a high-quality protein diet is essential to recovery. Add eggs, chicken, and grass-fed beef to your diet.
• Foods High in Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and decrease the swelling around an injury. Eat salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds while on the mend.

IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health combines medical and surgical care with nutrition to help patients move toward better health. Its staff includes an osteopathic physician trained in osteopathic manipulation and an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.

Whether you need wellness coaching or to visit an orthopedic doctor, call IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health at (808) 521-8170 to schedule an appointment. You can find patient forms and more information about its services online.