Does drinking water help heal wounds? The short answer is yes.

In wound care, there’s a lot of emphasis on dressings, treatments, and cleaning protocols when managing wounds. However, another important aspect of healing is proper hydration.

Ensuring adequate hydration can significantly enhance the body’s response to wound healing, speeding up recovery and improving patient outcomes. Let’s delve into the role of hydration in wound healing and how you can guide your patients toward optimizing their fluid intake to support recovery.

Why hydrating is critical for wound healing

Hydration is essential for nearly every bodily function, and wound healing is no exception. For patients, staying well hydrated matters for several reasons.

Supporting skin repair and cellular function

Water is needed for cells in your body to function properly, according to the National Institute of Health. When skin is hydrated, it becomes supple, which is necessary for the body to repair damaged tissue. Adequate water levels ensure cells function optimally, promoting faster and more efficient wound closure.

Transporting nutrients to the wound site

Water delivers nutrients, oxygen, and other essential healing factors through the bloodstream. Without hydrating properly, the circulation of these components slows. And research highlights that this can potentially delay the healing process.

Facilitating toxin removal

During healing, when the inflammation phase transitions to the proliferation phase, byproducts are created that the body needs to remove. Research shows that hydration supports efficient kidney function and lymphatic drainage, flushing out toxins and reducing swelling (edema).

 

Nurse looking ahead

 

Signs of dehydration to watch for

Around 7% of adults reported no daily water consumption, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dehydration can hinder wound healing and can present in different ways, including:

  • Dry or cracked skin
  • Dry mouth or lips
  • Fatigue or reduced energy levels
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Delayed wound healing

Recognizing these signs early can prompt interventions that improve outcomes.

Encouraging hydration

Each day, you lose between 8 and 12 cups of water from activities like sweating and bowel movements, based on research from the Mayo Clinic. So helping patients stay hydrated during their recovery is necessary; however, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Use these practical tips to help make hydration easier for your patients.

Emphasize consistent fluid intake. Encourage patients to sip water throughout the day instead of waiting until they feel thirsty, which can be an advanced sign of dehydration. Setting hydration reminders, such as phone alarms or apps, and using a reusable water bottle, preferably one with time markers, can also prompt fluid intake.

Introduce flavor-infused water. For patients who dislike plain water, suggest adding slices of citrus, berries, or cucumber for a refreshing twist.

Recommend hydrating foods. Highlight the benefits of water-rich foods, such as fruits like watermelon and oranges and vegetables like cucumbers or spinach. These foods also deliver essential vitamins and minerals that aid healing. Incorporating soups and broths is another option that not only provides fluids but also delivers electrolytes and nutrients.

Educate about limiting diuretic foods and liquids. Caffeine and alcohol can lead to fluid loss. While moderation is key, ensure patients know to compensate with extra water if they consume these beverages.

The role of hydration and nutrition

Hydration and nutrition work together to promote healing. A balanced diet provides the building blocks for tissue repair, while water facilitates absorption and utilization. Key nutrients include:

  • Protein: Essential for tissue regeneration, protein can be found in lean meats, eggs, legumes, and nuts. Hydration ensures its transport to the wound site.
  • Vitamin C: Critical for collagen formation, this vitamin is abundant in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers. Proper hydration improves its absorption into the body.
  • Zinc: Found in foods like shellfish, yogurt, tofu, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and oats, zinc aids cellular repair and immune defense, with hydration playing a key role in its metabolism.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: These anti-inflammatory fats, found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are metabolized more effectively in patients who are hydrating effectively.

Hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst — it’s a necessary component of creating an environment where wounds can heal efficiently. It’s important to educate patients about the connection between hydration, nutrition, and healing. By emphasizing the importance of fluid intake and providing next steps, you can empower your patients to take an active role in their recovery.

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Zelda Meeker

Zelda Meeker is a content marketing manager for the Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI). At WCEI, she partners with physicians, nurses, curriculum designers, writers, and other staff members to shape healthcare content designed to improve clinical practice, staff expertise, and patient outcomes.

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