“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

I’m a big believer that our bodies – our amazing bodies! – can heal themselves if we give them the right tools to use. No, I’m not saying we should never go to the hospital or get checkups, but we definitely shouldn’t rely on modern science for everything the body needs. There’s still so much scientists and physicians don’t understand about nutrition, health, and how the body works with natural foods. But, when we experience a serious injury, sometimes we need both medical care and nutrition for our bodies to bounce back.

So, if you’re reading this from bed with a twisted ankle, broken bone, or sprained wrist, here’s what to write down on your grocery list for the week.

Salmon, Walnuts, Flax Seeds

Put down the Aspirin and pick up the walnuts, because studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and pain so well that other over-the-counter pain killers might not even be necessary. Once your swelling is down, your body can begin the important processes of healing.

Citrus, Berries, and Broccoli

These fruits and vegetables are all rich in Vitamin C, which in addition to keeping colds at bay, helps build new protein for the skin, scar tissue, tendons, blood vessels and ligaments.

Pistachios, Almonds, Spinach

Vitamin E is what you’ll find in these nuts and leafy greens. Vitamin E speeds healing time for wounds by encouraging circulation in smaller blood vessels, which also results in less scar tissue. You’ll heal faster and better.

Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Winter Squash

These Vitamin A-rich foods help increase production of white blood cells, helping your body fight off infection and viruses while you’re healing. Check out WanderFood’s quick and easy recipe for purple sweet potato pancakes, topped with walnuts, here.

With these healing foods in your kitchen, you’ll not only “Get Well Soon!” – you’ll get better faster.

Photo with permission from WanderFood