Sugar is a familiar component in the daily diet. However, consuming too much sugar not only affects weight or the risk of metabolic diseases but can also affect the body's self-healing ability. According to experts, prolonged high blood sugar levels can slow down the wound healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Dr. Ankitha Teja Narayan, an internist at KIMS Hospital (Bengaluru, India) said that the wound healing process depends on many factors such as a healthy immune system, adequate blood supply and the necessary nutrients for tissue regeneration. When one of these factors is affected, the body's recovery ability also declines.
According to experts, consuming too much added sugar can increase chronic inflammation in the body. Prolonged inflammation slows down the tissue repair process, thereby affecting the rate of wound healing. This is one of the reasons why people with a high sugar diet often have more difficulty recovering from trauma or surgery.
Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels, affecting the circulation process. When the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the damaged area decreases, the process of tissue regeneration and wound healing also slows down.
In addition, prolonged high blood sugar can impair the activity of white blood cells, an important component of the immune system. This makes it difficult for the body to fight against pathogens, increasing the risk of infection and prolonging wound healing time.
However, experts note that not all sugars have a negative impact on health. Natural sugar in fruits, vegetables and dairy products often comes with many beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Conversely, consuming too much added sugar from confectionery, soft drinks and processed foods is a worrying factor.
To support the wound healing process, experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet and good blood sugar control. Protein plays an important role in repairing and regenerating tissues. In addition, the body needs to be provided with enough vitamins and minerals from whole foods, along with whole grains, green vegetables and fresh fruits.
Drinking enough water is also a necessary factor to support nutrient transport and maintain normal physiological functions. According to Dr. Narayan, healthy eating combined with controlling blood sugar levels is one of the important keys to help the body recover and heal itself more effectively.
