Your body requires essential nutrients and calories to help heal itself, so the food you eat plays a significant role in healing. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends the following to help aid in recovery: eat enough calories and make sure you consume a balanced intake of protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains; drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and opt for low-fat milk, water, tea, 100% fruit juice, and other unsweetened beverages in place of sugary drinks; consult with a registered dietitian if you have wounds that require special care and dietary needs; and control diabetes to help promote better wound healing. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, September 2016