The Best Foods to Help You Recover From Cellulitis

Cellulitis is more than just a skin infection — it’s a painful, frustrating condition caused by bacteria (staphylococcus and streptococcus) that can derail daily life. Characterized by red, swollen, and tender skin, this bacterial infection requires prompt medical attention and a course of antibiotics, according to MedlinePlus.

But what happens after you’ve started treatment? Beyond the prescribed medication, a growing body of evidence suggests that what you eat can play a significant role in your recovery. By focusing on a cellulitis diet of nutrient-rich foods that support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and aid in tissue repair, you can help your body bounce back faster and potentially even prevent future flare-ups.

Adequate Hydration

Getting adequate fluids — particularly water — is important to help your body fight off the cellulitis infection, according to England’s National Health Service.

Dividing your weight in pounds in half gives you an approximate goal in ounces of how much water you should drink per day, according to the University of Missouri. Tracking your urine color throughout the day is another simple method of detecting your hydration level. If you’re well hydrated, your urine should range from pale yellow to clear, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Choose sugar-free juices, lower-fat milk, flavored water, and tea as additional options to support your daily fluid needs, as recommended by England’s National Health Service.

Sources of Vitamin C

Another important inclusion in a diet for cellulitis? Vitamin C. Adding this to your dietary regimen can support wound healing, according to MedlinePlus. Check with your physician about specific vitamin C amounts for supplementation.

You can also include natural sources of each vitamin within your everyday diet. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, watermelon, cantaloupe, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes.

Dietary Zinc

Zinc is an additional nutrient that can aid in cellulitis healing. More specifically, zinc helps to keep skin cells strong and stable, according to Oregon State University, and it is important when treating this condition. In fact, zinc oxide can speed up wound healing.

In a diet with variety, many of the foods you likely already eat contain zinc. Oysters, beef, shrimp, cereal, beans, lentils, whole grains, broccoli, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes are good sources of this mineral, according to the National Institutes of Health. You can discuss supplemental zinc, which may also be beneficial, with your physician as well.

Probiotic Support

Regular intake of foods containing probiotics, like yogurt, is another method to help you recover from cellulitis, according to Sharda Hospital.

While antibiotics are often needed for treatment, probiotics support the replenishment of good bacteria in your body to fight off a cellulitis infection. To obtain probiotic benefits, read the nutrition facts label of the yogurt you choose to ensure it contains live and active cultures.

The Takeaway

• Cellulitis is a skin infection characterized by symptoms such as a red, swollen, painful, and spreading rash and an infection that may result in chills, a fever, and general fatigue.
• The most common bacterial causes of cellulitis are staphylococcus and streptococcus.
• Consult your physician if you suspect cellulitis development, as this diagnosis may progress into a more serious condition if left untreated.
• The link between cellulitis and diet is an important one: While you’re recovering from this infection, water, vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics can support your body’s healing.