Injured? Sprinkle Some Sugar for a Faster Healing: Studies Reveal

Sugar can make one’s wounds heal faster. Several studies in the UK and the US have successfully revealed that sugar has faster healing power, and even, at times it has shown better results than antibiotics.

Sugar doesn’t only taste sweet, but has exhibited ‘sweet’ results in terms of health. Numerous case studies from around the world is supporting ‘successful sugar treatments’. In fact, the wounds which have become resistant to antibiotics, are responding to sugar treatments with surprising results.

Now, you might be wondering what kind of sugar is it then? Must be a special kind, made to suit medical purposes. The answer is no! It’s the plain, granulated type sugar you use in tea or cooking. Here’s a real life success story of sugar treatment:

The case took place in Zimbabwe. A woman had a severe foot abrasion since 5 years and the doctor said there’s no other way than to amputate it. But then sugar treatment was considered. The wound was washed and sugar was applied. They process was repeated for days. Miraculously, her foot could be saved and she still has it.

Thanks to sugar power! But the real hero behind this successful case is Moses Murandu, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at University of Wolverhampton. It is Murandu who suggested to count in sugar treatment, as the last hope before going for amputation.

Image: Pindula

Murandu’s childhood survived extreme poverty. He was born and brought up in the rural highlands in Zimbabawe, and whenever he got a cut as a little boy, he used to rub salt on it. His family couldn’t afford the the least medical support. Occasionally, on lucky days his father bought him sugar, to cover the injuries!

BBC has published a detailed report covering Murandu and his progressive studies in sugar treatment. Murandu’s findings state that sugar treatment works equally well on diabetic patients too. “Sugar is sucrose – you need the enzyme sucrase to convert that into glucose,” Murandu says. As sucrase is found within the human body, applying sugar on the outer part of the body, i.e. the wound, wouldn't affect in the same way.

But How Does Sugar Treatment Work?

Pouring sugar on a wound absorbs all the moisture that leaves no room for bacteria to thrive and infect the wound. So, if you get a cut, you can apply sugar on the injured spot and then secure it with a bandage on top. In fact, sugar treatment could be an ideal replacement for people who cannot afford antibiotics.

While excessive use of antibiotics are making us become resistant to them, sugar is way cheaper and easily available.

And, it’s not only us, humans, who can acquire all the ‘sugary’ benefits, but our pets too. McMichael, University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital has been treating pets with a combination of sugar and honey, since 2002. And according to her, “We have had some really great successes with this,”. She practices this sugar treatment method on cats, dogs and occasionally on farm animals.

Although, this sugar treatment method is a recent finding by modern science, the BBC news report mentions, it’s been in use since the ancient times, especially in developing countries. I guess, old is not only gold, but it’s sugary sweet as well.