Did you know that choosing the right foods after surgery can significantly impact your healing process? The healthiest food choices after surgery provide the body with rich nutrition to create new tissue and reduce surgical complication risks. Here are five foods to eat before and after surgery:
- High-Quality Proteins - Protein serves as your body's building blocks. The body breaks down the nutrients into amino acids, which make new blood vessels, nerve endings, muscles, and tissue. Eggs, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are excellent sources of high-quality proteins that help the body repair itself and boost immunity.
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods - Omega-3 fats help to improve immune function, reduce oxidative stress and regulate inflammation. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are good examples of fatty fish containing high omega-3 fatty acids. Other healing foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits are olive oil, dark leafy greens, and tomatoes.
- Complex Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates are one of the main macronutrients. After surgery, your metabolism gets elevated, increasing your body's calorie requirements. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, and legumes offer healthy fiber crucial for regaining bowel regularity after surgery
- Foods Rich in Calcium and Vitamin D - Calcium is vital for maximizing bone and joint health, especially when undergoing joint replacement surgery. Good sources of calcium include spinach, chia seeds, kale, and organic dairy products. Vitamin D is essential to absorb calcium for healthy bones and immune health, both crucial for older adults undergoing surgery. Foods like beef liver, sardines, and cod liver oil are rich in vitamin D.
- Vitamin C - This vitamin is essential for forming collagen in the ligaments and tendons that connect the bones and muscles. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
These foods will give your body the energy and nutrition needed to fight off infections, accelerate healing, increase strength and endurance, and maintain nutrient stores. Moreover, eating the right kinds of food post-surgery is crucial to avoid consequences, such as high blood sugar and constipation, which can complicate your healing.
Give yourself the greatest chance for a speedy recovery from surgery by stocking up on nature's best medicine: food!
The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest orthopedic care level to every patient each time. Our physicians' team provides an advanced level of care, integrating the newest cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical techniques with proven traditional methods of treatments